The other reviewers have given great descriptions of this wonderfully touching movie, so I'll just say that Kathy Bates shines in this gem. Being a huge Bates fan, I consider this one of her best performances. Also not to be missed, is Soon-Teck Oh, one of Hollywoods most underutilized actors. Best known for his re-accuring roles on "M*A*S*H" [the series version], he brings true warmth and caring to the role of "Mr. Moon".
For anyone looking for a "feel good" movie, this one shouldn't be missed! A Home of our Own
This is the story of a single mom and six children who rent and barely get by from paycheck to paycheck in Los Angeles. When her job is lost, she packs up the family and sets out in a 1948 Plymouth. She promises her offspring that everything will eventually be "buttoned up and beautiful". While driving through Idaho, with the old car about to quit before they do, Mrs. Lacey spots an old would-be house which was begun and then abandoned. She convinces the owner of a nearby nursery to allow her and the children to work for the property. To some of the children it's an adventure, but life for Shayne, the oldest boy, is miserable. He is humiliated by his school coach and is constantly in arguments with his mother. His mother's iron-clad rule is enforced by her use of his deceased father's old belt. Another child whose character is richly developed in the film is middle son Murray. Indoor plumbing becomes his goal in life! Most viewers will probably be very frustrated at the mother's refusal to "take charity" even when her children suffer-- the Christmas scene is especially heartbreaking. I would not spoil the final fourth of the film for you-- but will simply say that it is believable. In fact, the entire story is supposed to be a true one, as stated by Shayne, who narrates these realistic events set in 1962.
"The less you have, the more it hurts when you lose it."
In this independent film Frances Lacey is a widow trying to survive in the man's world of the 1960s. With three boys and three girls, ranging in age from four to fifteen, her task is even harder. Shayne, the eldest, has become the man of the house, albeit begrudgingly. When he talks out of turn he dutifully gets his father's belt and takes his punishment while Lynn, Faye, Murray, Annie and Craig look on.
Frances is a strong persuasive woman who stands up for herself and her children. After being fired from a Los Angeles potato chip factory for standing up to sexual harassment Frances decides, without discussion, to find something better. She sells whatever she can and packs everything else, along with the kids, into their rusty old Plymouth and starts driving.
They end up in rural Idaho sitting in the car outside a dilapidated half built frame house. It's love at first sight for Frances. In exchange for what Frances calls slave labour she makes an exchange with the owner and neighbour, Mr. Moon, for the property and house. He agrees hesitantly and totally unaware of the changes that are going to occur in his life.
For a regular income she talks the local bowling alley owner into hiring her even though she has no experience. She's willing to work and willing to learn. She passes her good work ethics onto her children who also work to earn money to help finish the house. Their only real home since their father died.
A Home of Our Own is an adult film with adult content and narrated by Shayne who looks back to when he was 15 years old. He calls his mother "one of a kind" and she certainly is. Kathy Bates, not surprisingly gives an excellent performance of a distraught woman looking to provide a secure home for her offspring. She doesn't claim to be a perfect woman and she quickly learns from her mistakes but it isn't until a tragedy occurs that she learns she can't control everything, the value of community and that it's ok to ask for help. Edward Furlong plays Shayne and is believable as the loyal son wanting to be the man of the house but torn with the fact he's still a child.
The narrator is director Tony Bill (thank you Tamilisa Wood) who really gives a Wonder Years feel to the film. I highly recommend watching this character driven film. Reviewed by M. E. Wood.
If you know what its like to be poor, or even if you empathise with the unfortunate, then you will surely love this movie. It brings tears to your eyes to see the middle-aged widow, played by Kathy Bates, struggle with her six children, to build a house, from nothing. I believe if you want to give your kids a shock of reality, then this movie is as real as you can get. Many families live like this in the third world. You come away with an appreciation of the true things in life: love, and family values.
I have always loved Kathy Bates movies. This particular one I saw years ago, before it was ever available on video or DVD. When I got my computer one of the first things I did was search for 'A Home of our own'. I wanted to share it with my kids. It is a very humbling movie, and Kathy played the role extremely well. I come from a poor home of 9 children. We were only homeless once, when our house burnt down, but we were able to stay with family. So I guess I related well with the characters and story line. A+ movie and I would recomend it!!!
A Home of Our Own is a nice simple story about a mother and her six children who decide to leave Los Angeles one day, and start over in the mountain regions of Idaho where they meet a friendly guy and eventually build up their dream home.
Once again, Kathy Bates rocks the house down (and yes, I *have* been watching Harry's Law, haha). Her performance in this film leaves me completely speechless and begging for more. Has she ever starred in a BAD movie? I don't think so! Or rather, has she ever put on a disappointing performance?
She plays the role of an intelligent woman struggling to raise her family, and throughout the film we find out more and more about the husband/father and why he's not around.
As far as the kids are concerned, well truth be told, featuring six kids *is* quite a lot, but it works because the only one that really receives any kind of attention and actual plot development is the oldest son.
He learns about the hardships of growing up back in the early 60's and starting over in a new school, having girlfriends, raising his younger brothers and sisters, etc. The only aspect that wasn't really focused on was his ability to develop friends- apparently he had none.
Overall, there's nothing particularly revolutionary about A Home of Our Own. It's just a simple, easy to follow story about a family trying their best to get by through difficult times. In that regard, several people can relate to it, which makes it strike pretty close to home for many of us. In fact, a good comparison would be A Christmas Story, but with less humor and more drama.
Actually A Christmas Story was pretty darn funny, wasn't it? Yeah, a Home of Our Own centers more around drama, which is evident as soon as the Christmas segment comes around. Do NOT miss that incredible segment!
Quality storyline, another Kathy Bates show stealer, and a beautifully well-written storyline makes this film a winner in my book. - Movie - Edward Furlong - Dvd - Family'
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