Aftermath: A Test of Love (1991) Reviews

• Good Portrayal of a Horrific Crime

  morenoapb32005-06-18

  This 1991 TV Movie is based on a true story of cold-blooded and absolutely senseless murder. It demonstrates that no matter how charmed a life you may be leading, there is nothing to protect you from the random crime that changes you and those closest to you forever. The crime itself as portrayed in this production is very disturbing--I found myself turning away from the screen during this time, especially since I knew it was all based on actual events. Richard Chamberlain heads a fine cast as the detached, very successful father who is happy to leave the emotional needs of his lovely family to his warm-hearted wife, played by the marvelous Michael Learned. The supporting cast who complete the family of 3 sons and 1 daughter are all excellent, including Doug Savant, currently of Desperate Housewives. The actor who plays the pivotal role of the son, Terry, is outstanding--I think he gives a very believable portrayal of the hell his family is thrust into because of this random, heartless crime. Richard Chamberlain is memorable as the father who initially is the successful bread winner of the household, but rather aloof from his children, who then because of the most horrific circumstances, is forced to become the emotional foundation that keeps the family from succumbing to despair. The scene near the end of the movie, with Terry, his father and siblings at the cemetery, is especially touching.

• graphic and disturbing

  dtucker862004-05-30

  I had the opportunity to catch this film on Court TV today. On April 22, 1974 there took place in Ogden Utah one of the most horrible crimes imaginable. To this day, this murder case is the most infamous in the state of Utah. Two airmen Selby and Andrews robbed a Hi-FI Shop and took the five people inside hostage. They were all shot in the back of the head execution style after being made to drink drain cleaner! Sixteen year old Cortney Nesbitt (they give him a different name in the film) and the stores manager were the only two who survived. Dead were the managers teenage son Stanley Walker, Michelle Ansley who worked in the store and Cortney's mother Carol. I read the book upon which this movie is based Victim by Gary Kinder and it chilled me to the bone. Richard Chamberlin gives a great performances as Courtney's father. He plays a simple loving man determined to hold his family together and overcome the loss. One thing that really made me sad was Courtney's parents had a terrible argument before she went out to search for him and stumbled into the holdup. They show a later scene where Chamberlin stands at her grave and asks forgiveness. My gripe with this film is the fact so it so graphically recreates the murders, it is so stomach turning I can imagine they had some trouble getting it past the censors!The young actor playing Cortney does a fine job as well (they use some pretty gruesome makeup on his face to simulate the acid burns). The two monsters who committed this terrible crime weren't executed until 1987 and 1992! By the way, the film tries to make it out like Cortney recovered and was able to live a normal life. That is not true! I corresponded with a woman who knew him and she said he was never the same and was permanently disabled. I told her that Cortney would have been better off if he had died that terrible night and she agreed. Sadly, Cortney Nesbitt died in 2002 at the age of 44, he suffered a living hell for 28 years. No happy ending folks.

• Read the book, THEN watch this movie...

  wolfreak12005-07-20

  There's no way this movie's content can be understood without first reading the excellent book "Victim: The Other Side Of Murder" by Gary Kinder. Without the book, it's just another late-night yawner on late night cable TV. I agree with some of the other posts that the robbery/murder scene is disturbing and difficult to watch. Thankfully, it omits a few details that are covered in the book but would be totally unnecessary and exploitive if shown, or referred to, in this film. Please...read the book, then watch (or re-watch) "Aftermath". I challenge you, then, to not cry like a baby and experience a truly broken heart-- then a sense of hope and love for this very courageous family!

• Denis Heames

  eskyguard2007-01-05

  I give this movie a 9 out of 10 with eight of those stars coming from the sole performance of Denis Heames. What a great young actor this man, at one time, was. It's a shame that his filmography is so short. One can only hope he is half as good at what he is doing now as he was as a professional actor. He begins the movie as a bright eyed youth filled with optimism and hope for his soon-to-be future. As a high school student, Terry (Denis Heames), is already on his way to become a full-fledged pilot. Denis convinces the audience that he truly is flying solo for the first time with his adolescent whooping as he views the blue yonder from the cockpit. He furthermore convinces the audience of the raw realities of a brain damaged, gun-shot victim's new life in constant recovery. This movie is made worth watching because the talents of the at-the-time young actors career.

• Excellent Tearjerker

  dvbreeden1-12004-07-25

  This movie is a wonderful family movie. It helps you to understand that be careful how you say things in anger and then depart without saying you're sorry. You never know when it will be the last time before life tragically ends. The movie had to powerful lead actors as the parents.(Michael Learned & Richard Chamberlian. That a family even though they are going through their own grief that they come together in the time of crisis to show the true love they have for each other. It is graphic but it is reality of how cruel criminals can be. If you ever get a chance to watch this move of love and a family determination to bring their son and brother through a tragic act of violence, to regain his life. Hopefully it will come to video or DVD soon.