Genres

Visitors Review

Stacy Stabile-Forristal 2012-05-22 01:10:15

Something great for the whole family-HIGHLY unusual!

In my personal opinion, which is why we have the opportunity to leavethese "comments"--this was a nicely done made-for-TV-movie. I usuallydo like anything Lifetime does, and although our testosterone-filledcounterparts normally consider EVERY Lifetime project a "chic-flick"- Ieven think my hubby will enjoy this one(when I find out when itre-airs-I'm going to force him to watch it-LOL-he's not a "movie"person and considers going to the movies "paying $7.50 to take a nap ina nice cool dark place!") One thing I didn't care for was wondering atthe end why she left Harvard-I have found out through thisforum(hopefully it is true) that although she did in fact leaveHarvard, she then chose another school, and graduated--but only to becloser to her ailing father. That was nice to find out. It broughttears to my eyes when she was narrating about her "lice infested hair"and that her teachers were always fussing at her to stop fidgeting- butthat was hard to do--due to her not knowing anything about personalhygiene-which caused her to "just wear her panties until they fellapart"-yes that is quite "gross" to the general public, but SO sad tothink that such a young child wasn't able to figure out how to wash herown panties at least in the sink to avoid having to sit in filthyunderwear on a daily basis, causing her bottom to be so raw that it waspainful just to sit in class. That really "hit home"-not that Ipersonally went through anything like that-but it was at that point inthe movie that it really sunk in that so many children actually livethrough these types of situations- only to be ignored by the system-andand when the system FINALLY gets a heads up-the children are treatedlike dirt- by the social service workers(very meanly and uncaring)andplaced in places like she was where the older children regularly beatand abuse the other children! Now THAT part of the movie I personallyCOULD relate to- I worked in a foster/group facility- ("home" is wayyytoo nice to describe this place) in a small "city" named Central, SC,called "Helping Hands of Clemson" and eventually quit due to the higherups not doing a dang thing about staff treating children poorly(placinga 3 year old in a dark closet because he would not go to sleep andholding the door shut...and later laughing/bragging about the fact that"the little brat actually figured out where the light switch was so wehave to figure out something else to torture him with so he will go tobed instead of crying for his Nanna and keeping the other kids up!"),other children beating on their peers, wrong medications beinggiven(Example:Giving PeptoBismol for tummy aches to children under theage of 18-when it clearly states on the bottle the warnings about ReyesSyndrome!)-and also- given by UNcertified personnel--just a slew ofwrongdoings--and YES-I did report the facility to the "properauthorities" (more than once)--HA-nothing was done except the directorshad to make sure that every shift had a houseparent that had gone toclasses to become CPR certified. All of this "reporting" made it nearlyimpossible for me to stay working there since I was labeled "MissKnow-It-All"! And being anonymous ...there is no such thing!Thats ajoke too! They ALL knew it was me because I was the only one appalledby the things that were going on around me! Reporting theseplaces-thinking you are doing the right thing--what a laugh! Anyway- all in all- this is a good-eye opening family movie, whichtruly gives children, young adults, and in fact-ANYONE-- a good message.... being able to succeed!!!--even with very big obstacles inlife....all it takes is a lot of dedication and yes- HARD work! Itshows how to not play the "victim"--BREAK the cycle! I do wish I wouldhave known that Liz herself had played a part of a social worker in themovie so I could see what she looks like- I can't wait to see if itcomes on again and when, or I will have to figure out where to buy orrent it!

kcdl 2012-05-21 08:23:53

An inspiring story but an uninspiring movie.

I am astounded at the amount of positive reviews this movie has. I canonly assume it is getting high ratings for the story because they waythis has been put together is amateurish. I know it is a made-for-TVmovie, but does it have to scream it? The use of voice-over is terriblycheesy. I don't alway mind VOs but in this case it seems like a lazy ofshowing what is going on instead of writing powerful scenes and lettingthe audience figure it out.I don't see why something that is a true story has to have thesentiment ladled on so thickly. The story should speak for itself.The acting from the leads was okay. The supporting cast was a bit weak.I recommend you see this movie only if you are really bored or you area homeless person that need inspiration.

