Review of Gracie's Choice (2004) by Jennifer A — 23 Jun 2005

This Lifetime original movie is based on a true story of a teenage girl (played by Kristen Bell) who attempts to become the legal guardian of her younger brothers due to the incompetence and irresponsibility of her drug addicted mother (played by Anne Heche). We follow the family as they run from a narcotic's bust, steal from a motel, and suffer at the hands of Heche's abusive boyfriends. And then Gracie's (Bell) heroic efforts to save her family and take on the responsibility her mother never did.

Bell and especially Anne Heche give fine performances, but unfortunately the movie can't quite overcome it's "made for television" feel.