A Day Late and a Dollar Short

A Day Late and a Dollar Short is a captivating Lifetime movie that aired in 2014, adapted from the best-selling novel by esteemed American author Terry McMillan. The film is a brilliantly woven tapestry of humor, drama, and raw emotion. It manages to deliver a poignant exploration of a family's trials and tribulations while inserting occasional comic relief that maintains the balance of the narrative, yielding an overall entertaining viewing experience.

The film is set on the Varner family's saga, navigating the complex labyrinth of interpersonal relationships, rivalries, secrets, and buried animosities that exist within most families - but extrapolated and dramatized to create a riveting story. The family matriarch, Viola Price, superbly played by the illustrious Whoopi Goldberg, anchors the narrative.

Viola, a strong-willed and vibrant character, discovers she has a life-threatening illness that prompts her to reunite her scattered family and correct the numerous rifts that have emerged over the years. Her ultimate goal is to instill some semblance of unity and understanding among her deeply flawed but intrinsically good children before her time runs out.

The ensemble cast of the movie is filled with a host of multifaceted characters, all distinctively delineated and expertly portrayed by an assortment of versatile actors. The siblings, each dealing with their individual battles and prejudices, include Paris, who deals with marital problems; Charlotte, a stubborn, feisty woman who always finds herself in some sort of trouble; Lewis, the only son with his struggles; and Janelle, who is battling with relationship issues.

This story delves deep into the intricacies of an African-American family's interpersonal connections, highlighting their shared history, individual flaws, strengths, and the intricate web of relationships that bind them together for better or worse. The movie also draws attention to various societal issues such as substance abuse, infidelity, and other social hurdles faced by the family members, allowing the narrative to have broader social relevance.

The film is rich with emotionally charged scenes, filled with heartfelt monologues, intense confrontations, and deep introspection, making the viewers invested in the personal journey of each character. It takes the viewers on a roller coaster ride of laughter, tears, anger, and empathy, mirroring the ups and downs of real-life family dynamics.

Ving Rhames plays Cecil, Viola's estranged husband, who despite their separation, share a tenuous, but tangible bond. It's a testament to the script's intricacies and the actors' prodigious talent that they bring to life the history and depth of the couple's bond. Whoopi Goldberg's performance is particularly commendable as she expertly navigates her character's desperation, love, regret, and determination, forming an emotional tether that connects the audience to the narrative.

The layers to the character of Viola Price as the beleaguered matriarch trying to fix her family's problems even as she grapples with her mortality captures the sheer strength of her character. She exhibits both vulnerability and determination, showcasing her love for her family. This portrayal demonstrates the complexities of seemingly extravagant characters when viewed from a distance and the familiar human elements when viewed up-close, which form the enduring appeal of this narrative.

The film is a testament to resilience, the beauty of flawed relationships, and the power of forgiveness, culminating in an absolute must-watch saga of familial dynamics. It engages with its touch of reality, blatant display of imperfection, and the persistent element of hope.

The subtle yet substantial message of taking the initiative to mend broken relationships and appreciating the present encapsulates the core essence of 'A Day Late and a Dollar Short'. Despite being a drama, the narrative is interspersed with humor and lighter moments, delivering a more profound, lifelike blend of emotions that evoke a broad spectrum of feelings from the audience.

In a nutshell, A Day Late and a Dollar Short presents a gripping story of love, relationships, and family dynamics that many viewers can genuinely resonate with, making it a movie that's both entertaining and emotionally engaging. The genuine portrayal of family life, along with excellent performance from the cast, makes it a brilliant addition to Lifetime channel’s list of memorable movies.