Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story (1996) movie backdrop
Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story (1996) movie poster
199687 minDrama, TV Movie

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story Movie Hit or Flop?

HIT

Verdict:Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is a confirmed HIT based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 7.2/10, it has delivered a compelling experience for fans of the Drama, TV Movie genre.

Is Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story Worth Watching?

Answer: Yes, Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 87 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.

7.23 votes
87Minutes
1996Release Year
Advertisement

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story Review

Last updated: January 11, 2026

🎬 The Premise

Released in 1996, Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on Story about a runner whose bulimia and anorexia threatens both her dream of competing in the Olympics and her marriage to Denver's mayor. Under the direction of Jan Egleson, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.

🎭 Cast & Performance

The film is anchored by performances from Crystal Bernard, Esai Morales, Casey Sander. The chemistry between the leads drives the emotional core of the movie, making the stakes feel genuine.

🎥 Technical Mastery & Style

From a technical standpoint, Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. The sharp editing keeps the narrative moving at a brisk pace, maximizing the impact of the key sequences.

🌍 Social Impact & Cultural Context

Beyond the narrative, Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story resonates with current cultural themes in the Drama space. It effectively mirrors local sentiment while maintaining a global appeal, a rare feat in recent releases.

📺 Where to Watch & Streaming Info

As of January 2026, Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US, UK, and India, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release. Don't miss the high-definition experience provided by premium large format (PLF) screenings.

📖 Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown

The plot of Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story centers on a unique premise within the Drama landscape. Story about a runner whose bulimia and anorexia threatens both her dream of competing in the Olympics and her marriage to Denver's mayor. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1996 cinema will find satisfying and robust.

💡 Ending Explained & Sequel Potential

The ending of Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the triumph of the protagonist over internal conflicts. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.

📝 Final Editorial Verdict

Final verdict for Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story (1996): with an audience rating of 7.2/10, the reception has been generally positive. It is a must-watch for fans of Drama, TV Movie cinema who appreciate attention to detail.

Parents Guide & Age Rating

PG
Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1996 cinematic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story movie hit or flop?

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, TV Movie movies.

Is Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story worth watching?

Yes, Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, TV Movie cinema.

What genre is Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story?

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is a Drama, TV Movie movie that Story about a runner whose bulimia and anorexia threatens both her dream of competing in the Olympics and her marriage to Denver's mayor....

Explore More Verdicts

Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.2
Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/dying-to-be-perfect-the-ellen-hart-pena-story-598054" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 7.2</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story</div></div></a>

Share this rating on your blog or website. Includes a 100% organic backlink.

More with Crystal Bernard

View full filmography

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Is Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story movie hit or flop?

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, TV Movie movies.

Is Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story worth watching?

Yes, Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, TV Movie cinema.

What genre is Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story?

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is a Drama, TV Movie movie that Story about a runner whose bulimia and anorexia threatens both her dream of competing in the Olympics and her marriage to Denver's mayor....

Is Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story family friendly?

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is a Drama, TV Movie movie. Please check the content rating before watching with family.

Where can I watch Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story?

You can find streaming options and availability for Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story on popular platforms. Check movieMx for the latest updates and reviews.

Who is the main cast of Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story?

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story features a talented cast. Check our "Top Cast" section to see the full list of actors and the characters they play in this film.

How long is the movie Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story?

The runtime and duration of Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story are available in the movie details section. It's a gripping story that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Critic Reviews

No reviews found for this filter.