Truth Be Told
Wholesome movie celebrates strong family bonds.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this feel-good movie’s adherence to positive themes like honesty, communication, personal responsibility, and family unity makes it a great choice for families. The main characters deceive those around them for personal gain, but their uneasiness with their actions illustrates how detrimental dishonesty can be on relationships of all kinds. There are plenty of good role models to be found here, and their ability to work through their troubles (marital woes, the recent loss of a family member, etc.) has good messages for all ages. Since most of the movie’s humor relates to Mark and Annie’s efforts to keep up the ruse of their relationship, some laughs will go over young kids’ heads, but if you can get your tweens and teens to watch with you, it’s a good starting point for conversations about issues that face your own family.
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What's the Story?
When former college classmates Annie Morgan (Candace Cameron Bure) and Mark Crane (David James Elliott) meet at a charity function, neither thinks anything will come of the encounter. But then a wealthy businessman mistakes them for being married and, based on this impression, offers Annie a dream career opportunity and Mark the possible funding for his non-profit organization. The two agree -- along with Mark’s kids Kenny (Christopher Brochu) and Zoe (Emma Gould) -- to pose as a couple long enough to seal the deals on a weekend visit to Alexander Bishop’s (Ronny Cox) ranch, but their growing fondness for Bishop makes their deception that much more difficult. The ruse makes for some comical moments, but somewhere in the midst of pretending to be in love, Annie and Mark find that their real relationship might actually be more complicated thank their phony one.
Is It Any Good?
TRUTH BE TOLD is the fifth installment in Procter & Gamble’s Family Movie Night ensemble, and it's a likeable story with a positive message. It fits right in with its predecessors in terms of its strict adherence to positive family values like strength of character, open communication, and honesty. Although Mark and Annie spend the majority of their time maintaining the charade of a nonexistent marriage (and asking the kids to do the same), they don’t take lightly the consequences of their deception on those around them, let alone themselves. Their actions aren’t worthy of praise, to be sure, but the story’s overall message about honesty certainly is.
The story’s subplots are full of good vibes as well, celebrating the strength of family bonds of all kinds. Throughout the movie, relationships are strengthened within a struggling marriage, between lonely adults, and among family members who have suffered a great loss, all of which is made possible by the characters’ willingness to talk about and work through their problems.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about honesty. Is honesty always the best policy? Are there instances in which it’s OK to lie? Can even those situations have negative consequences? How does it feel to be lied to?
Tweens: What are some of the issues with which your family struggles? How do they interfere with your relationships? Do you talk about them? How do you resolve them?
How has modern technology changed how we communicate with each other? In what ways has our ability to keep in touch improved with cell phones, social networking, and the like? Are there any drawbacks to the constant presence of these conveniences? If so, what?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 16, 2011
- Cast: Candace Cameron Bure, Ronny Cox
- Director: Jonathan Frakes
- Studio: Fox Network
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Run time: 105 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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The Jensen Project
Excellent family flick loaded with feel-good messages.
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Change of Plans
Inspiring movie about family ties involves loss of a parent.
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Secrets of the Mountain
Fun adventure pic is packed with positive family messages.
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