Laren Sims (Joely Richardson) surrenders to the police and leaves her daughter Haylei (Hayden Panettiere). Ten years ago, they're living with Lauren's parents in North Carolina after her failed marriages. She does 90 days in prison after using stolen credit cards for Christmas gifts. She continues to steal. She runs away with Haylei skipping out on house arrest. They travel the country continuing to con and steal with numerous fake identities. In northern California, Laren gets a job working for attorney Lucas Mackenzie (Colm Feore) and later marries him. Haylei hates the marriage. Laren can't help herself and embezzles money. Lucas finds out and Laren tells him the truth. He grows angry as his business fails and always threatens to call the police. Laren, with the help of new hire Kristin, does something out of desperation.This is a Lifetime movie in its heart. It should try to be more especially with a great actress like Joely Richardson. It should try to be darker but it doesn't. It is a big disappointment. The story has no bite despite some pretty compelling turns. There is a great mother and daughter relationship. The material is done with limited style and no edge.

I was slightly interested in this movie when I first saw the previews on Lifetime a few years back. When I saw it however, I was very disappointed. The acting was alright. At times it seemed forced and a little overdone especially by Richardson. I knew this story sounded familiar. When I saw the "Snapped" episode on Oxygen that this movie is based on it clicked. Lauren Sims or her alias Elisa McNabney was from my hometown of Brooksville, FL and this is where she was arrested and killed herself in jail! That's where I knew the story from. All in all the movie was alright. The locations were obviously changed and from what I've read, the relationship between mother and daughter was exaggerated. But that's too be expected. I give it 5 out of 10 simply for being a Lifetime movie. That's what you get.

this is an 'inspired by true events' movie.it's a bleak movie,to be blunt about it.it's about a woman who had done nothing but lie cheat and steal her whole life.as a result her and her young daughter live a life on the run from the law. i found this movie slow and boring for the most part.it doesn't have a happy ending,(at least to me it doesn't)like some movies of this genre have.and it doesn't resolve anything or tie up any loose ends,like i hoped it would.i only kept watching for two reasons.one was the hope that there might be a happy ending.tow was that the acting was pretty decent.so,basically the movie is only worth watching for the performances.as a result,my vote for Lies My Mother Told Me is a 4/10

the story itself isn't all its cracked up to be. But the fact that its based on actual events gives it power. Joely Richardson carries the movie as a fugitive mother, who along with her young daughter, leaves a trail of warrants across the country. When she settles with a wealthy attorney, her past demons come back with a vengeance.Though its very much a "Lifetime" movie, it has a nice sense of freshness to the genre. There are a few plot twists that seem to never get explained in full, but its a Lifetime Original, so you get that you pay for..If you're in on a Friday night, or you're a fan of Joely, i recommend it.