What Makes a Family (2001)
Janine and Sandy are a lesbian couple who decide to have a baby, but after a few years Sandy dies. This tragedy is exploited by Sandy's parents to snatch the girl from Janine's care. But then, and despite having the laws against her, Janine decides to fight in order to regain custody of her daughter.
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disgusting, overrated, pointless
A Disappointing Continuation
It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...
This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.
This is a beautifully realized TV movie about the fight of a lesbian, played by Brooke Shields, to regain custody of the child she and her partner were raising when her lover (beautifully portrayed by Cherry Jones) dies. Shields has to fight the Florida court system, her lover's parents and her own parents, who reject her lifestyle. Because her lover, Sandra, was artificially inseminated, Sandra's parents take the child and want custody. The backward laws in Florida make it a tough battle for Janine.The film attempts to give every side of the story in a balanced manner. Janine's pain - and the love she has for the child - are apparent throughout. Shields does a wonderful job. The film also shows the devotion Janine and Sandra had to one another, the level of their commitment, and the horror of Sandra's death. This is an excellent movie, which may open some people's minds.
what a difference a great script and direction can do to a persons acting abilities.Brooke shields was absolutely amazing.for someone of her credible stature she certainly carried this film from beginning to end with gusto.not to mention the performance from cherry Jones.why don't we see these woman in more dramatic roles. its hard to believe that this was a made for t.v film as it may well be the most entertaining one i have ever seen,so much that i purchased it off ebay. the whole film in its entirety is well paced,well written and definitely tugs at you long after you have watched it. highly recommended as a powerful movie of morals and integrity and an opportunity to see Brooke show what she is capable of.
I was so impressed with the story and the acting in this movie. It really moved me and I was unable to sleep after watching it. I believe LOVE transcends everything. Whether you are in a heterosexual relationship or a homosexual relationship, Love is Love. I think it is grossly unfair for two people who love each other to not have any rights in that love just because they are the same sex. Florida needs to get with the program.I applaud the people who produced and acted in this movie for their courage, and especially the people who had to go through this ordeal for real.
I don't know what words there are to say about this movie that can begin to describe how I felt while watching it. From the brilliant script to the acting done by Brooke Shields, her partner, the adorable little girl, and everyone else, I was moved in a way that no other movie I have seen has affected me. I still cannot stop crying and it ended fifteen minutes ago... everyone, especially those who are cynical of domestic partnerships and their competence as parents, should see this movie. I was so happy to hear that it was based on a true story- how wonderful!! I only wish that I could contact the real Janine, and praise and thank her for being such a role model and pioneer in a controversial area that so desperately needs widespread recognition. Kudos to Barbra Streisand, Whoopi Goldberg, Cis Corman, Brooke Shields, and everyone involved in the production of this movie for their courage and integrity.