Mother, May I Sleep with Danger? (1996 TV Movie) User Reviews

Start with the title....

[MarieGabrielle · 4/10 · 15 October 2006]

and go from there. Is this a comedy?. Apparently.

If you had a really bad day at work, you may want to watch this as it is so unrealistic it will have you laughing. Of course, Tori Spelling and Ivan Sergei (recently in "The Break Up") have laughed all the way to the bank, why shouldn't we?.

Ivan Sergei is a young obsessive man who resents college students, and cannot handle being dumped, so he retaliates and murders the first girlfriend who dumps him. He assumes a young med students identity and meets Laurel (Tori Spelling) who is, (according to this film ) every man's dream. Perfect, athletic intelligent and industrious too. (I told you you would be laughing!).

Also, Lisa Banes (the embarrassingly older woman from "Cocktail" who was dumped by a young Tom Cruise) portrays Laurel's mother, who has no money but drives a Jaguar, and buys take-out catered food so she can meet Laurels' boyfriends. Ah, only in Hollywood. She suspects something is wrong with Sergei, but can't pinpoint the problem.

Eventually she suspects something is amiss with the Sergei character, so she visits the Denver police, who disclose any and all pertinent information (Yeah, okay....). Meanwhile, back on campus, Laurel is abducted by Sergei, who cannot bear to be apart from her for one minute. He brings her to an isolated cabin where much wine is consumed.

Next pivotal plot line:... Voila....somehow through the use of a Triple A membership, Laurel's mother finds her, as she was abducted by the obsessive and psychotic boyfriend (Sergei), and the mother was right all along.

Sorry to be facetious, but I will have to look up the screenplay for this, I think whoever wrote this was having a nice joke on us all. Seriously, if you are at home alone with the flu, this movie will give you a laugh, so it may be something you can tolerate for an hour or so.

Tori the high camp goddess

[jotix100 · 4/10 · 7 January 2006]

Thank goodness for a father with lots of money who happens to be an influential producer in the make believe world of entertainment. It works well if one happens to be Tori Spelling, an ambitious young woman, who could be better off spending her idle hours around Rodeo Drive shopping and doing lunch with the rich and famous in all those ritzy places nearby.

With this new appearance Ms. Spelling assures herself a niche in the stratosphere of camp. One has to give it to the girl, she gets to wear all those cute outfits while in the throes of love and betrayal. "Mother, May I Sleep in Danger" could be subtitled as "The Tori Show". Let's hope we are spared of another masterpiece starring Ms. Spelling in the near future, but alas, that's probably impossible, because in her ambition for bigger and better things, she probably will keep turning up in vehicles such as this one forever.

Love's Prisoner

[sol1218 · 5/10 · 22 May 2011]

***SPOILERS*** Off-the-wall serial killer movie with Lifetime Movie's perennial damsel in distress Tori Spelling, Laurel Lewisohn, getting involved with psycho killer Kevin Sane, Ivan Sergei, who won't take no for an answer in his bizarre romantic exploits with young women.

Completely out of his skull Kevin, or Billy Jones, is seen at the start of the film go bananas and bash in the head of Erin Meadows, Bryn Erin, when he suspects that she's leaving him for another man. Taking the name of Kevin Shane and then murdering the real Kevin Shane, Lochiyn Munro, to cover his tracks or identity Kevin,really Billy Jones, plans to make Laural his personal sex slave by tricking her to stay at his mountain lodge in the Cascade Mountains in Washington State.

It's in fact Laural's mom Jessica Lewisohn, Lisa Banes, who sees through Kevin's fake disguise, as the caring for all of humanity medical student, and desperately tries to prevent him from making her daughter his next victim. Kevin who's going crazier by the minute in trying to get Laurel to see things his way in becoming his love or sex slave ends up knocking her out with a spiked glass of wine and tying her up in the cabin until she finally gives in to his strange and psychotic demands.