Linda Ewen 2012-05-18 00:05:04

Amazing

A remarkable story of a remarkable person. It is inspirational. Whilethe title seems to say it all, it is all to stark. The movie does notappear to hide very much. It will stay with me for a long time. I amimmensely grateful that neither I, nor my children, had to go throughanything nearly as difficult as most days must have been for LizMurray. Watching it, kind of knowing how it would end, was verydifficult. I also wonder how many other children are now going throughthe same thing but without the astonishing intelligence of Liz Murray.I believe it should be shown in every NYC High School. If it were seenby more students and teachers maybe the drop out rate would be lowered.

2012-05-17 13:12:47

Adolescent therapy group

I recently showed this movie to a group of adolescent girls, from a variety of different backgrounds, and they loved it! Even though there are some intense scenes in the movie, the girls were able to handle it. They felt it was a very real representation of their lives and they felt inspired by her story. They still talk about it today, after several months. Another therapist used it in her group and had an equally possitive experience.

jules-170 2012-05-13 18:46:31

So moving it inspired me to write a song!

I was really moved by this story, even more so when I realised it wasbasedon a true story! I thought that Thora's acting as Liz was really great andshe had me routing for Liz to pull through and make it.It was really inspiring (so much so that I wrote a song straight afterwatching it!) and it teaches that you should never give up on yourself.OK,so Liz made it to Harvard and not everyone will be that lucky, butHarvardisn't for everyone and the message is really to set yourself a goal thatyouthink you just might be able to attain and then go for it!It was a shame that UK television saw fit not to put it on at a reasonabletime as it was aired late on Monday night and finished after 1:00am. Ireally only caught it by chance, but was very glad that Idid.

2012-05-13 07:17:24

A true life story, about a life on the streets .

This review is from: Homeless to Harvard - The Liz Murray Story (DVD) This movie I would have everyone buy, it shows how nothing is imposssible for you if you really want it bad enough. it's great for all teens, and anyone going through hard times. you'll cry for her and cheer her on at the same time. I got this from Amazon.

nammage 2012-05-09 13:01:57

I Want To Be Homeless If I Get To Go To Harvard

I thought this was an endearing story. Many people go through the life ofthis girl - except may be the part about going to Harvard, since, well,youneed the intellect to get in there.The actors were good and some of them were bad. The guy who played 'Pop'wasgood at the part, but I don't think the girl who played the sister actedtoowell. The guy who played the father acted great, I think in some partsbetter than Thora Birch, the younger self of Thora's character, I thoughtshe was just ok, and may be someday will learn the craft a bitbetter.I thought some of the direction was lacking, but, the guy only directsmainly tv shows so, that is what this seemed in parts as, a tvshow.But, the over-all message of it got out - and that even tho life can berough you can get through it.I gave this a 8/10 - mainly for heart.:)

impointingtowardsyourface 2012-05-08 17:10:24

I just don't understand.

How is being homeless a disadvantage? I can understand the feeling ofsocial outcast, but I think that is norm in today's society. They makeit out to be that the main focus in life is money. I can understandwanting to achieve things when you're brought up in an environmentwhere your "guardians" supposedly are the worst kind of people. Thismovie honestly just makes me want to vomit in how it views success andhow it views possibilities and goals and hope in general. It makes itseem hope is something that you can find through hard work and going tocollege or writing a piece of literature about yourself that franklyisn't that original. If you want some good autobiography work checkout... James Frey (even if bits are fictional he's a hell of a writer),Running with Scissors (not the movie, the book), Kerouac (I think inevery piece of his work he has parts that are drawn from his live) orjust something effing else

nicolebrown16 2012-04-29 12:58:54

Absolutely fabulous

I was expecting this movie to be really good. Just by watching thepreviewsof it made it sound like it was interesting, and boy was it. Thora Birchdoes an excellent job of portraying Liz Murray, a young woman who beatsallthe odds. She grows up in a broken home with two drug addicted parentswhodo nothing for her or her sister. Kelly Lynch is amazing as a mother withserious problems. The story really draws you in and it's sad. You wanttofeel sorry for her, but then you also wonder why she didn't pick up herlifeearlier than she did. I am so glad I watched this movie. It was trulyinspirational.

