Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story

  • 1996
  • PG
  • 87m
movieMx RATING
7.2/103
VERDICT
HIT
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Performance & Direction: Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story Review

Last updated: February 7, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 7, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story features a noteworthy lineup led by Crystal Bernard . Supported by the likes of Esai Morales and Casey Sander , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.

Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.

💡 Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?

In summary, our editorial assessment of Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story (1996) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Result: HIT
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story stands as a HIT.

Story & Plot Summary: Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story

Quick Plot Summary: Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is a Drama, TV Movie film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story

Ending Breakdown: Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.

The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.

Ending Analysis:

  • Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
  • Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
  • Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of the cast or director
  • Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
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Top Cast: Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story

All Cast & Crew →
Crystal Bernard
Crystal BernardEllen Hart Pena
Esai Morales
Esai MoralesFederico Pena
Casey Sander
Casey SanderDave Shattuck
Tom Atkins
Tom AtkinsHenry Hart
Amy Reece
Amy ReeceChris Hart
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Where to Watch Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story Online?

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Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story Parents Guide & Age Rating

1996 Advisory
PG

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

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

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.2/10, and global performance metrics, Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story. Rating: 7.2/10

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.2/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story?

The total duration of Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story is 87 minutes, which is approximately 1h 27m long.

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How Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.2
Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story
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