Set at its start in the kitschy, colorful, jingle-obsessed 1950s, "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio" gets two things absolutely right. First it's the look — the perfect pink-and-white polka-dot housedresses, the gadgets, the aprons, the white-enameled appliances, the crazy-cow salt and pepper shakers. Then there's one of the surest things in movies — Julianne Moore. Read the full review
Contests for advertising jingles in the 1950s and '60s brought thousands of dollars in cash and prizes to American housewives. But of all the "jingle-belles," none out-rhymed Evelyn Ryan, whose uncommon wit earned the income necessary to keep afloat a family of 10 kids — and one alcoholic husband.
Director: Jane Anderson
Starring: Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, Ellary Porterfield, Frank Chiesurin
Run time: 99 minutes
Release date: Sept. 30, 2005
Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, some disturbing images and language.
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: C+
"It makes for a nice Mother's Day card. But not enough for a complete movie."
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