By Child from Macon, Mississippi on 4/3/2008

Absorbing, involving true-life crime story based on the Pamela Smart murder trial of the early 90's. The case was a sensation at the time. Helen Hunt is stunning in her icy portrayal of Pamela Smart, a school teacher who begins to have an affair with a fifteen year-old student, Billy Flynn (Chad Allen.) Billy becomes so obsessed with Pam that he'd do anything for her. After months of manipulation and sordid sex games, Pam convinces Billy to murder her husband, Greg Smart. Pam had fallen out of love and decided murder was the best way. As it all unfolded, Pamela was found guilty of conspiracy to murder, accomplice to murder, and witness tampering. She received life in prison without parole. Billy and two of his teen accomplices received thirty to forty years for testifying against Pam. Exciting and remarkable because it is true. The only problem is that the last half hour is extremely rushed and many key elements are glossed over just to make the running time fit. The trial was the most exciting part of the real story and is barely shown here. Still, a great movie for true crime buffs and Helen Hunt fans.