After Jimmy

I don't have any qualms either with admitting that I cried like a baby during this film. Everything about it was so "real" that it seemed like the family had actually lost their son to that suicide. The part of the denying mother Maggie, and the family's suffering and healing was very genuine also. This was an excellent film on the subject. I've seen the '80s film "Silence of the Heart" about a teenaged boy's suicide, but it doesn't compare with this one. I liked it very much, but I don't think my eyes could handle a second viewing.

Well, I must say that this movie made me realize that going to church (for me) will never be quite the same... Ahem. OK, so ORDINARILY, I wouldn't be moved by Peter Facinelli due to his role in CANT.. however, I cried like a freaking baby during this movie. The two scenes that did it for me, was when he ditched school to cry in the woods, and when his family was singing HOW GREAT THOU ART as he shot himself. He actually depicted a nice guy I could feel sorry for. Call me a sap for a cliche lifetime movie. It's 24 hours later, and I'm still sad. I want to know why he did it, if it was only school/friend stuff that depressed him. SOmeone tell me. love to jimmy.

I came across this movie on the lifetime network. I found the performance of Meredith Baxter as the mother dealing with her son's suicide very compelling. This movie showed what suicide does to a family...and the steps you have to take to rebuild your family when it has been so horribly torn apart.

I think overall this was a very good movie and would recommend this tv movie.

"After Jimmy" tells the story about a couple who have trouble coming to terms with their son's death, least of all Maggie Stapp (played by Family Ties' Baxter). Like most (or maybe even all) TV-movies, it has its predictable moments. Like the death itself, Mom won't accept the fact that it was a suicide. And she cries a lot. Fortunately, the crying (and the movie itself) is never sentimental. This is what a movie about grief/loss should be. It's very effective and entertaining. If you look carefully, the little girl is played by Mae Whitman (Parenthood), in case you're wondering.

Grade: B

After Jimmy was a movie that all parents should watch. There are so many teenage suicides, and this movie shows a family who didn't have a clue as to WHY Jimmy decided to end his life. It shows the aftermath of a family, and how each family member is affected. Meredith Baxter and Bruce Davison were superb as the parents. The children were also excellent in their parts. A movie worth watching, and a movie about a subject parents should definitely be aware of.