Jeanskynebu the audience applauded

Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

SanEat A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

Humaira Grant It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

wes-connors The story opens in the present… After fifteen years of non-communication, homeless and disheveled Jerry O'Connell (as Lawrence Sellers) arrives to visit his younger brother, handsome and successful Neal McDonough (as Edward "Ed" Sellers). Mr. McDonough gives his wayward sibling food, money, clothing, and a cleansing shower - but balks when Mr. O'Connell sheepishly asks if he can stay for a few days. All things considered, O'Connell says he would have reacted similarly. So, McDonough puts O'Connell on a bus headed out of town. Then, he recalls their youth… In the past… Single mom Susan Dey is raising O'Connell with his brother (now played by Nick Stahl), and sister (Jean Marie Barnwell), in a small Wisconsin town. Young Stahl idolizes brother O'Connell, despite his juvenile delinquent tendencies. They live in a lovely home, but dysfunction reigns. Influenced by O'Connell, Stahl befriends Patrick Renna (as Zoltan Morris), a kid with one testicle and a taste for arson. Meanwhile, Ms. Dey takes comfort in Christianity, and dates religious principal Sam Elliott (as Henry Howland). Mr. Elliott is raising a disabled daughter… Based on a novel by Ethan Canin and neatly directed by Larry Elikann, "Blue River" (their town) is a strange but satisfying TV drama. Things get off to a rocky start with O'Connell's freakish "Planet of the Apes" make-up job - but, this is more the result of uneven production values than skill; other aspects of the film look very good. The performances are excellent, right down to smallish roles like the one played by Merritt Wever; her "Lottie" is an outstanding debut. Although not finally nominated, it's likely that a few of the participants were considered for "Emmy" awards.******* Blue River (11/21/95) Larry Elikann ~ Jerry O'Connell, Nick Stahl, Susan Dey, Sam Elliott

whpratt1 Enjoyed this film which takes place in a Wisconsin town concerning two brothers. The story begins when Lawrence Sellers, a homeless drifter, shows up at the home of his brother Edward, a successful doctor, and then the film has flash's backs to their youth and the problems which made them drift apart for fifteen years. The older brother Lawrence, (Jerry O'Connel) is mentally troubled over their father who abandoned the family and he is determined not to let his family be humiliated. There are many deep secrets which exist in the entire family and the ending will be a great surprised. There is arson being committed throughout the town and the wrong man is accused of this crime.

robbotnik2000 This is a highly watchable film, with enough adult content that if you see the movie with young alert children, you will be answering some questions, but unfortunately the questions relating to plot will be unanswerable. We are presented with some mature troubles that do not have happy resolutions, unfortunately these ultimately are left floating.The film has more of an appearance of bringing up such mature issues as sexual politics, vengeance, obsessive behavior, but due to the plot weakness, it can't face them squarely.It compares to a certain extent with such brother on brother movies as "A River Runs Through It" but lacks the thoroughness that makes greatness, as with such a movie as "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Guy143 If you're a fan of films like "The War" and "Now and Then," you'll love this made for TV movie. It has a great cast and superb acting and direction.In a small Wisconsin town of Blue River, secrets run deep. And for Henry Howland, (Sam Elliott), high school principal and repressive moral Beacon of his community, they are about to explode in a shocking series of events that will shatter the smooth surface of his life forever.Nick Stahl plays the young brother of the family slowly learning the secrets that the family and community holds hostage. His wildly brilliant brother (Jerry O'Connell) isn't what you call a good son. But when Henry Howland finally gets to him you will start to see the soft side that will destroy him bit-by-bit. Nick's best friend (Patrick Renna - The Sandlot) is a wild child also. He also has a mysterious side too. He loves to set old shacks and buildings on fire, likes to look at woman undress, and loves to take his mother's car out on the town while drinking hard liquor. What's so wild about that!?!You're probably thinking this is one big messed up film but it isn't. It's one of the best Hallmark Entertainment movies I have ever seen. You'll laugh, cry, and be swept away as the secrets unfold in this mysterious drama. I recommend it for anyone who likes the drama genre (like me) and whenever you see it in the video store, rent it!!!