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BY ERIK SHUTE

The cable network Lifetime is notorious for its retelling of stories involving nonfiction plots and prominent roles for women.  Unfortunately, it might have over stepped its bounds while producing The Amanda Knox Story.

In December 2009, college student Amanda Knox was sentenced for 26 years in prison for the murder of her British roommate Meredith Kercher.  Now, the case that drew a media circus will soon be released to all audiences in a made-for-television Lifetime feature premiering in 2011.

Knox’s mother, Edda Mellas talked with CBS after hearing Lifetime will shoot the movie while the case is being appealed.

REPORTER: “What does Amanda think about a movie being made about her?
MELLAS: “She’s a very private person, she just can’t believe that people would try to tell her story and don’t know her and haven’t talked to her.  So she finds that just odd.  It’s bizarre.”

The Knox family has not formally said they will fight the movie, but its lawyers have been keeping an eye on the movie during the appeals.  The Toronto Sun reports the defense is likely to seize any copy of the film shown before the case is finished.

“Knox has maintained her innocence and is challenging the guilty verdict - and her lawyers are adamant movie bosses should not be allowed to take her story to Hollywood until the outcome of the appeal is heard.”

Entertainment Weekly’s Pop Watch agrees with Knox’s family.  She believes the entire idea is unfounded and very premature.

“The case remains controversial because many believe the media frenzy in Italy led to Knox’s unfair trial. I find it odd that they’re trying to make a TV movie out of this case, especially since there’s still so much speculation about what exactly occurred the night of Kercher’s murder.”

IndieWire’s Sophia Savage says at least there will be some prominent actors who could benefit from the dark, edgy, and realistic plot.

“Fittingly, American sweetheart Hayden Panettiere will play Knox.  Panettiere, however, is a TV actress who may be able to use this vehicle to break out of her adorable niche.”

Panettiere will play the character “Foxy Knoxy” in the made for TV movie.  Deadline Hollywood reports the cast and perfect plot are just the thing to hook Lifetime’s notable female following.

“With its foreign locale and attractive defendants and victim, bizarre crime involving sex and drugs, and an All-American girl at its center, Knox's case was long expected to get the Hollywood treatment.”

Will the allure of the contentious plot make this movie one of Lifetime’s greatest yet?  Or will Lifetime wind up in court too?  Share your thoughts in our comments section, and on Facebook, and Twitter.