Danielle Chuchran stars in NOWHERE SAFE on UP-TV

MOVIE REVIEW

Nowhere Safe

Network: UP

Original Air Date: October 5, 2014

CAST:

Natasha Henstridge ... Julie Johnson
Jamie Kennedy ... Kevin Carlisle
Danielle Chuchran ... Ashley Evans
Heather Beaman ... Angry Teacher
Michael Birkeland ... Janitor #2
Mia Carson ... History Student
Tatum Chiniquy ... Carrie
Angie Clyde ... History Student
Michelle Clyde ... History Student
Angelique Cooper ... Alana
Kelsi Cullimore ... Mel
Brett Dickson ... History Student
Jeremias Elvegaard ... Max
James Gaisford ... Nick
Terry Guthrie ... Science Teacher
Allyena Hew'Len ... Kylie
Shona Kay ... Math Teacher
Helene Lam ... History Student
David Mamata ... Burnside
Samuel Mele ... History Student
Caitlin E.J. Meyer ... Lisa
Brandon Ostler ... History Student
Mckell Palmer ... History Student
Morgan Palmer ... History Student
Sammie Parkinson ... History Student
Graeme Perriton ... History Student
Bri Ray ... History Student
Bus Riley ... Janitor #1
Sue Rowe ... Ms. Tanner
Emilly Vang ... Wei
Micah Wilcock ... History Student
Yolanda Wood ... English Teacher

PLOT:

After two teen girls cruelly impersonate her online in a “reverse cyber bullying” plot, Ashley’s reputation is ruined. She and her mother Julie (a high school teacher) are ostracized, forcing them to flee an escalating threat to their lives. Starting over at a new school miles away, romantic interests and the poignant lessons from an eccentric history teacher draw them out of seclusion until they realize confronting a hurtful past is essential to ensure a brighter future.

Movie Review:

Please note: this review below may contain some spoilers!

I thought this was going to be a very intense movie from start to finish, but it wasn’t. Trust me, there are some intense moments, but the whole movie is not like that. Instead, we are introduced to Ashley Evans and her mother, Julie Johnson, as they are packing up and re-locating to a new town. We see throughout the movie short snippets of moments where Ashley has been bullied and beaten up by some very mean, jealous girls, at her old school.

In her new school environment, Ashley is careful not to stand out, or be friends with anyone, at first, except Max, who is often picked on, as well. Ashley finds it hard to hide who she is. She can’t help herself from speaking out in class, especially in her history class, which is taught by the eccentric Mr. Carlisle. He is an awesome teacher who makes history come to life by dressing up as George Washington and other historical characters and re-enacting important moments in their life. He says history is what we make of it. Mr. Carlisle is truly one of those inspiring, influential teachers, we all wished we had in high school. (Perhaps, some of you did.) He becomes a good friend to Ashley’s mother, who also teaches at the school, and Mr. Carlisle is instrumental in helping Ashley come out of her shell.

Nick, a popular guy at school, picks on Ashley, at first and calls her loner… but eventually, as they talk during one of Mr. Carlisle ‘s interesting assignments, they start to become friends.

It’s a battle for Ashley to overcome her past, move on, and be normal at this new school… especially when she comes to face to face with the old bullies at a party. Again, the old lies and cyber bullying creep back up and no one at this new school seems to believe she has been set up, even Nick. Ashley returns to school, but the bullying, name calling, and physical abuse start up again. The only friend Ashley has, is her mother and Max… who logically explains to Nick – that if Ashley had so much trouble with her on-line social profile at her old school, why wouldn’t she take it down.

Nick finally sees the light, apologizes to Ashley... and then, with Max’s tech advice and support they develop a plan to inform the entire school of the real source and reason for the lies.

I truly wish everyone who was, has been, or is currently being bullied could have this triumphant victory - that Ashley has!
This is such a great movie for overcoming bullying. I really hope it helps give kids/teens perspective on how important their words and actions are – and how they affect others.

If you are being bullied, please speak out. Share it with a parent, grandparent, family member, friend, pastor, teacher… somebody!… until someone listens and is willing to help.

I hope this movie will encourage you!



See or Skip:

See. This is a very important movie for pre-teens and teens. It's a great story of overcoming bullies.

Some content/violence might be too much for young children.

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