The Pact (2002) Reviews

• Not quite the tear-jerker I expected, but was tolerable.

  bugsboom2002-11-04

  This film was actually pretty good. I half expected to bawl my eyes out (like I sometimes do at Lifetime movies) but I didn't. It was pretty sad, but I came from the film with more questions than feelings. The movie is about two families that have known each other for practically forever. The son, Chris (played by the ultra-cute and talented Eric Lively) of one family and the daughter, Emily of the other grow up together and eventually fall in love. For whatever strange reason (I shall not say b/c I do not wish to spoil the movie for anyone) they make a suicide pact. She kills herself, but he lives. The movie then follows his subsequent trial for murder (ooh, the plot thickens) and how these events shake up the relationships of both families. The movie luckily isn't some preachy afterschool special about teenage suicide. You can feel the pain Chris goes through and the love he had for Emily. The strain between the families is evident. More so between the two mothers (played by Megan Mullally and Juliet Stevenson) as their friendship deteriorates throughout the film. However, I wish they had not made Chris such a creepy character. His motives aren't clear in the beginning and it feels like that in the last 45 minutes of the movie they are trying too hard to rush the sensitivity of his character. They make Megan Mullally out to be the vindictive mother wanting someone, anyone to pay for her daughter's death. And lastly, it is not understood why Emily was so depressed to begin with. Perhaps we are not meant to understand, but it got a bit tedious and confusing after a while. All in all, this was a pretty good movie for Lifetime. 7 stars out of 10. I'm definitely going to have to read the book now.

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• Disappointing

  MontanaMagic2004-09-05

  When I first heard about this movie I thought it would be great. When I saw that it was based on a book, I was even more thrilled. But I made one mistake. I read the book first. And that clouded my opinion of the movie. If you've read the book don't bother to see the movie. It will only disappoint you. (Save for the eye candy that is Eric Lively) But if you're completely new to the story line, watch the movie first then read the book. Then you'll see exactly what I meant. Don't get me wrong, the story itself is wonderful, I just prefer the un-edited, un-cut book version.

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• Excellent Telemovie

  SeanHayesfan162003-02-17

  "The Pact" starring Megan Mullally was an excellent television movie. I was surprised to see Megan play such a dramatic role because I was so used to her as Karen Walker on "Will&Grace",in which she plays a funny character.Megan Mullally is such a wonderful actress in this movie."The Pact" sends a strong message about an issue many teens might be thinking of. Overall, I give "The Pact" 4 stars because it's a very good movie.

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• definitely an okay movie, despite megan mulally.

  preciouslilywhite2003-03-26

  this movie is pretty good as far as a lifetime original movie goes, but megan mulally (who i usually enjoy thoroughly) is a comedic actress through and through. even her serious, tender scenes were acted like a comedic actress and it was hard to believe that she was a grieving mother. eric lively and juliet stevenson were both fantastic in this weepy and otherwise entertaining movie.

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• Oscar quality film and acting

  albertpolka-396412018-12-29

  I thought this film would be initially a Lifetime typical film. It is not. It is a riveting tragedy about 2 young lovers and 2 families torn apart by a suicide pact between their children. Eric Lively as Chris is Oscar contention worthy in this film. Also, Megan Mullaly is amazing. The acting tears your heart out. This movie and it's actors are excellent. I just wish it was on more often to see.

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