festrada
I didn't know what to expect from this film, having no prior knowledge of the Thorntons. But after seeing this movie, I had gained a tremendous amount of respect for the couple and their struggles. They overcame so much to reach their current state of autonomy and proved that those who society believes is not "normal" can actually live profoundly normal lives.The pitch-perfect performances of Kirstie Alley and Delroy Lindo are what really bring this TV Movie to a higher level than your average Movie-of-the-Week. They impressed on so many levels and after seeing the real couple on 60 Minutes I realized that Kirstie Alley successfully captured Donna's spirit so much that I forgot I was even watching Kirstie. An overall great film and kudos to everyone involved.
mscherrie
This was a sweet movie, based on a true story about the often forgotten mentally handicapped population. Kirstie Alley and Delroy Lindo both do an excellent job of portraying Donna and Ricardo. Each character captures your attention with the reality of their world. This movie is reminiscent of the struggles to "be normal" in the movie The Other Sister starring Juliette Lewis and Giovanni Ribisi.
richard.fuller1
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.
deestk
As I am currently training to become a Community Support Worker and am looking forward to my career in this field and being an advocate for people who have disabilities. The movie gave me an opportunity to sit down with friends that don't understand the importance of of a disabled persons independance and they now understand what it is we are trying to bring to our community. That people who are disabled have the right to live lives like anybody else. With respect and dignity.
AD
