In the early 1960s, a 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 well-cast as real-life perennial contest winner Evelyn Ryan, yet 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 'cute' narration--often played directly to the camera--sticks out as an artifice, while Woody Harrelson's dark presence as unhappy Mr. Ryan is the movie equivalent of a flat tire. At one point, after a violent situation has resulted in Moore having to go to the hospital, she and Harrelson have a sensual reconciliation in the bathroom that gives off creepy vibes (this perky lady suddenly becomes a masochist). The film's art direction and design are accurate, and Julianne's true grit is admirable, but the story just isn't gripping on a dramatic level. ** from ****