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Susan Granger's review of "HOLIDAY HEART" (Showtime/MGM TV Entertainment)
Don't let the subject matter discourage you from watching Ving Rhames ("Mission Impossible 2") deliver an Emmy-caliber performance in this unusual, made-for-television movie about an aging drag queen who helps a young girl and her mother discover the true meaning of family. The story begins as Holiday Heart (Ving Rhames), a night club performer/choir director, mourns the death of his longtime lover, a highly respected member of the Chicago police force. One night, en route to a costume party, he's begged by a 12 year-old named Nikki (Jessika Quynn Reynolds), to help Wanda, her battered, drug-addicted mother (Alfre Woddard), and discovers two people who are desperately in need of his love and attention. Generously, he moves them into an empty apartment in his duplex and an unusual, but effective, family unit develops. But their temporary tranquillity is shattered when a flashy drug dealer (Mykelti Williamson) entices Wanda, who sort of fantasizes herself as Mary J. Blige, into using again. What makes this Tribeca Production (Robert DeNiro's company) rise above its inherent melodrama is Robert Townsend's perceptive direction of Cheryl L. West's well-written, touching, unpredictable script, based on her play which had its New York premiere at the Manhattan Theater Club - and Ving Rhames' amazing, poignant portrayal of a strong, loving man who, despite overwhelming odds, is at peace with himself. On the Granger Made-for-Television Movie Gauge, "Holiday Heart" is a risky, intriguing 8, rising far above the usual network fare. Rated TV-14, "Holiday Heart" premieres on Showtime TV on Sunday, Dec. 10, at 8 PM with additional playdates on Dec. 13 at 8 PM and Dec. 23 at 5:45 PM. It's truly worth jotting down these dates and times on your TV calendar.
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