***SPOIERS*** Too much to take climax with Moma Lewisohn taking matters into her own hands to save her kidnapped daughter with the local police and state troopers totally helpless to do anything, because of red tape and regulations, and confronting Kevin as he's about to deep six Laural in the lake outside the cabin where he holding her hostage. We get a surprise of sorts in the films totally unconvincing ending with Laural faking mental illness, or suffering from a case of short attention span, in trying to fool the by now totally crazed with love Kevin, or is it Billy, to drop his guard and end up getting paddled! Unbelievable movie that in a way make you feel more sorry for its handsome but a bit unstable villain then his victims with actor Ivan Sergei, as psycho killer Billy Jones aka Kevin Shane, about the most likable, until he goes nuts, and entertaining person in it. Sure he gets what's coming to him in the end but like most if not all movie psycho serial killers being killed isn't in any of his future plans not if he, or the movies screenwriters, can help it!

The Funniest Bad Movie I've Ever Seen

[TinkaW · 1/10 · 18 July 2000]

Where to begin. Tori is gloriously bad as cutey blonde girl whose boyfriend may be a **bit** weird. Of course her mother spots this and Weird Boyfriend turns into a drooling manic axe murderer. I howled with laughter as the plot (of which there is nothing much to say) turned from predictable over awful to really bad. The highlight is Tori escaping from the Drooling Manic Axe murderer Boyfriend in a canoe -- and it is obvious that she has no clue as how to paddle. Poor girl doesn't get anywhere -- but Mommy saves the day. Grab some popcorn and sit down to watch a movie so dreadful that it ought to be shown as a cult movie.

Spare yourself

[klasekfilmfan · 22 January 2006]

I watched this movie today. Just as I was almost ready to find something of even mid-grade quality, this movie kept me watching it, primarily to see how much more ridiculous it would evolve.

Tori Spelling is undeniably unbelievable in every part of the movie. Ivan Sergei is a laugh at best. After about ten minutes into this film I looked at my friend and said, "You or I could seriously act as well as these two actors", and thats pretty painful since neither of us could act worth a lick.

Overall, the story was predictable from start to finish. The characters acted as robots. If you haven't seen this movie, SPARE YOURSELF! It's that bad.

Old Horse-face does it again

[couturecryptcutie · 1/10 · 2 September 2019]

This movie starts with Tori spelling jogging. This scene shows a spectacular range of horrible acting. This sets us up for pure comedic gold. T.S. is angry at her luke-warm mother for meddling in her life and whines about it throughout this movie. This at some points gets unbearable. Her boyfriend is no better as his face has zero expression. Then at some point in the movie T.S. changes her hair to a horrible over processed blonde 90's Bowl cut/Bob. From there on she is isolated by her obsessive liar boyfriend. There are many horrible scenes in which Ivan Sergei compliments T.S. saying how beautiful she is. We know at this point he is insane. Overall the movie is funny and entertaining and Horse-face gets to do her phony b.s. acting.

Tori Spelling good actor? Hardly.

[jstrahan1 · 3/10 · 29 April 2012]

In my opinion, this film doesn't reach the "so bad it's good" level that Plan 9 from Outer Space does. In reference to an earlier reviewer: anybody who says Tori Spelling CAN act is nuts. "You'll find yourself laughing at the absurd, over-the-top acting of all characters involved. Tori Spelling's bad acting is to be expected, but it's an extra terrible masterpiece in Mother, May I Sleep with Danger. Her canoe paddling scene will have you in stitches as you watch her struggle to use the paddles. Ivan Sergei is laughable as the crazy boyfriend with a penchant for danger. Her mother (you know, the one she's asking if it's okay to sleep with danger) is awkward and annoying." Though planned to be released in theaters, it couldn't find a distributor willing to show it and had to be shown on TV. That should tell you something.

a good attempt, but bad casting

[night_godess_the_lonely_unicorn · 2/10 · 21 March 2006]