2012-04-28 18:33:19

Great video

I taught a abuse and neglect college course and showed this video to my class. WOW..great video.

enigmatic_2002 2012-04-23 07:39:55

A true example that everyone should look up to...

One of the few movies I've seen that truly talks about the problemsthat many societies around the globe are suffering from. It also goesto show you how far you can go if you are determined on something. So,you can really make a change if you put your mind into it. And it goesto show you that there is always hope for a better tomorrow. You justhave to work hard for it. We all face problems of various degrees. Butwhatever the problem may be, we can face it with strong belief andstrong will. Be someone and make your life and all the world around youa better place. I loved the movie, the story, the music, and, on top ofall, the performance of Thora Birch. In my opinion, it is a must see.

MarieGabrielle 2012-04-23 02:41:47

Very well done, with a good message....

I had only seen Thora Birch in "Ghost World" (where she was also quitegood) and so felt she deserved credit for this TV movie which was basedon a true story.Kelly Lynch and Michael Riley portray Liz Murray's parents who are bothdrug addicts living in squalor in a NYC apartment. I am not certain whyLynch often gets these roles. In "The Jacket" she had a similar role,but she is nonetheless believable.Liz Murray attends school, and while being an excellent student, hasdifficulty with her emotions, sadness, and unstable home life.Eventually her mother contracts AIDS, and must either live with herfather, or some form of assisted living. Murray apparently managed onher own. She studies hard, takes AP college courses, and sleepsovernight in abandoned subway cars. (Anyone who has seen the NY citysubway system know this is no small feat).Birch is believable, and looks the part; with all the odds against hershe does well, graduates high school, and is offered a scholarship toHarvard. The fact that this is a true story is positive, it is nice tosee a movie with a decent message for kids with real reasons why theyshould stay in school. 9/10.

2012-04-17 11:04:15

True tale of homeless girl who made it to Harvard

This review is from: Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story [VHS] (VHS Tape) I saw this one when it first came out (on Lifetime) and am delighted it is finally available on video/Dvd. Thora Birch does an exceptional job playing a girl whose family life is chaotic (her mother is a drug addict, her father is mentally ill). She's the butt of jokes at school because she has had no training in normal social behanvior and her home is so cluttered and messy that finding clean clothes to wear is a major challenge. Somehow she manages to rise above her circumstances, beating the odds and going to Harvard. Credit the filmmakers for being honest and staying away from saccharine solutions. THis is a gritty but riveting film. A must-have in my colletion..should be in yours.

2012-04-16 21:06:54

inspirational

This review is from: Homeless to Harvard - The Liz Murray Story (DVD) This video is very great to show kids they can become great in life. Just give it a try and you can overcome.

Allison Martell 2012-04-15 13:56:11

Stupid

Poorly directed. Poorly acted. Cheesy storyline. Cheesy soundtrack.Nothing really worth while in this movie. I respect Liz Murray a lotfor what she did, and this movie just didn't do her any justicewhatsoever. They made it seem like getting into harvard was justsomething anyone can do, and I think Liz Murray deserves a little morecredit than this for her hard work. I did enjoy the portrayal of LizMurray's father. He brought a certain lovability to such a messed upperson. He made it believable that Liz would have respect for this man.Other than that, the acting didn't impress me at all.I give it 2/10 stars. Sorry guys. Just didn't see anything I reallyliked in this movie.

2012-04-15 04:18:09

Homeless to Harvard a movie of a life time

WOW! This was a great Lifetime origianl movie. This movie goes to show you that if you want some thing bad enough, you can get it. Here is a movie of a homelss girl who wanted more for her life and in the end she got it. You have to want to better yourself. If you had seen Liz Murray on the street, you would have thought, well there is another homeless person and not thought twicw about it. And she knew that. But she wanted people to know her as more then just a homeless person. This was an excellent movie.

