Rating: 
Summary: Maybe you have to read the book...
Review: to get the most out of this film. I found it to be hard to follow and full of holes. Don't get me wrong, the cast did a great job with what they were given, which wasn't an awful lot. It's basically a back and forth journey from the present to the past, with none of the segments being particularly well defined. I must also mention that the older ya-yas were the true stars of this movie. Be prepared to call your Mom when it's over! There was way too much cussing, and when it was over and the credits began to roll, I found myself still staring up at the screen asking, is that it? Not because I enjoyed it so much that I didn't want it to end but because I had so many unanswered questions. It's a true chick-flick, and rightly so. There is a lot of screaming, crying, hormonal hysteria, occasional insanity, and identity crises. Oh yes, and did I mention the cussing?
Rating: 
Summary: Nominations And Awards
Review: This film is easily one of the best films this year, and certainly the best movie that I have seen. I have not read the book, so I can offer no comments comparing the book and the film. Films rarely live up to their written inspiration, but I would wager this film has come as close as any attempt.Callie Khouri who earned an Academy Award for her screenplay, "Thelma And Louise", took on an incredible lineup of talent for her first effort as director. This lady utilizes all the talent and experience of the cast to put a beautiful film on the screen. A host of stars cannot make a movie if the story and direction are not equal to their talent. Everyone in this film was wonderful and I would love to watch the process for deciding who gets recognized. Ashley Judd has given the performance of her career, Sandra Bullock engages with all of the major players effortlessly, and even the small male parts were wonderfully cast. And then to have Ellen Burstyn and Maggie Smith and a host of others all playing pitch perfect roles, you won't get more for your admission paid from another film. If you want to see a film that is a match for any that has been released this year, and will be short-listed as this year comes to a close, go see this film. It may star mainly women, and a woman may direct it, but this film will appeal to anyone who appreciates good filmmaking. And with all of the players this film has, the probability that one or more of your favorite actresses is here is very high. Credit also must go to James Garner and Angus MacFadyen. When they are on screen they hold their own with what is easily the best ensemble of women of the cinema since, "Steel Magnolias".
Rating:
Summary: Ya Ya's Rule
Review: Just saw the movie and loved it!! It certainly did the book justice. The acting was superb and I can't wait to see it again.
Rating:
Summary: YA YA Review from Empress Green Thumb
Review: As the daughter of a Southern Mother and Yankee father, I grew up under war conditions as the battle between North and South never quit. This book, and LITTLE ALTARS EVERYWHERE both tell of the damage growing up in the time before bras were burned and the pill came to be. Women were chattel and had to escape in various ways in order to survive abuse. I know. Although these books portray Roman Catholic Southern Women, which is quite different from Protestant Southern Women-who-have-been-here-and-are-FFV, the theme resonates with any woman who has led less than an ideal life. Poignant, joyful, tragic, Rebecca Wells has revealed the heart of pre-liberation women. Thanks be to God, the Secret is Out!
Rating: 
Summary: ya-ya, yeah, yeah...
Review: If you've read the book, do not see the movie. Miss-cast, miss-directed. Take an endearing story of women of strong character, and replace the layers so carefully revealed in the book with strident screaming women with acting about as animated as a wooden puppet on steriods. If you haven't read the book, you may enjoy it as complete fluff. But only if you really beleiuve Sandra Bullock is the next Great Actress. Wait for the video.
Rating:
Summary: Chick Flicks aren't what they used to be
Review: WARNING: This review is from a heterosexual male that was not coaxed by a girlfriend or wife to go see this movie or give it the following critique. :) Chick flicks have come a long way since the days of Beaches; even though Bette Midler's one of the executive producers of Ya-Ya. They are now easier to stomach without getting overly sappy. A mother and daughter reflect on their past after the daughter's commentary in a magazine sparks up the mother's bitterness. The mother, played by Ellen Burstyn in the present time and by Ashley Judd in the past, has kept a few too many secrets from her daughter; and, it takes the assistance of three of the mother's closest friends, the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, to make amends between the two. I admit that I am not the biggest Sandra Bullock fan in the world. But, after seeing this movie, I believe she will finally get that Oscar nomination she's been looking for.. as well as Ellen, Ashley, and Maggie Smith who plays Caro, one of the friends in need. I did not see one bad performance out of any of the cast, child actors included. I'm doubting the male actors will be recognized by the Academy due to the shortness of their roles on film. Is this a decent date movie? Ya-Ya! Is this the perfect movie for a mother and daughter to see together? Ya-Ya! Do we get to see Ashley's Ya-Yas in this movie? No-no. :( BUT, a thin low-cut negligee in cold weather on her is a decent substitute. ;) Movie warnings: profanity, child vomiting, racism, drug abuse, and child abuse. This movie is definitely worth the matinee AND evening show prices.
Rating: 
Summary: Sisterhood is for the Birds.
Review: This movie is really corny and full of recycled movie clitiches. Sandra Bullock should stop trying to pretend she is an actress ( so should Jenifer Lopez for that matter) and Ashley Judd needs to get better film roles. Thumbs down for bad screenplay and direction.
Rating:
Summary: Ya-Ya's Unite
Review: I caught a sneak of this film last night & really, really enjoyed it. Sandra Bulloch, Maggie Smith (she should get a Best Supporting), Ashley Judd (hello, Oscar?)and Ellen Bursten are particularly wonderful in conveying "the Southern way." I think everyone in the audience could take something away at the conclusion of the film. It's poignant, funny, happy, sad...just a wonderful product from Bette Midler's production company!
Rating: 
Summary: excellent adaptation
Review: I totally loved this film. Fans of the novel will NOT be disappointed. Some of the scenes are altered from the book, and some of the plot is omitted entirely, of course, but that's the way it always is with movies based on novels. Ashley Judd again gives an inspired performance in my opinion. James Garner is great also, as is Maggie Smith. Sandra Bullock is OK as Sidda, but you know how that is-- Sandra Bullock is never much more than just OK. Callie Khouri did a great job directing this-- it's like watching life itself unfold before your eyes. A great line from the movie is "they'll explain it at The Betty"-- just wait until you see it for yourself; you won't be disappointed. ken32
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal
Review: I was fortunate enough to see this movie at an early premiere. From the moment the movie began it was true to the incredible spirit, integrity and vitality of the novel. There are some changes of course, (using a plane instead of an elephant for Lawanda), but not only does it work, this is by far the best book to movie adaptation I've ever seen. I've always been bitterly disappointed by the movie version of powerful books, but "Divine Secrets" has broken that mold. There is never a dull moment, slow script or moment that doesn't shine. My only criticism was the rather dispassionate way Sidda (Sandra Bullock) responded to Vivi (Ellen Burnstyn) at the very end of the movie. But whether you're a ya-ya or simply looking for a phenomenal story to sit down to, this movie is so layered with intensity you'd have to be dead to miss it. Don't let the label "chick flick" mislead you, it's much more than that. Ashley Judd has never made a movie before this as far as I'm concerned, but it was the actresses that played the older ya-ya's that completely stole the show! I'm counting the days till the DVD release! YA-YA!
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