I first caught this movie when it was aired on lifetime..I liked the idea, even though it is overplayed..Good girl, meets sexy new boy, who turns out to be a psycho with various identities..I did like the actor who played David..He had the look for it..But Tori Spelling? GIVE ME A BREAK! The only reason ANYONE in Hollywood ever wanted her around was not because she was a good actress, but because of who her daddy was..She cannot act, and I have yet to watch a movie with her in it that was actually any good..She always manages to play the damsel in distress, the victim, who gets away with murder..Whoever wrote it, started with good intentions, but the movie was destined to be a flop as soon as Tori Spelling was cast..If they had cast someone else, then maybe, just maybe this movie would have had a chance..Another reason I did not like the movie was the detective..Can't she lose her job by just handing out information on a case, even if it is closed? I mean come on! Cops go to jail for less..

funniest movie ever

[mbg411 · 1/10 · 16 December 2007]

Haha, this is quite possibly the best/worst TV movie of all time! Let's start with the title. Not only is the title cheesy, but the question is all wrong. First of all, it's funny that she calls her mom "Mother". Second of all, saying "may" instead of "can" makes mommy more likely to give her lovely daughter the go-ahead! Lastly, she calls her psychotic boyfriend "danger". Haha, this only happens in cheesy lifetime movies.

Besides having the cheesiest title, this movie also has the worst acting I have ever seen! Tori Spelling looks weird and she is the worst actress ever. It's funny how her character has an eating disorder, when Tori has an acting disorder. Ivan Sergei wasn't much better. I wonder if his complete lack of expressions were meant to be creepy or something. And then there's Lisa Banes. Wasn't she in some Tom Cruise movie? Anyway, like mother like daughter, Lisa's character is annoying and she can't act.

Don't even get me started on the movie's plot and delivery. Someone said that this TV movie is the legend to end all TV movies. I couldn't agree more! This is the perfect movie to watch with friends and beer.

Bad Boy, Billy Jones

[lavatch · 7/10 · 14 December 2022]

This film included excellent camera work and a dynamic selection of locations in the Pacific Northwest. This is the backdrop for a deeply troubled relationship for young Laurel Lewisohn.

We meet Billy Jones in the film's opening scene where he flies into a rage and kills his girlfriend while in the throes of a jealous stupor. The next time we meet Billy, he has adopted the name of Kevin Shane.

It was a slick impersonation in which Billy assumes the identity of the young man with whom his girlfriend was flirting. Billy has some smarts and he is able to turn on the charm at any given moment. But he is also capable of becoming a Mr. Hyde just as quickly.

One of the best character developments is that of Laurel's kind mother, Jessica. The perceptive mom begins to investigate "Kevin," and she does not like what she finds. As the local Washington police are hopeless, Jessica relentlessly pursues her kidnapped daughter and the psycho who has taken over her life.

While this was a by-the-numbers "bad boy on the loose" film, it was nonetheless well performed and well produced. The cabin sequence at the end, the mad dash through the forest, and the canoeing episode were all effective in a thriller that was good enough to inspire a later remake.

Shallow portrait of evil

[Mattias · 5/10 · 19 August 1999]

With this movie, the girl-stalked-by-obsessive-boyfriend genre seem to be filled, together with _No One Would Tell (1996) (TV)_ (qv). It would have been interesting to know why Billy Jones acted the way he did, a deeper answer than that he is simply crazy. Tori Spelling does another one of her blonde-in-danger roles.

This movie rocked!

[toridec · 10/10 · 21 September 2010]

This movie is one of my most favorite Tori Spelling movies yet. It's suspenseful and action packed. Tori and Ivan are so hot together and when he goes nuts it's great acting all the way. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the movie and Ivan even though he turns into a psycho was hard to hate because he's so attractive. Theirs so much in this movie to take in I hated to see it end. The sound track at the beginning was awesomely haunting and I definitely want to purchase this movie on DVD for my collection. Anyone who says Tori can't act is nuts. I think she's great and I love to see her in these type movie, she always gets to act with such adorable actors and show so many emotions. I give this movie a ten for sure!!!

Captivating, compelling.

[bendouglas-69589 · 7/10 · 19 February 2024]

"Mother, May I Sleep with Danger?" offers a unique twist on the typical thriller, blending elements of suspense with a compelling narrative. While the title might suggest a conventional plot, the film surprises with unexpected turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Tori Spelling delivers a commendable performance, and the film's exploration of toxic relationships adds depth. However, some may find the pacing uneven. Overall, a captivating watch for those seeking a thriller with a fresh perspective.

