As it goes this movie is fair family fare,wholesome, non controversial and predictable.

This Hallmark channel movie is for those that can handle overly-sentimental heartstring plucking and forced emotional treacle. It's clichéd and predictable, and once you've watched the first 15 minutes you already know what the last 15 will bring.

A judge calls on a retired, childless boating couple to take care of some problem boys "temporarily". (You can already see what's coming, can't you?). Well worn problems and complications ensue and are solved the way maudlin stories always are, with the power of "goodness" winning the day. None of the drama flows naturally. It all seems overly manufactured, forced, and tacked on. Although, in its favor, we are not smacked over the head with God in this one.

If these Hallmark movies really do it for you, you won't be disappointed here. The production values and acting are OK but not outstanding. Think of a Brady Bunch movie and that's the level of talent we're talking about here. Fine viewing for those that think they might win the lottery, or that life is all kittens and rainbows. For those of us with a more jaded, realistic view of life, this movie grates on the nerves a bit.

Personally, I don't like it when a movie director tells me, "You're going to feel warm and fuzzy. I insist!" I've written George Lucas about that very thing involving his movies. He doesn't listen either.

Nancy Travis and Treat Williams portray a retiring couple ready to venture forth on the sea when a court person, Orson Bean, asks them to watch some troubled youth. You know that this will not become a temporary position.

The film succeeds because of the restrained performances, especially by Treat Williams. Usually a hyperactive character in his roles, Williams beautifully tones down to play a man who had earlier trouble with the law and was therefore sympathetic to the needs of these boys.

The film is great because it shows what the couple had to go through with an agent of the social service department. A bitter woman, who was once victimized by a charge that she watched over, her bitterness now is to try to take advantage of a system that could truly destroy the boys once and for all.

Shunned by the community, the boys shall have to work hard to gain the respect.

When they come to admit that they wished this couple had been their parents, who will definitely shed a tear.

Strongly advise others to see this worthwhile effort.