Captivating movie !

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

This film isn't about anything of Earth-shattering importance, except to the real-life family whose story it tells. In it are many fine examples of how a wonderful woman, and loving, long-suffering, wife and mother, made things happen for her family, raising 10 happy and successful children, in spite of serious trials. Not only that, but she manages to keep smiling and looking at the bright side, through all but the most difficult. It's acted very well, although I will say that I found Woody Harrelson, as the father, in a red wig, pulled it down, in a few spots. I don't think the problem was his performance, I just don't think he was especially suited to the role.Overall, this film is VERY well worth the time to watch it!

In the early 1960s, small town wife and mother of 10, facing hard times, wins a slogan contest and buys her family a new home, but that doesn't ease the volatile nature of her deeply troubled, resentful husband. Julianne Moore is probably well-cast as real-life perennial contest winner Evelyn Ryan, but this adaptation of Terry Ryan's memoir is episodic and thinly-conceived, and doesn't allow Moore anything to play but sunshiny perseverance and hopeful determination (which isn't enough to build a tangible character on). Moore's perky narration--often played directly to the camera--sticks out as an uncomfortable artifice, while Woody Harrelson's dark presence as unhappy Mr. Ryan is the equivalent of a flat tire. At one point, after a violent situation has resulted in Moore's going to the hospital, she and Harrelson have a sensual make-up moment in the bathroom, a scene which gave me the creeps. The accurate art direction and design are the main things to see here, and Moore's true grit is admirable, but the story just isn't gripping on a dramatic level. ** from ****

My only quarrel is Hollywood's inability to get the costume, music, and other details of the 50s-60s era accurate.When the main character goes to Goshen, Indiana, she takes country roads instead of the interstate-- which was long finished by 1963.The ladies are all dressed and wearing gloves, but women wouldn't wear gloves in 1963 for anything less formal than a church service or a country club party. The dresses/gloves outfits date from about 1958.The music played in the car on this 1963 trip is "How High the Moon," a hit for Les Paul and Mary Ford in 1951. By 1963, Elvis, the Beatles, and rock and roll were well-established.Also the kids were wearing what look like brand new saddle shoes, and brand new Converse All-stars. Doubtful for this family.Details, but these and others were off.

I watched THE PRIZEWINNER OF DEFIANCE, OHIO on DVD two nights ago and was deeply moved by it. Yesterday, as I had my sister (58) and my aunt (77) visiting for the day, I suggested that we watch it together and both of them were also very taken by the film. I think most people, and especially women who lived through the fifties and sixties, can relate to the story of this American family. The whole era is brought back to us in a very intelligent and accurate way, giving us images that are historically correct, often amusing and quite emotionally charged at times. The director must be praised for her masterful adaptation of the original novel and sensitive rendition of the screenplay in cinematic terms. Superb art direction and cinematography make meaningful contributions to the overall quality of the film. The cast is uniformly excellent even to the smallest parts. Woody Harrelson and Julianne Moore are nothing short of outstanding in their respective roles. This is a film that should find a wider audience, given the beauty of its message and its quiet, honest and highly effective emotional content.