I just saw this movie on Lifetime--it was hideous. THIS is the type of movie that was ridiculed in Tropic Thunder--"normal" actors doing their imitation of what THEY think Mentally Retarded people act like. I couldn't BEAR the forced stutters--I've worked with this population as a communication specialist for over 20 years--THEY DON'T STUTTER!!!! I remember seeing the REAL couple on 60 Minutes. It's a beautiful story and one that I've seen quite a number of times in real life. THIS movie--and all movies LIKE this movie do a disservice to developmentally disabled people. There ARE Mentally Retarded actors--HIRE SOME. Kirstie Alley of all people? The story of the real couple was one of fighting against all odds for the kind of life a person wants to have. Developmental Centers are not the same as they were twenty years ago. ANYONE who wants to live in the community is getting the opportunity to live in the community--it's called the OLMSTEAD LAW. Look it up. The only people left in these centers are people who are so medically frail that the only place in the community to care adequately for their needs is a nursing home. That's not any improvement, particularly taking some one away from staff that's they've known for years and consider family. The rest were put there by the court system A person who has always had problems with school (more than likely because there was no support system to make them go) gets into trouble with the law. A lawyer is hired to gets the person diagnosed as ADHD, Explosive Disorder and Borderline Mentally Retarded--BAM--he stays out of jail and is sent to a developmental center. Then, the next time they're looking for people to put into the community--he's out. But that's another movie...

im still getting over the fact that kirstie wasnt nomainted for an emmy for this. it was WELL deserved. more than well deserved. the story about two handicapped people coming together and showing people that they can succed on thier own is enough. but her preformance? if you didnt see it,you missed out. all those people out there that dont consider her a real actress. despite the fact shes done as much drama as she has comedy. but this really gave everyone the chance to see what she can do. what everyone could do,the movie was the best tv movie ive seen in a LONG time. kirstie alley should win an emmy for this. to go along side with the one she won in 1994 for 'davids mother'. also amazing. but i cant believe she was just ignored for this. anyway the story which is based on a true story by the way is captivting.the actors are dead on but its kirstie who shines. what can i say? nothing but the best..from the best ever.

Kirstie Alley's performance was a joy. We laughed and cried and were filled with a quiet sense of hopefulness by her performance. This is a particularly strong endorsement of her role because I have not thought her to be a very skilled actress in the past. Again - a bravura performance.

It was years ago that I saw Donna and Ricardo Thornton on Sixty Minutes and heard their story. Upon seeing the premiere of this movie, I realized who Kirstie Alley was portraying, and Alley did it superbly.In the movie, Ricky Thornton, their son, says his father should have never been institutionalized, and in all liklihood, Donna shouldn't have been either. As portrayed by Alley, it was clear Donna was a capable and determined woman who was not mentally challenged or retarded. We should all be as able to accomplish what Donna Thornton did. When I saw the Thornton's story on Sixty Minutes, it was a story that was made to be told, I just can't figure out why it has taken so long to do so.Emmy worthy? Only if the Emmy award means anything. Alley should be nominated, but if five other actresses are chosen instead, it will hardly mean any of them diminish this performance or this film. Kirstie Alley spared no punches in depicting a true woman of character. Told in the form of the news interview, Alley and Delroy Lindo were beyond convincing, looking as tho nothing was scripted.Thankfully, the film followed Donna Thornton's example and didn't focus on the travesty of the institution, instead portraying the love story, a fascinating uphill saga.Disease-of-the-Week telemovies can get tedious and annoying. This cannot be said of the Thorntons. They are truly a blessing to have heard about. Absolutely magnificent.