Rob Lowe in "Too Late To Say Goodbye"
courtesy of Lifetime Movie Network
“Too Late To Say Goodbye” (Lifetime Movie Network)

Any movies based on the writings of Ann Rule are going to be (1) complex and twisted, and (2) too outlandish not to be true. Such is certainly the case with the latest Lifetime Movie Network presentation “Too Late To Say Goodbye.” This Rob Lowe starrer concerns a murder and its outcome, and it is so unpredictable that it has to be based on a true story, which it is.

Lowe plays Bart Corbin, a dentist in Atlanta. He is married to Jenn (Stefanie von Pfetten) and they have two small children. In the opening scenes Jenn receives a “Petition for Divorce” from Bart. Later her body is discovered. She has apparently committed suicide. Bart is distraught as is Jenn’s family, particularly her sister Heather (Lauren Holly).

Detective Ann Roche (Michelle Hurd) heads up the investigation but there is nothing to indicate it is other than a suicide. Still Heather becomes convinced Bart is guilty of murder. How this doubt is resolved makes up the core of the movie.

The big draw to this film is to see how Rob Lowe has matured as an actor. He no longer has to get by on his matinee idol looks but rather can hold his on being a hero or a villain. This maturity in his acting abilities has been a slow process but it seems his best days as an actor are finally here.

One word of caution to filmmakers, Lowe is no longer in his twenties and has a more mature look these days. Putting him in flashbacks where he plays the part of a college student is off-putting and in some cases hilarious. The scenes in this movie where he is back in dental school are unbelievable because of his mature looks.

Lauren Holly is a solid member of the cast. She projects a fierce determination to get to the truth, or what her character believes to be the truth. Holly has found her best roles in TV movies and this is another good one for her. Hurd is intriguing as the police detective, and Art Hindle has some good moments as Jenn’s distraught father.

The plot of “Too Late To Say Goodbye” is a fascinating one as true crimes always are. The inclusion of a first rate cast, headed by Lowe, makes it even more special. This is a movie you won’t want to miss.

“Too Late To Say Goodbye” premieres on the Lifetime Movie Network, Sunday, November 7 at 8PM.
 

 

 

 

 

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

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