It was years ago that I saw Donna and Ricardo Thornton on Sixty Minutes and heard their story. Upon seeing the premiere of this movie, I realized who Kirstie Alley was portraying, and Alley did it superbly.
In the movie, Ricky Thornton, their son, says his father should have never been institutionalized, and in all liklihood, Donna shouldn't have been either. As portrayed by Alley, it was clear Donna was a capable and determined woman who was not mentally challenged or retarded. We should all be as able to accomplish what Donna Thornton did. When I saw the Thornton's story on Sixty Minutes, it was a story that was made to be told, I just can't figure out why it has taken so long to do so.
Emmy worthy? Only if the Emmy award means anything. Alley should be nominated, but if five other actresses are chosen instead, it will hardly mean any of them diminish this performance or this film. Kirstie Alley spared no punches in depicting a true woman of character.
Told in the form of the news interview, Alley and Delroy Lindo were beyond convincing, looking as tho nothing was scripted.
Thankfully, the film followed Donna Thornton's example and didn't focus on the travesty of the institution, instead portraying the love story, a fascinating uphill saga.
Disease-of-the-Week telemovies can get tedious and annoying. This cannot be said of the Thorntons. They are truly a blessing to have heard about. Absolutely magnificent.
In the movie, Ricky Thornton, their son, says his father should have never been institutionalized, and in all liklihood, Donna shouldn't have been either. As portrayed by Alley, it was clear Donna was a capable and determined woman who was not mentally challenged or retarded. We should all be as able to accomplish what Donna Thornton did. When I saw the Thornton's story on Sixty Minutes, it was a story that was made to be told, I just can't figure out why it has taken so long to do so.
Emmy worthy? Only if the Emmy award means anything. Alley should be nominated, but if five other actresses are chosen instead, it will hardly mean any of them diminish this performance or this film. Kirstie Alley spared no punches in depicting a true woman of character.
Told in the form of the news interview, Alley and Delroy Lindo were beyond convincing, looking as tho nothing was scripted.
Thankfully, the film followed Donna Thornton's example and didn't focus on the travesty of the institution, instead portraying the love story, a fascinating uphill saga.
Disease-of-the-Week telemovies can get tedious and annoying. This cannot be said of the Thorntons. They are truly a blessing to have heard about. Absolutely magnificent.