Lake Effects (2012)

As Good As It Gets

A different way of telling a story

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

I have no idea how I stumbled upon this one. It's a Lifetime movie-Independent hybrid. In fact, I think it was actually Hallmark that picked up the broadcast right for this straight-to-video movie. It's got an interesting cast -- Jane Seymour, Ben Savage (Boy Meets World,) Madeline Zima (The Nanny,) Richard Moll (Night Court,) Jeff Fahey and Scottie Thompson. The acting is mediocre from them all, mediocre story, nothing special there whatsoever. What makes it worth it is the fact it was filmed on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia, the same location as What About Bob. Gorgeous. Absolutely beautiful! I'm not in any rush to ever see this again but I'd strongly consider it for the filming location alone.5.6 / 10 stars--Zoooma, a Kat Pirate Screener

This is a heartwarming Hallmark film about a family torn apart and reunites after the father dies from an accident. The scenery of the lake was spectacular and the acting was excellent. You could really relate to each of their parts.The only problem I had with the film was the loud music playing constantly in the background. Music is supposed to be in the background, so you can hear each word clearly. Now Hallmark has the music louder than the speaking and continuous. It is like going to a concert and a lecture at the same time and trying to give attention to each equally. Years ago the classic films did not have music when there was speaking unless it was at a climatic point in the movie. I love Hallmark movies, but if I can't hear it clearly, I turn it off half way through the movie. My family and I all have perfect hearing, so it has nothing to do with that. It just annoys all of us and is very disappointing.

Sara and Lily grew up at Smith Mountain Lake. Sara became estranged from the family and without explanation moved to Los Angeles to study law. Her sister Lily, an artist, teaches locally and lives with their parents, Ray and Vivian, until Dad dies in an accident.The best hing about this film is the cast. Every great character actor is here, plus Jane Seymour and the nearly-forgotten Ben Savage. Unfortunately, it seems most of them gave the bare minimum level of performance, or the director simply did not attempt to get better out of them. The whole thing comes off as an amateur affair with no budget and actors eager to collect their (meager) paychecks and move on to the next project.I am sorry to disparage something with the legendary Jeff Fahey, but Hallmark (much like Lifetime) is not known for its quality. If anything, they are known for trying to pull the heart strings of easily-affected house wives.

This movie has it all romance, drama, comedy and a great story. You shed tears to turn around 2 seconds later and crack up laughing. The writer of this film was nothing but sure genius and I am sad he passed away. Once again we lose a great talent before his masterpiece in Lake Effects can woo the world. This is a must see movie for men and women. A chick flick that even a man can enjoy! This film houses Smith Mountain Lake at it's best. The same lake that was in What About Bob is now brought to camera with it's real name! Enjoy all of the beautiful scenic shots. Kick back and just feel like your sitting at home. This movie is a roller coaster of emotions that will leave you applauding with a smile.