Evelyn Movie Review 2002

Lovable but ale-soaked Desmond Doyle (Brosnan) is abandoned by his wife in 1953. At that time it was believed that a man couldn't care for his children alone, so the children are placed in a church orphanage. A barmaid (Margulies) takes pity on him and convinces him to sober up and seek legal counsel to regain custody. Beresford's straightforward classic style thankfully only alludes to the punishment the children faced rather than exploiting it, choosing instead to focus on the true story of the case against the Family Act of 1941. Faithful retelling brings pertinent items to light, with notable character development. It's refreshing to see Brosnan as an average bloke vs. his 007 persona, and Vavasseu, as the nine-year old Evelyn is one to watch.

Distribution

MGM Home Entertainment, 2500 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA 90404-6061, Phone: (310)449-3000, Fax: (310)449-3100, URL: http://www.mgmhomevideo.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 94 minutes.
Originally from Irish, British.

Cast and Crew

Genres

True Stories, Dads, Period Piece: 1950s, Law & Lawyers, Order in the Court, Dublin, Single Parents, Custody Battles, Family Drama

Screenplay

Paul Pender

Cast

Pierce Brosnan, Aidan Quinn, Julianna Margulies, Sophie Vavasseur, Stephen Rea, Alan Bates, John Lynch, Andrea Irvine, Karen Ardiff, Niall Beagan, Hugh MacDonagh

Cinematography

Andre Fleuren

Director

Bruce Beresford

Music

Stephen Endelman

Other

Brendan Deasy, Humphrey Dixon, Ian Bailie, Joan Bergin, John Stoddart

Producer

Pierce Brosnan, Beau St. Clair, Michael Ohoven, Irish DreamTime, United Artists