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Fried Green Tomatoes: Collector's Edition

Fried Green Tomatoes: Collector's Edition

List Price: $14.98
Your Price: $10.49
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The Extra Scenes Are Worth It!
Review: First of all, I loved this movie when it was in the theatre! Great characters, great plot, wonderful writing. Not as good as the novel, but quite good nonetheless. As for the missing scenes that were added to this DVD, let's put it this way--the question about the "real" relationship Idgie and Ruth is cleared up entirely. And I mean cleared up. Very hot stuff. I can understand why it wasn't released this way in the theatre. These missing scenes don't so much add to the story plot-wise, but they are worth a look. Trust me.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Top Ten
Review: This film is one of my top ten favorites of all time. Without getting long winded like some of the other way too long reviews, I can sum it up in a couple sentences: If you like a combination Drama, Comedy, Suspense & even Thriller, you will like Fried Green Tomatoes. If you don't mind watching a movie that takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride than you will like Fried Green Tomatoes. I will watch this movie over an over again the rest of my life, most likely, you will too...

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Whistle Stop Women
Review: Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy are amazing. Mary-Louise Parker and Mary Stuart Masterson are equally powerful. The performances in this film would be enough to make it a favorite if not for the magnificent story. Jon Avnet has directed on of my top 20 films with great care. Everything in this film is perfect, the story, the acting, the music, the pacing, and the framing. The special edition DVD adds new scenes that were edited from the original theatrical release because of concerns over length. They are a welcome addition. The special features are extraordinary, including an isolated music score, and one of my favorite commentary tracks by Jon Avnet. The poster gallery and recipe cards are also a welcome addition. TOWANDA!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Immensely entertaining in many diverse ways.
Review: Get out the tissues and get ready for laughs and tears as Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy dish out the humor and the sadness that makes "Fried Green Tomatoes" such a popular hit among all types of people. The movie is a stunning vignette of life in a time gone by, regailed by an witty old lady to an aging woman who feels her femininity slipping through her fingers. The movie proves that the simplest elements of any friendship are those that are strong enough to survive any ordeal, and it tells this in such a way that one cannot help but enjoy it. For me, the movie strikes such a deep chord within my heart that it kept me captivated throughout: its powerful performances and emotional story is depressing and funny, but proves to be uplifting and joyful.

The story centers around the unlikely friendship between octegenarian Ninny Threadgood, who resides at a nursing home that the menopausal Evelyn Couch happens to be visiting one day. The two meet, and Ninny begins to tell her the story of a young, rebellious girl named Igdy Threadgood, who is devastated by the death of her brother Buddy and alienates herself from her family and few friends. Captivated by the conversation, Evelyn cannot help but return for more of the story, and thus begins a close friendship between the two.

Ninny's story continues into a mesmerizing tale of emotional strength and courage of two women who refused to allow anything stand in their way. Idgy soon makes her way back into her family's life, with the help of Buddy's sweetheart, Ruth Jamison. Ruth is good-natured and proper, but soon learns the ways of fun and giddiness from Idgy's rambunctious tactics. Their frienship soon begins to flounder when Ruth's marriage separates them, but upon learning that Ruth is being beaten by her husband, she comes to the rescue in a heartbeat. Upon the opening of a restaurant, their relationship grows stronger, ultimately proving that it can survive anything.

And there are even more hardships in store for them, ones that cannot be disclosed for fear of giving too much of the suspenseful and sometimes hilarious ending away. There is a mystery involving the characters of the past, one that brings us into its arms and holds tight until the final resolution.

Crossed with Ninny's story is the present-day life of Evelyn, whose menopausal outbursts provide some of the funniest film moments to date. Her marriage is all but fulfilling, as displayed in her attempts to get her husband "in the mood." Attending classes in order to try and rediscover her femininity only succeeds in making her look and feel more foolish. And her sweet nature will not allow her to stand up for herself in any way, shape or form. This is where Ninny's story has such an uplifting impact on her: through the stories of Ruth and Idgy, Evelyn is able to turn her life into the one she has always wanted, with hilarious results.

Ninny's story is universal in its themes, but is set in the 1930's in the fictional Southern town of Whistle Stop, which is decribed by Ninny as "a little knock-about place." The movie doesn't just bring that time and place to life, but instead reincarnates it through vivid use of authentic set designs and costumes. Everything about this film oozes of this period in time, which is essential to a movie whose setting revolves around it. I was more than convinced by it, which allowed me to pay attention to the more important aspects the movie serves up.

Its many themes are gloriously portrayed through the two friendships, in different ways and mannerisms. Ruth and Idgy have such a strong bond, and they were able to sell me on that friendship, which is what wins the movie over for me. Their willingness to do anything for one another, and I do mean anything, inspires a very warm feeling of devotion and emotional ties. The friendship between Evelyn and Ninny is so special because of the circumstances under which they meet as well as the many ways in which Ninny inspires Evelyn to take charge of her life. Like Idgy and Ruth, they are there for one another when the going gets tough, which strengthens their bond and keeps their friendship intriguing to watch unfold.

The movie is full of so many elements: laughter, heartwarming emotion, depression, and tears. The laughter comes from the mischievous machinations of Ruth and Idgy, as well as from Evelyn's reawakening. The emotion comes from watching the devotion of these friends, and the lengths they go to for one another. And the tears... they are not so much tears of sadness as they are tears of joy for the message of friendship and togetherness that the movie shouts out. This story speaks to us on so many different levels, and it reaches all of these levels with peak intensity and success.

