Watch Just Ask My Children

Just Ask My Children is a dramatic made-for-TV movie from 2001 that tells the shocking true story of the wrongful conviction of two parents for child molestation. Starring Virginia Madsen, Jeffrey Nordling, and Graham Beckel, the movie explores the devastating effects of false allegations and wrongful convictions on a family and a community.

The movie is based on the real-life case of Cheryl and Stephen Lynn of California, who were accused and convicted of molesting their own children in the early 1990s. The Lynns, who had seven children and ran a successful daycare center, were accused by their eldest daughter of sexual abuse, which led to a lengthy investigation and trial that eventually resulted in their conviction and lengthy prison sentences.

Just Ask My Children tells the story from the point of view of the Lynns, their children, and their lawyers, as they fight to clear their names and expose the flawed investigation and legal process that led to their convictions. Virginia Madsen plays Brenda Kniffen, a social worker who becomes an advocate for the Lynns after realizing that the investigation was based on a flawed interviewing technique that led the children to make false allegations. Jeffrey Nordling plays Stephen Lynn, the devoted father and daycare provider who is arrested and imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Graham Beckel plays Tom Jarndyce, the Lynns' lawyer who doggedly pursues the truth and eventually wins their freedom.

The movie explores the devastating effects of the false allegations and wrongful conviction on the Lynn family and their community, as well as the larger issues of false memories and suggestive interviewing techniques that can lead to false allegations in cases of child abuse. It also raises important questions about the reliability of eyewitness testimony and the role of the media in shaping public opinion about criminal cases.

The movie is notable for its compelling performances and its unflinching portrayal of the emotional toll that false allegations and wrongful convictions can take on individuals and families. Virginia Madsen gives a powerful performance as Brenda Kniffen, the social worker who becomes an advocate for the Lynns, conveying both her passion for her work and her deep sense of empathy for the family she is trying to help. Jeffrey Nordling is equally convincing as Stephen Lynn, the devoted father and daycare provider who is wrongly accused and imprisoned, conveying both his shock and despair at the turn his life has taken.

Graham Beckel is also excellent as the Lynns' lawyer, Tom Jarndyce, conveying both his dogged determination to uncover the truth and his weariness at the long and difficult legal battle. The movie also features strong performances from the young actors who play the Lynn children, conveying both their confusion and their loyalty to their parents in the face of the accusations.

Overall, Just Ask My Children is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that raises important questions about the reliability of eyewitness testimony and the role of the media in shaping public opinion about criminal cases. It is a testament to the resilience and courage of the Lynns and their family, and a reminder of the importance of justice and fairness in our legal system.

Just Ask My Children is a 2001 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.