A Dangerous Affair - 1995

A successful and independent woman begins a short fling with a man she believes is the one. After a while she cannot stand how controlling and paranoid he is and decides to end things. The man is not willing to let her go so easily and sets about trying to win her back, even if it means stalking her to within an inch of her life.
Well acted. Powerful.

Broken Silence - 1998 ***

Dreadfully raw story that had me gripped, but unfortunately for the acting (especially from Ariana Richards) it left rather a sour taste in my mouth. Ariana's portrayal of Mickey, the running fanatic who becomes the rape victim of her terrifying coach has as much excitement in it as a lump of wood. She shows barely any expression, one way or another on her face, and to be honest, whether something bad or good happens to her you probably wouldn't be able to tell. Story was good, but should've been played by someone who can actually act.

Indecent Seduction (For My Daughter's Honor) - 1996 ****

Another hard-hitting true story, this time about a young and innocent 14 year old student who falls for the popular sports coach leading to a disturbing affair.
Gary Cole plays a horrible part, and plays it well. You can never tell if he is on the brink of obsession or whether he's just a pervert intent of luring a young girl into a torrid relationship behind his wife's back.
Nicholle Tom (whom I remember from 'Beethoven') is excellent in her part. You feel frustration, anger and sympathy for her throughout.
A taboo if not familiar story by now.

The People Next Door - 1996 ***

I think this film must be every parent's nightmare. You trust your children to someone and they betray you.
Nicollette Sheridan plays struggling single mother Anna, who leaves her abusive husband and moves into a rented property with her three young children. Soon after arriving she befriends the next door neighbours Donna and Garrett to the extent that they sometimes babysit her children when she is doing late shifts at the bars she works in.
After a while however, the couple start to become rather personal, and rather pushy, demanding to look after the children even when Anna wants to have them at home with her. On an outing to the park one day Anna turns her back to purchase tickets to one of the rides for the six of them, and when she looks back finds that Garrett, Donna and two of her children have disappeared.

No One Would Tell - 1996 ***

This was a surprisingly hard hitting movie. I really resonated with the lead star, who falls in love with an abusive guy who treats her hideously but will not let her go.
Stacy is a shy and innocent 16 year old student, who finds herself in a relationship with the school's most popular 'jock' Bobby who appears to take a shine to her.
Thing start off well, and at first Stacy is flattered by Bobby's constant attention. But soon it becomes uncomfortable and his possessiveness leaves a trail of mental and physical abuse behind it. When Stacy's closest friend notices the tell-tail signs of violence on Stacy, she convinces her to break things off. Stacy can't resist going to meet Bobby one more time however...
Tragic waste of life. Based on a true story. Very sad.

The Fab Five - The Texas Cheerleading Scandal - 2008 ***

Have become rather obsessed with the real life case of these girls, despite it happening at least four years ago. It's half strange and ridiculous, and half infuriating that teachers allow students to run amok in their school simply because one of the culprits is their daughter.
A group of cheerleaders - known as the 'Fab Five' dominate their school in Texas by abusing, bullying and dominating their fellow students and teachers. They also post provocative film online and send indecent texts to their cheerleading coach's colleague.
Once they are 'outed' they barely get a smack on the wrist, and so the strong willed coach decides to go to the school board, and then to the press with the exploits.
Fascinating stuff. Look up the real case for more information.

She's Too Young - 2004 ***

This is a surprisingly well acted movie about the dangers of being young and promiscuous. Hannah is a shy and naïve 14 year old girl from a religious family. Her friends spend their time sleeping with as many men as possible and it is only when Hannah is approached by the 'hottest' guy in school, that she falls pray to his charming yet manipulative ways. When it turns out that she has given in to his affections, other secrets surface from her friends, leading to heart-breaking results.
A good moral film.