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Evelyn on DVD

Evelyn on DVD

Pierce Brosnan spends some of his 007 capital on this true story of an Irish man who battled the establishment to win back his kids.

When we read the description on the DVD box, we expected a piece of politically correct rubbish and put “Evelyn” to the bottom of our “To Review” pile. As it turns out, this was a mistake, because this is actually a darn good movie that deserves to be seen.

It’s a gentle story told with class, which is notable in this age of, it seems, sex, violence, and profanity almost for the sake of such.

Evelyn is story of a father whose love for his children, and strength of character, changed the Irish code of laws. The movie appears to have been a labor of love for star and co-producer Brosnan, who shakes off his James Bond (and “Big Movie”) mantle to show his more human side. He brings a touch of Everyman to his portrayal of Desmond Doyle, a struggling tradesman and father of three who’s also a habitual pub-crawler. Doyle’s wife abandons them and, despite Desmond's being a loving father, finds that Irish law dictates his children be removed by force from his custody and incarcerated in Catholic orphanages.

The movie recounts his fight for them, against overwhelming odds.

Fortunately, Doyle comes into contact with two credible and very human lawyers (Stephen Rea, Aidan Quinn) – which almost makes this movie seem like complete fiction.

Anyway, lawyer jokes aside, these two gentlemen of the legal profession seize the opportunity not only to help Doyle, but to revolutionize the Irish courts as well.

Director Bruce Beresford elicits fine performances from Brosnan, Julianna Margulies (as a barmaid who, undoubtedly to her boss’ chagrin, inspires Doyle toward teetotaling), and Sophie Vavasseur in the title role as the bright, determined daughter of the title who’s unhappy and abused in the orphanage.

Sentimental, but never schmaltz, Evelyn is well made, entertaining, and simply busting out with Irish spirit.

Brosnan doesn’t get enough credit for his craft, and Evelyn is a fine example of what this good actor can do when allowed to flex his acting muscles.

The DVD is quite good as well. MGM has released it in anamorphic widescreen (16x9 TV compatible) and the picture quality is very good. The image can be a tad soft at times, but never fuzzy – and the color is very good.

Audio is Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, though we didn’t notice a lot of surround, and the overall quality is fine. Since there are no explosions, space battles or the like, this isn’t the type of movie that’ll be a real workout for your amps and speakers, but it’s nice to give them a rest sometimes.

Extras include a running commentary by director Beresford and another one featuring Brosnan and producer Beau St. Clair. There’s also a featurette on “the story behind the story,” another look behind the scenes, a photo gallery, “soundtrack spot” and the trailer.

Evelyn, from MGM Home Video
95 min. amamorphic widescreen (2.35:1), 16x9 TV compatible, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
Starring Pierce Brosnan, Aidan Quinn, Julianna Margulies, Alan Bates
Produced by Pierce Brosnan, Beau St. Clair, Michael Ohoven
Written by Paul Pender, Directed by Bruce Beresford

 

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