2012-04-11 20:55:15

Strength

This review is from: Homeless to Harvard - The Liz Murray Story (DVD) I switched on the television to catch the initial third of the film, 'Homeless to Harvard'. I could not move after that, because I felt that what the protagonist of the story was so fascinating in, was her moving in a simple kind of way in a complicated pattern of life, in a simple world of her own, yet knowing only the kind of homes she did, of extreme poverty. Underneath the simple story told, there were these other layers of life, and of 'connections'.After the end of the film, I went into the web to try and locate more information on Liz Murray. I found mountainloads of material: a whole range, in fact. I wrote to Amazon.com, and within minutes, I received a reply (presumably, from some machine-operated response, but it still didn't stop me from being impressed, since I live on the other side of the world, to get that rapidity of reply - the marvels of science)to say that my order for the Liz Murray story on DVD had been noted, and would arrive within the next fortnight. It did - just a few days later. Most impressive, this efficiency.Since then, I have watched the film twice, and taken my own time to finish it at my own speed. I am someone who has stopped teaching, on early retirement, as a result of poor health. Had I still been at school, I would have taken my personal DVD with me to class, for anaylysis and discussion.However, when one looks at 'Homeless to Harvard', one could also be looking at not only the disadvantaged in Asian cities, but those with greater problems not only here, but elsewhere as well. That wherever there are these ravages of war for example, other or similar kinds of difficulties run parallel. In that sense, the children at these places are always far worse. Comparisons are invariably impossible. Unfair as well.I have mentioned this DVD to some friends, and what Amazon.com. had done for me! Actually, some friends had mentioned its world-wide services before, but I had not acted on the knowledge. This has been an eye opener, mainly for the obvious positive points of the message of the film, especially for people who do not have much, or might be disadvantaged. The comparisons or comments might also be made by other people, and it is through the acting of the actress and related people in the cast. The only part I was not so sure of, was in the conclusion, I didn't feel that it fit well into the rest of the film. That was my personal reaction to it. One presumes that some of the quotations from the film were taken from Liz Murray? I wonder if the film could have ended with one of her quotations.Zheng ShuyingSingapore

2012-04-11 11:21:29

Kelly from Michigan

This review is from: Homeless to Harvard - The Liz Murray Story (DVD) I was pleased with the quickness of delivery, the quality of the movie and the movie was very inspiring!!

2012-04-11 03:11:01

One of my FAVORITES!!!!!!!!!

EEK! This is one of my FAVORITES on the LIFETIME MOVIE CHANNEL! Did you know ... Liz Murray also gonna have her book published in April 2005, and that book of her's is called "Breaking Night: A Novel"???? If not, well, it's true! I've just done a SEARCH on her name! OH, and I also saw her on Oprah!Liz, if you're reading this ... You're awsome! I cried when your mommy died while watching the movie! PRETTY SAD!Gonna pick up your book when I FIRST see it in stores!Sincerely "Homeless to Harvard" fan, "Nora"

TxMike 2012-04-10 15:15:33

Inspiring TV movie about a young girl's escape from poverty.

I like this movie. In general, my favorite movies are ones based ontrue stories, and this is a good story. Liz Murray is a good personborn in a bad family. Her mother was always on drugs and booze, herfather was an intellectual who detached himself. In an early scene,while mom and the two young daughters are fighting over whether thefood money would actually go for food, or for drugs, the father Peter(Michael Riley in a good performance) is watching the TV show'Jeopardy' and correctly answering all the questions, detaching himselffrom the argument. Near the end of the movie, when Liz tells herhomeless dad, who now has AIDS, that she loves him, he responds, "Don'tlove me. It is a waste of energy. I'm not a people person." Thora Birch narrates and plays the teenage Liz Murray who, after hermom dies of AIDS, talks herself into a good school, and is encouragedby her teacher David (Robert Bockstael). She works hard, becomes thetop student in her school, catches up to do 4 years of school work intwo. She gets a NY Times scholarship to attend Harvard. As the endingnotes state, she left Harvard in 2003, not yet with a degree, butsupports herself with fees she receives from her appearances. So, evenwithout a Harvard degree, hers is an inspirational story, and ThoraBirch is remarkably good.The DVD included a 7-minute interview with the real Liz Murray. We onlysee her answers and comments, and get a good glimpse of this youngwoman. Of note, she doesn't believe her story is that extra ordinary,that many people set goals and accomplish what they want. Her humilityis refreshing. She just wants a normal life.