Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart

Rating:
Summary: It's not a good thing
Review:
Unveils all the skeletons in Martha Stewart's closet. The acting here is fairly competent, however I don't find Ms. Stewart very interesting so I can't recommend this. Watch it for yourself and decide. But remember, you won't find this dvd on the shelves of her beloved K-Mart!

Rating:
Summary: The rise & fall of a true American idol.
Review: And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
-from Luke10:41,42

Most of us had probably already made up our minds about Martha Stewart long before the sentence came in for her trial earlier this year. Even though you may not actively pay attention to celeb gossip, it's hard to avoid hearing the little stories about her personal life and forming an image in our heads of a strong, smart and ruthless woman who is at odds with her own gently spoken tv persona. I don't know how accurate this movie was in terms of the real-life facts about Martha, but if it comes close to the truth then most of the negative image is reinforced, but with underlying sympathy for Martha rather than condemnation.

Martha, Inc. is a portrait of a woman who is driven to succeed at any cost. She has plenty of personal demons in her past to drive her: loathing for her own poor New Jersey family, neighborhood and upbringing, a critical and perfectionistic father whom she spent a lifetime trying to impress, a belief that money was her salvation and the answer to everything. This is somebody who derives her sense of self-worth from her bank account if this film is to be believed. We see her sacrifice every personal relationship in her life for this idol; friends, husband, family. In the end all she has is her adoring public who is in love with a false image of Martha that she has so carefully cultivated over her years in the spotlight. A sad, cautionary tale for those of us who might lose sight of the truly important things in life.

The film does not delve far into the actual details of her indictment and/or trial, in fact it doesn't really seem to comment on whether or not she was in fact guilty of the formal charges. Instead, the story seems to judge her for wrong choices in her personal life. It's a moral that hits you in the face; people are more important than things. Make time for those you love, for there but for the grace of God go we all.

I did enjoy learning about Martha's backstory more than I expected, and Cybil Shepherd's impersonation/portrayal was a dead ringer for Martha's mannerisms. This film had its comedic moments, although the overall tone was serious for the most part. I can recommend Martha, Inc. as a fascinating look into the motivations of a relentless soul more than as the comedy that the editorial summary would suggest it to be.

And finally, dear Martha, would you now choose the better part?
-Andrea, aka Merribelle.


Rating:
Summary: Kudos to Cybil for her potrayal of Martha Stewart
Review: I purchased this movie thinking I really wasn't going to enjoy. Boy, was I wrong! Cybill did an outstanding job portraying Martha Stewart. The actors and actresses brought the characters to life in this movie. Though the movie may not be 100% factual, it's a must to add to your collection. You will see a woman working hard at any cost to get where she wants to be in life, but also realizing MONEY isn't everything!

Rating:
Summary: Kudos to Cybil for her potrayal of Martha Stewart
Review: I purchased this movie thinking I really wasn't going to enjoy. Boy, was I wrong! Cybill did an outstanding job portraying Martha Stewart. The actors and actresses brought the characters to life in this movie. Though the movie may not be 100% factual, it's a must to add to your collection. You will see a woman working hard at any cost to get where she wants to be in life, but also realizing MONEY isn't everything!

Rating:
Summary: Campy and fun
Review: I'm sure that this movie isn't even close to factually accurate, but Cybil's great impersonation is a hoot. If you're the kind of person who reads People at the dr's office, even though you're embarrased, this movie will be a great guilty pleasure for you.

Rating:
Summary: Fun, fun and more fun
Review: This movie was a riot. The scene of Martha yelling at her husband's mistress "xxx, I'm going to tell your mother" is precious! Of course, as others have said here is hard to tell what is factual or fiction, but there is a bit for everyone: both her admires and detractors will get something to chew on. Enjoy the movie, and I look forward Martha's second act. It will be a good thing!

Rating:
Summary: Fun, fun and more fun
Review: This movie was a riot. The scene of Martha yelling at her husband's mistress "xxx, I'm going to tell your mother" is precious! Of course, as others have said here is hard to tell what is factual or fiction, but there is a bit for everyone: both her admires and detractors will get something to chew on. Enjoy the movie, and I look forward Martha's second act. It will be a good thing!