md-bethesda The New Yorker magazine--we can trust them, can't we?!--reviewed this movie as the true story written by Duncan, who is the screenwriter--you can read the review at the New Yorker site. Anyone who sees it will want to believe that it is true. Regardless, for any Kathy Bates fan,this is a must-see. The dry wit and honesty of the 60's dialogue is simultaneously nostalgic and refreshing. For anyone from a large family in the early 60s, scenes will bring back memories that will delight and disgust--like mixing vats of egg salad in the Miracle Whip jar. Kathy Bates shines as always, but every actor in this holds their own--even the children. Watch it--you'll love it.

signingemma Movies about real live people, especially that have worked so hard to overcome and endure are heartwarming. I am grateful to see that there is good in the world and everyone is not self-absorbed. Sometimes people are faced with trials they have no control over. Keeping positive and looking to the future usually ends in better results than sulking and complaining. No one wishes for hard luck to fall on others. We need to remember that if we currently are prosperous, we should consider those in need. It may turn out that they can help us in the future. This is a great movie that reminds us of what it means to be human and charitable.

spiderdancer1 As usual, Kathy Bates is outstanding in her performance.There aren't many movies that get to me emotionally, but this one sure did. I found myself identifying with more than one character: As a single mother, it wasn't hard at all to relate to Frances' struggles. As a former willful but loving teenager, I sympathized a lot with Shane, too.I felt myself sharing the family's joys, struggles and disappointments, and learned a few things along the way. Sometimes it's true that pride goeth before a fall.A very believable plot and great acting throughout, this is a must-see movie.

acearms Kathy Bates and Edward Furlong were great. The story flowed and at times was a tear jerker. One couldn't help but root for the family and their drive to have a home called their own. One mother's desire to hold her family together at all costs. Not an Oscar winner, but a real down to earth humanistic story all can relate to. A MUST SEE.