Gone Missing (2013)

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

The joyful confection is coated in a sparkly gloss, bright enough to gleam from the darkest, most cynical corners.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

After a rather simple beginning, that appeared to be heading toward a slasher movie in some secluded spring break resort; We are taken on a journey for these Mothers to discover their Daughters true natures, and feelings in a flashback frenzy that somehow is all truthful. That there is the part that fails for the movie as a whole, there is just too much that works out at just the right time for the story to keep rolling. A couple of flashbacks would have worked better with the two stories running in parallel of each other as they finally do get to as the two eventually intersect as they must. This is a well acted movie though with a good cast, and the story even if it is predictable has some good tense moments that are played out well, which is what I Enjoyed the most about the entire production. I recommend this one to Drama fans with Mommy issues, and Mom's who forget that they are not aware of as much as they think they are.

This is a better than usual Lifetime movie. Two 18 year old girls travel for Spring Break to San Diego accompanied by their mothers, one protective and one lax. From the title you can gather the girls go missing.The dialog is well written. The way people react is realistic and not melodramatic especially the irresponsible mother and daughter. It's a warning for youngsters about choices about drinking, bad boys, befriending strangers and parenting styles. It's a less tragic more common story than what happened to Natalie Holloway and has some useful lessons without being preachy.Daphne Zuniga gives a believable performance and along with Marcia Cross she is one of the better actresses to have emerged from Melrose Place. Liked that she has aged naturally. The actresses who played the girls are quite good too even if you want to give them a slap.Worth watching.

Overprotective mom Daphne Zuniga (as Rene Allen) doesn't like the blue bikini 18-year-old daughter Brigette Davidovici (as Kaitlin) is packing for their sunny San Diego spring break. Mature-looking 15-year-old brother Nicholas Grava (as Kennedy), who reluctantly has to room with Ms. Zuniga, thinks his sister is "advertising." So, the bikini goes… on the trip. Also along are more lenient best friend Lauren Bowles (as Lisa) and her unquestionably wilder daughter, party-ready Gage Golightly (as Matty). When hunky Brock Harris (as Alex) and other handsome young men mix alcohol with the pretty daughters, the girls get real "Gone Missing". This is a well-performed (especially by a frantic Zuniga) and easy to identify with TV movie. The regrettable "wobbly camera" technique is used effectively. Director Tara Miele and editor Phil Norden are notably good at inter-cutting the flashbacks, as we learn what happened to the missing girls.****** Gone Missing (6/15/13) Tara Miele ~ Daphne Zuniga, Lauren Bowles, Brigette Davidovici, Nicholas R. Grava

What started out as a well-made, relatively large-scale production TV movie quickly became one of the very best movies I have ever seen - in theaters or on television. We've all seen dozens or more movies concerning a child-gone-missing, and a parent's fervent attempts to uncover the mystery and find their child before it's too late. Many times the parents will be looking for their child at the same time the police assigned to the case are doing the same. Uncovering this mystery along with the parent in this film will keep you glued to your seat. The plot is fast-paced and contains a constant series of interesting events, surprises, and plot twists. It's made brilliantly - with flashbacks, real time happenings, and re-tracing of other characters' steps. What starts out almost as a light, breezy, almost comedic movie... soon turns seriously suspenseful as a mother's raw determination to find her daughter takes over in full force.What sets this movie apart by far - very far, is the acting. Daphne Zuniga as Rene gives what is truly an Academy Award performance as an extremely relatable protective mother, searching for the whereabouts of her daughter during a Spring break vacation. She acts EXACTLY like a real mother would in real life. The sheer terror/shock she exudes in the many scenes of discoveries is portrayed with such stark realism and belief... that you feel as if you are watching a documentary of a missing person in real time, witnessing a parent's worse nightmare, as the truths become revealed to her and the story unfolds. Her acting is truly that extraordinary. This movie should have been widely released theatrically so that she is recognized for her powerful acting in this movie.The rest of the cast also deserve exceptionally high acclaim and praise. Lauren Bowles, as Rene's best friend Lisa, brings to new heights the spirit of a parent whose own past mistakes and insecurities makes her an overly-lenient mother, whose daughter actually craves more of her concern and attention. She's the "fun" friend who always tells you not to worry about things and to "relax"... which works 99% of the time, but blows up to disastrous proportions when real trouble hits.Lisa's daughter Matty, played by Gage Golightly, reaches the perfect note as that girl who is always the partier of the group - the one who always wants to have a good time - even if it means sometimes not making the best choices. At times you feel angry and frustrated with her actions in this movie, but then quickly realize how well you understand her, given her upbringing and her own issues. She may not be as confident and carefree as she first appears - and this becomes glaringly apparent when the nightmare of her friend's disappearance begins.Brigette Davidovici, as Rene's missing daughter Kaitlin, is flawless as the "perfect" daughter/sister/friend - who seemingly does everything right, is going through a period of self-discovery herself, while at the same time battling the control and protective issues perpetrated upon her by her mother. It's a situation MANY teenagers today can relate to, and are battling with themselves. So her disappearance makes it that much more realistic... it's extremely frightening and anguishing for the viewers... whether you're a parent, teenager, or anyone else.Special mention should be given to Brock Harris as Alex, a boy that Kaitlin knows. Not many actors can portray drunk scenes with pin point accuracy. It usually is depicted with slurred words and stumbling movements. His actions, however, hit you with stone cold reality... his acting perfectly depicts the type that, when they drink, become a very different person - and you can see it in their eyes. It's a very distinctive and pitch-perfect performance.Everyone involved with the making of this movie should be credited with the highest regard and acclaim. This is not your typical television movie. Your emotions and involvement with this film will run high. And Daphne Zuniga's performance, her raw determinism and NEVER-giving-up persistence, is absolutely terrific on all counts. A mother's true nightmare, acted brilliantly.