The Fox Tuesday Night Movie Terror in the Family
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Cast: Joanna Kerns, Dan Lauria, Hilary Swank, Andy Kavovit, Adam Hendershott, Nan Martin, Beau Billingslea, Kathleen Wilhoite, Jeff Olson, Barta Heiner, Joey Miyashima, Lynne Gale, Margo Swena O'Very, Craig Clyde, Scott Wilkinson, Kim McNulty, Kylee Cochran. Fox's self-proclaimed edgy Tuesday movies slump with the wearisome account of a family destroying itself. Ably directed by its writer, Gregory Goodell, "Terror in the Family" involves a teenager's abuse of her mother, family messes, alcoholism and missed opportunities; it's a family portrait of disintegration.
Deena, observing her ineffectual parents constantly backing down in any emergency, mutinies. She and Adam share confidences, but her true interest lies in wild, unstable Garret (Andy Kavovit), a teenager who climbs scaffolding for thrills.
When Cynthia, whose mother, Ivy (Nan Martin), is an alcoholic, too, tries being firm with Deena, the girl strikes out physically, and Cynthia at last discovers how little control she and Todd have over their daughter. Infirm of purpose, the couple are confronted by the terror that prowls through their lives: Their daughter Deena is in charge.
The story's timely, but Goodell, whose direction is commendable, doesn't work up anything in his story that earns sympathy for anyone. Confrontations play like reruns from the soaps. The father retreats to his woodshop when the going toughens, Cynthia sips chardonnay, Adam's a sneak, and Deena's drearily rebellious.
The wind-down doesn't carry much hope. Nothing's said about AA for Cynthia (or her mom and her son), and no one mentions Al-Anon for faithful, suffering Todd. The characters are tossed into court, and there's talk of assigned "therapy," with no mention of alcoholism as a sickness.
Maybe the point is to demonstrate the hopelessness of the situation. Deena's presumably recovering, which is a stretch. Cynthia and Todd show little inclination to conquer their insecurities, and Ivy is altogether dismissed. Too bad, but the conclusion just isn't conclusive.
The thesping along the way is top-flight. In all that acting storm, there's still admirable restraint; Goodell earns a laurel leaf for his directing efforts. Kerns delivers a shrewdly modulated perf. The fascinating Swank's disturbed Deena is sullen, withdrawn, at times misleadingly happy and, ultimately, a bore. Kavovit's strong as the troubled Garret, while Martin etches Ivy into a sharp indictment.
Production designer David Ensley has successfully given a lived-in feel to the family home. Lensing by Steve Yaconelli, editing by Michael Elliot are superior, and Ron Ramin's supportive score helps the tiresome cause.
Camera, Steve Yaconelli; editor, Michael Elliot; production designer, David Ensley; sound, Jonathan (Earl) Stein; music, Ron Ramin; casting, Susan Glicksman, Fern Orenstein.
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