Doing Time on Maple Drive (1992) Review

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(More customer reviews)Fox DVD will undoubtedly showcase Jim Carrey for his supporting performance in "Doing Time on Maple Drive," a stellar cable TV movie from 1992, but buyer beware: his is a straight, supporting dramatic performance. He is very good, but the real shining star of this small Ken Olin-directed gem is the talented William McNamara, who is unforgettable as the "good" son in a seemingly perfect, but actually dysfunctional, family led by James B. Sikking and Bebe Besch. "Chicago Hope"'s Jayne Brook rounds out the cast as a daughter who evidently married beneath her status and joins alcoholic older brother Carrey as the profound disappointments in a family who has laid all its future hopes and dreams on its children. Apparently, it's up to youngest son McNamara to rise above the rubble his siblings have made of their lives and carry on the family's grand promise. Unfortunately, he has a secret that will come crashing down on everyone involved.
When the story opens, McNamara is bringing fiance Lori Loughlin home to meet the family. And it's a joyous homecoming, but it's clear something is wrong with the relationship. Then the unthinkable happens and Loughlin discovers McNamara's secret: he is gay and has left a long-term boyfriend to marry her simply to please his parents, who supposedly don't know the truth. Then she leaves and he is left to explain to his family why his bride has abandoned him and why he may very well be their biggest disappointment of all.
The great thing about "Doing Time on Maple Drive" is how honest it is, and how refreshingly free of melodrama the writers and director Olin have made it. McNamara's secret is revealed slowly, and when the family finally finds out about it, their reactions are honest and true. That the mother takes it hardest of all is a refreshing twist, and Sikking's father has a final heart-to-heart with his son which is beautiful, yet heartbreaking, to behold. What is refreshing is that the film isn't about homosexuality as much as it is about family dynamics and how important it is for parents not to base too much of their hopes and dreams on their children. The ironic thing is that McNamara will undoubtedly be a success in life, and should be a source of undying pride for his parents, but because of his sexuality he will always be the family's embarassing secret.
The performances in "Doing Time on Maple Drive" are universally excellent, with McNamara and Sikking the standouts. Besch is also pitch-perfect as a mother who is loving on the outside, but as cold-hearted and unforgiving on the inside as was Mary Tyler Moore in "Ordinary People." Brook and Loughlin offer solid support, but Carrey is a revelation, especially those who missed his stellar dramatic work in "Man on the Moon" and "Eternal Sunshine." Made just before "Ace Ventura" made him a comedic superstar, his alcoholic son is tender and achingly true. And director Ken Olin handles everything with appropriate restraint and a total lack of exploitation.
"Doing Time on Maple Drive" is a terrific TV movie and a welcome edition to DVD. Don't let the subject matter scare you off. It is respectfully and tastefully handled, and for once serves a more universal truth than simply preaching to the choir about homosexual rights. After one viewing, you may ask yourself the same question I have for years: Why is William McNamara not a major star? You may be as baffled as me. *****
(out of *****)

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