Unwed Father (1997) Reviews

• Not a bad TV movie!

  guil122001-12-17

  I was pleasantly surprised that this film had the substance it did. I'm sure this is due to a good screenplay by Nina Shengold and direction by Michael Switzer. The story of a young man, played wonderfully by Brian Austin Green [who also was part of the production company] who had a baby left on his doorstep by his girl friend, played by Nicholle Tom. Not knowing the first thing about raising babies, Green begins to learn how to not only take care of his son, but begins to fall in love with the child. Then as you would expect the girl friend wants her baby back. What makes this a good film, is the honesty of Green's performance, and the coming of age of both parents. I felt Nicholle Tom was a bit too one level in her portrayal. She could have used a bit more depth in her work. However, she did have a few moments that were quite convincing. For instance, her scene with her friend who took her in and tried to warn her about Green's intentions. If there were to be a villain in this piece, I would say her friend would be it. A very hard hearted performance. I really liked Isabella Hofman in this. Playing the girl's mother, she was quite believable and interesting to watch. All in all, not a bad attempt. I like Green more and more. Having seen him in several good films. I give this charmer an 8+ out of 10. Congratulations, Brian, on your choice and support of this movie.

• Very good.

  nikki628692005-01-16

  I like this movie very much. This is the story of a college student named Jason, playing the role by Brian Austin Green, whose baby was left on his door step. Melanie, played by Nicholle Tom, was the mother of the baby. Not knowing the first thing about raising a child, Brian Austin Green took on the responsibility of caring and loving for his son. Through everything, he actually fell in love with Shaun. Then what anyone would assume, Nicholle Tom returned to take the baby away from Green. I thought this was a good movie because Green's performance as a father was unbelievable. He portrayed honesty and love for his son. Isabella Hofman played the role of Nicholle Tom's mother. She did a very good job. I give this a 9 and would like to say that Green was the perfect person to play as the character Jason.

• Really quite good story with irony and self-discovery

  Studioart812006-11-17

  Brian Austin Green is Jason Kempler, a college student who is home one summer playing with his band in a bar. He meets Melanie, played by Nicholle Tom, an aspiring artist who takes a liking to him quickly. Jason comes from a wealthy family, while Melanie is raised by a working-class single mother. Jason and Melanie make out on Jason's family boat, and Melanie gets pregnant. The baby is a boy named Sean. Melanie initially asks for Jason's financial support, but does not get it from him. She tries raising Sean on her own with her mother's help, but finds it difficult to impossible to do without a steady job. So, she decides to get away for a while to sort things out, and she has the perfect idea. She finds out where Jason lives, and leaves Sean with Jason and his family to raise. The challenges are for Jason to accept responsibility for a child he had with someone he barely even knew, and for his father and stepmother to support him and their grandchild. Mr. Kempler is willing to help provided Jason does his part by selling cars and taking care of his kid. His stepmother is not so forgiving of Jason's actions, especially when it comes to Jason and the kid in their house and being awake at all hours of the night. Gradually, things change for the better when Jason and Sean move into their own cabin by the sea, and Jason learns how to be a responsible parent. But Melanie finds she misses Sean more by the day, and begins to think she deserves to take Sean back and gain full custody of him. This happens only after Melanie gets a job as a waitress, and slowly begins to get her life back on track. Is Sean better off with his father or mother? Is it possible to compromise? The premise of "Unwed Father" is all too common in our society. Teen pregnancy needs to be addressed for what it really is, and individuals need to be held responsible for their actions. Moreover, it basically boils down to thinking before acting on impulse, especially when it involves a lifelong commitment. Good movie that should be released on DVD!

• Above average TV movie. .

  Marshall-121999-07-13

  OK. Brian "90210" Green does well for himself and carries this above average TV movie. If the topic interests you (and it interested me, although I cannot relate to the unwanted pregnancy storyline), it's a fairly realistic and not particularly predictable storyline. The characters although they grow a conscience don't suddenly become likable.

• When having a baby is more than a fantasy

  blanche-22006-06-18

  "Unwed Father" stars Brian Austin Green and Nicholle Tom who become unwed parents of a baby boy while still practically babies themselves. Melanie (Tom), the mother, takes off and dumps the baby with Jason (Green), and he finds he has to grow up overnight and take responsibility for another life. And it's not easy. By the time Melanie re-appears, Jason has grown into a devoted father, although he doesn't have a lot of resources. Green is so appealing in the role, you can't help but root for him, and his affection for the baby is palpable. Though I'm used to loving Nicholle Tom from "The Nanny," I found myself resenting her trying to get into the baby's life after leaving him with his father. I liked this film because it gave some realism to the fantasy of having a baby that many young girls have - and also showed a father taking responsibility, how difficult it is to raise a child, and the sacrifices that have to be made. There are wonderful performances from Isabella Hoffmann as Melanie's mother, Ari Meyers as Jason's supportive friend, and Alan Rachins as Jason's dad. A very heartwarming movie that will bring tears to the eyes of the most jaded viewer, and I think it's important for kids to see and realizing that having a baby isn't all Angelina and Brad in an African forest.