Posted by Prufrock at sdn-ap-008caburbp1315.dialsprint.net on April 16, 2002 at 20:55:22:
I just returned from a great weekend of filmgoing at the Taos Talking Picture Festival in Taos, NM and was lucky enough to be in the audience for the world premier of Joey Lauren Adam's new movie "Grand Champion." This film is apparently so new there isn't even a listing yet for it in the IMDB. In the film, Joey plays a single mom who is trying to raise two children with no income on a farm in Snyder, Tx. The story follows her son Buddy as he and his sister raise a calf named Hokey to be a Grand Champion steer. When Buddy wins the Grand Championship he auctions off Hokey to raise money to support the family. Buddy soon finds out his steer is going to be barbecued and kidnaps him back from the new owner, played by Bruce Willis. Joey Lauren Adams performance rang very true and heartfelt as a mother, a role I was surprised to see her play. She was on hand for a Q and A with the director Barry Tubb but she looked very uncomfortable standing at the front of the room so she was very quiet. Julia Roberts was in attendance in support since her niece Emma Roberts plays the role of Joey's daughter in the film. I believe Julia's presence may have overshadowed hers a bit but it was great to get the chance to see her in person and this was a fun family flick.