Review: The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio
Julianne Moore is an awesome actress! She can turn any movie she does into something worth seeing, even if the rest of the movie is total shit.
However, that is not the case with The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio. Even though it was maligned by Nathaniel of the Film Experience (who loves Julianne Moore by the way), it is not being maligned by me.
This film takes place in the 1950's and 60's in Defiance, Ohio. Evelyn Ryan (Moore) has 10 kids. She lives in a small house with them, and her husband Kelly Ryan (Woody Harrelson). Even though Evelyn is saddled with many chores, and has to look after her alcoholic and abusive husband when needed, she stills manages to wear a smile on her face.
The great thing about this movie is the fact that it is based on a true story. Evelyn raised her kids mostly on the jingles she wrote and sent in for different products. Of the things she won, the most valuable to me, it looked like, was the shopping spree. With the help of 2 women that worked in the store, Evelyn got a lot of food.
Even though food was a major thing to have, so was money. Not all of the contests came with money, but when they did, Evelyn and her family made sure they used it to the fullest.
Another added bonus that came with the jingle contest was a woman who had heard Evelyn's jingle and wanted to meet her. That womans name was Dorotha Schaefer (played by Laura Dern). That is a trip that would change Evelyn's life from then on.
The ending is definitely something and I don't want to give anything away.
Julianne Moore was the perfect choice for this role. She doesn't overdo the perkiness, but doesn't underplay it either. She is right in the middle and thats the way it should be. I know a lot of people don't like the fact that she has been typecast in these "mother" roles (Freedomland & The Forgotten), but I think this is where she excels. No doubt that she excels in her other roles, but she does excellent work in the mother area as well.
Woody Harrelson is good, but not great. There are times when I think he went too over the top and should've toned it down.
Laura Dern is good for what her role is. Nothing special.
All the kids are wonderful and there is not a forced performance in that bunch. They are all natural talents and I would like to see them in future movies.
Jane Anderson does extremely well with the direction and really captures the feel of the 1950's and 60's. Everything looks great.
This is a very good movie and people should check it out. A-
However, that is not the case with The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio. Even though it was maligned by Nathaniel of the Film Experience (who loves Julianne Moore by the way), it is not being maligned by me.
This film takes place in the 1950's and 60's in Defiance, Ohio. Evelyn Ryan (Moore) has 10 kids. She lives in a small house with them, and her husband Kelly Ryan (Woody Harrelson). Even though Evelyn is saddled with many chores, and has to look after her alcoholic and abusive husband when needed, she stills manages to wear a smile on her face.
The great thing about this movie is the fact that it is based on a true story. Evelyn raised her kids mostly on the jingles she wrote and sent in for different products. Of the things she won, the most valuable to me, it looked like, was the shopping spree. With the help of 2 women that worked in the store, Evelyn got a lot of food.
Even though food was a major thing to have, so was money. Not all of the contests came with money, but when they did, Evelyn and her family made sure they used it to the fullest.
Another added bonus that came with the jingle contest was a woman who had heard Evelyn's jingle and wanted to meet her. That womans name was Dorotha Schaefer (played by Laura Dern). That is a trip that would change Evelyn's life from then on.
The ending is definitely something and I don't want to give anything away.
Julianne Moore was the perfect choice for this role. She doesn't overdo the perkiness, but doesn't underplay it either. She is right in the middle and thats the way it should be. I know a lot of people don't like the fact that she has been typecast in these "mother" roles (Freedomland & The Forgotten), but I think this is where she excels. No doubt that she excels in her other roles, but she does excellent work in the mother area as well.
Woody Harrelson is good, but not great. There are times when I think he went too over the top and should've toned it down.
Laura Dern is good for what her role is. Nothing special.
All the kids are wonderful and there is not a forced performance in that bunch. They are all natural talents and I would like to see them in future movies.
Jane Anderson does extremely well with the direction and really captures the feel of the 1950's and 60's. Everything looks great.
This is a very good movie and people should check it out. A-
posted by Barry at
4:14 PM
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