The defining work in this film comes from the incredibly strong performances of the four actresses who bring their characters to life with a brilliant deluge of emotion. Jessica Tandy portrays Ninny with a charm and spry wit that makes her character loveable and realistic. Kathy Bates is a knock-out as Evelyn, and her incredible performance as a woman on the brink of losing her mind and then finding her true happiness is impeccable and delightful. Both Tandy and Bates garnered Academy Awards for their work in this film. Mary Stuart Masterson is the tomboyish Idgy, bringing out all of her character's traits and characteristics meticulously and, it appears, with incredible ease. Mary Louise Parker is convincing as the well-rounded Ruth, retaining her proper ways yet never allowing them to interfere with their friendship.

I was highly entertained in many different ways by "Fried Green Tomatoes." The performances were solid and convincing. The characters were intriguing and genuine, emotional and moving. The story speaks out in many ways about the ties of friendship and love, while harnessing all of its themes and messages together without falling short on delivering them. The film proves itself to be a worthy human drama with a solid backbone.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: TOWANDA!
Review: I've read Fannie Flagg's book which eventually became this movie. The book was very good and this video is even better. It brings to life this small sleepy town and its characters. The acting was fantastic.

Better yet is the opportunity to visit the small community where the film was made. That's right--go to Juliette, Georgia to see Smokey Lonesome's shack. See that fabulous barbeque pit where Frank Bennett became so tasty even though he was a dispicable man. See the headstone of Buddy Jrs arm. Tour Ruth & Idgy's home. Look at the spillway where Idgy fished and the railroad tracks that took Buddy's life and Buddy Jrs arm. BUT most importantly--enter The Whistlestop Cafe and sit down for an order of Fried Green Tomatoes. That's right--the cafe is there and open to the public. You'll never forget your visit to this little community. AND it will help even more to bring to life this wonderful film.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Stop To Smell The Roses
Review: A highly under appreciated movie that spans two generations. It is really difficult to write about a story that touches you so personally and this is one of those situations. Having lived in a rural town, I can see the power of a place like the Whistle Stop Cafe and the impact that lives of two people can mean to each other. The parallel lives of Idgie and Ruth juxtaposed by the chance meeting of Ninny and Evelyn show us nothing less than the power of friendship in a time of caricatures and high tech. Masterson, Parker, Tandy and Bates produce a tension that is Oscar caliber and produces beauty. Take all that and combine it with memorable moments and you have a masterpiece for all times. I loved the nostalgia, the stopping to listen to stories. Bee Charmer Idgie stops at nothing to live for others, specially that time when she took Ruth on a train ride only to throw the food over to the less fortunate and to give a nervous drunk a quick fix and story to ease the pain. Oh how I wish I had time to effect such altruism, maybe I really do. Like Evelyn says: 'I'm too young to be old and too old to be young.' But it is movies like this that leave you with "Lord never shuts one door without opening another." It is a movie of getting a life, good food and good company. It is movie of possibility and since we are, as Hiedegger says, in a state of becoming, the show opens up for us a fresh look at the possibilities of life and a fresh look a plastic wrap. Watch it over and over again and feel the potential and see what life has to offer. A resounding 5 stars, nothing less.

Miguel Llora

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: very good movie
Review: but one wonders if it was a politically correct southern lesbian flick ? anyhow,kathy bates is one of the best actress in hollywood and jessica tandy was a treasure...not just a click flick

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: NOT A CHICK MOVIE!
Review: I've heard this movie referred to as a chick movie, but that is very much NOT THE CASE. It IS a very touching, intricate story from the past woven around another story in the present. The two stories have one major thing in common--friendship. This was adapted from Fannie Flagg's excellent novel and the actors, producers and writers all did a fantastic job bringing it on to the big screen. This is one of the best movies to come out in recent years. Highly recommended.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: The Best Movie Ever
Review: Fried Green Tomatoes was the best movie ever made. It tells two storys of two different people at the same time. Kathy Bates who plays the role of Evelin Couch meets an old lady named Ninny at the nursing home while going to see her husbands Aunt. Well the two become good friends and Ninny Thredgood, who is played by Jessica Tandy, starts to tell the story of two friends who lived in the 1920's and 30's. It is the story of Idgy and Ruth. The two were the best of friends who shared an exciting life together. They shared the pain and passion of each other and were there to protect one another when things were going wrong. They went through murder trials, spousal abuse, and they shared the death of people they loved. Though they had many hard times, they also had a lot of fun together. They got drunk, played poker, played baseball, and many more things. So if your the type of person who loves heart felt storys that touch the heart I recommened you to watch this movie.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: As good today as it was when it was first released
Review: I recently purchased a copy of this film to add to my video collection. I saw it when it first came out and loved it and still enjoy it as much today. You become especially bonded with the characters in this movie and it is very well acted. The story line, blending modern day with those of days gone by gives you a little extra for your money. Kathy Bates is absolutely outstanding in this film as is Jessica Tandy, a long-time favorite of mine. You can't help but fall in love with Idgy and her Huck Finn type personality and the gentle yet strong, Ruth. I movie worth owning and watching regularly, just to bring up your spirits and make you feel good.


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