Review of Nora Roberts' Montana Sky (2007) by Sidney S — 10 Aug 2009

It's obvious this is a made for TV movie, but the results are not. Leaning heavily chick flick this adaptation of bestselling author Nora Roberts same-titled book, nevertheless, has enough appeal to broaden its audience.

Millionaire Jack Mercy has died and left his inheritance to his three daughters contingent on all three of them spending one full year together on his Montana ranch. Willa (Ashley Williams) stayed on the ranch; Tess (Charlotte Ross) went to Hollywood; and Lily (Laura Mennell) lived in Virginia where she split up with her abusive ex-husband.

Besides the cross-fire of their personalities and a predictable cultural clash, they must contend with an animal serial killer, who eventually takes the life of a ranch hand. Each woman pairs up with the locals: Willa with ranch-hand womanizer Ben (John Corbett, Chris from Northern Exposure); Tess with the local sheriff; and Lily with a Native American cowboy.

Mystery and romance blend fairly well together in scenes that wisely never linger too long. The acting is decent and especially shines in comparison with Straight from the Heart, a similar adaptation.

Whenever the screenplay falters, the actors rise up to the occasion and deliver the goods as naturally as the pristine scenery.