I enjoyed watching this with my family and may revisit again on a rainy night. Seven out of ten.

Let the hilariosity ensue...

[ShesSuchaLady · 5/10 · 24 November 2021]

I remember as a preteen seeing this on lifetime in the 90s & how I loved this movie. It's like a bootleg Stepfather. It's on Amazon Prime right now, I came across it & since I was feeling nostalgic I gave it a watch. When I tell you the last half hour had me in tears laughing so hard 😂😂. Sheesh, he played it up.

The Best Made For TV Movie Ever!

[kegerbre · 17 June 2000]

Both Abe and I who are true film experts, and we have come to the consensus that this is the best work Tori has ever done. Hopefully she will be free to work on the sequels we are co-writing in the future: Mother may I sleep with Danger Part 2: Tandora's Box and Mother may I sleep with Danger Part 3: Like Booty for Chocolate. We hope to have them air on ABC next fall, so be on the look out. We give this 4 stars ****, because she proved that even someone like MARY could act....

Great Movie

[chair-35304 · 10/10 · 31 October 2021]

This has always been one of my favorite movies. I watch it at least once a month. Ivan Sergei is so handsome, and Tori Spelling is one of my favorite actresses.

The Worst

[guilfisher-1 · 11 May 2008]

There are many bad made for TV traumas on LMN and many bad actresses, and believe me I could name a few but Tori Spelling goes to the head of the class with the worst performance ever, not even qualified for a rating. Why is this woman performing? I thought she killed an otherwise decent movie, TRICK, by being in it. She was so annoying and not very pretty to look at. Guess her dad has something to do with it. In this flick she's plain dreadful, over acting and out in space somewhere. Not a clue as to what's going on. Unfortunately it also killed it for her supporting cast, notably Ivan Sergei, a decent actor, having to make believe he was nuts over this person. He must have taken knock out pills to even play those love scenes with her. Also a brief appearance by Lochlyn Munro, whom I also like, doesn't help. Add Lisa Banes in a thankless role as the mother of this miscast and you have a dreadful mishap. Too bad, as the supporting cast ain't half bad.

Jorge Montesi, the director, must have been duped to cast Speilling in the lead. I wonder if the writer, Edmond Stevens, was grimacing as he watched his 1996 script get dumped on by Tori Spelling.

Powerful Drama With Stunning Performances

[jlthornb51 · 10/10 · 20 June 2015]

Beautifully adapted from Claire R. Jacobs novel by screen writer Edmond Stephens, this is a sensitively observed story of a young student in a relationship with a man that won't let go. The teleplay is beautifully realized by director Jorge Montessi, with the director creating a stunning atmosphere of fear and dread. In a role she seemed born to play, Tori Spelling gives what may be the performance of a lifetime and brings incredible depth and heart breaking emotion to the character of Laurel Lewishon. Her portrayal of Laurel is that of a sensitive girl who unfortunately falls in love with a strange young man who she comes to realize is quite troubled. Ivan Sergei is superb as the ultimately sinister Billy Jones and he is both measured and believable in the role. Lisa Baines is particularly effective as Laurel's mother, Jessica Lewishon, a woman who suspects the worst and fears what may happen to her daughter. One of the better telefilms to be produced in the last 25 years and exceptional for its writing, direction, and a tremendous lead performance by the gifted Tori Spelling.

Dumb, but KINDA suspenseful!

[emily_16 · 13 November 2002]

This movie is about Tori Spelling who has had a lot of troubles in her life. She was anorexic, and is an obsessive runner. Then she meets this guy, who makes her feel special. Little does she know, he's actually an abusive, overprotective boyfriend who isn't afraid to resort to murder. The acting wasn't great, and the script wasn't exactly original. Spelling plays the dumb blonde who only in the end suspects something's up with her creepy beau. Out of 5 stars? 2 and a half. It was stupid, but it was a little entertaining, and put you on the edge of your seat.

The legend.

[Macthom-2 · 7 November 1998]

The legend.

This is the tv-movie to end all tv-movies.