Anson Mount and John Stamos in "The Two Mr. Kissels"
courtesy of Lifetime
“The Two Mr. Kissels” (Lifetime)

Truth is indeed stranger than fiction as is shown in the new original movie on Lifetime titled “The Two Mr. Kissels.” This movie starring John Stamos and Anson Mount is based on the lives of Andrew and Rob Kissel, two men who were exceedingly wealthy. Andrew made his money in real estate while Rob made his in stocks and trading. Both men met with untimely deaths and both were violent endings. Their stories make for a fascinating movie.

The movie starts with moving men discovering the stabbed body of Andrew Kissel (Stamos) at his Greenwich, Connecticut home. He and his wife had separated and he was there alone. His brother Rob (Mount) had been murdered a few years earlier. The film then flashes back to Rob’s wedding to the beautiful but strange Nancy (Robin Tunney).

Later Andrew would meet and marry Hayley (Gretchen Egolf). The two brothers and their families entered into some business arrangements together. The two wives were not overly fond of each other. Plus Andrew always felt he lived in Rob’s shadow especially where their father (Chuck Shamata) was concerned.

The path that led both men to their deaths is the core of the movie. It is one with some bizarre twists and turns, especially those which involve the deluded Nancy. With each man’s death comes the affirmation that money can’t buy you happiness. At least it didn’t in the case of these two brothers.

This is a solidly acted film. Both Stamos and Mount play their roles competently, but it is Tunney who has the juiciest part. She gives Nancy all the quirks and mood changes the role requires. It is a strange role but one Tunney dives into completely.

Every day life gives us more dramatic stories. This one about the two Kissel brothers is one of the most unique to come along in some time. Lifetime picked a winner when it decided to bring this true story to the small screen. It is one you will not want to miss.

“The Two Mr. Kissels” premieres on Lifetime, November 15 at 9PM.
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

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