Rating: 
Summary: "Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion."
Review: In 1989, audiences were treated to an all-star cast in the film "Steel Magnolias", which follows the lives of several women who are all friends in a small Louisiana town. The film was directed by Herbert Ross (1927-2001), who directed "The Goodbye Girl" (1977) and "The Turning Point" (1977, for which he received an Oscar nomination for Best Director). It was written by Robert Harding, who had originally written "Steel Magnolias" as a play and also adapted Olivia Goldsmith's novel into the screenplay for "The First Wives Club" (1996).The story begins with a young woman, Annelle Dupuy (Daryl Hannah), who is new to the Lousiana town and planning to work as a beautician for Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton), whose husband Spud Jones (Sam Shepard) is an often out-of-work contractor. Impressed with her abilities, Truvy hires Annelle and they receive their first customers of the day: the wealthy widow Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis), the responsible mother M'Lynn Eatenton (Sally Field), her engaged daughter Shelby (Julia Roberts) and the eccentric/antisocial divorcee Ouiser Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine). Since one of the activities that most of the ladies enjoy doing is gossiping, when Ouiser begins to interrogate Annelle about her life, everyone is all ears as Annelle explains her troubled marriage and vanished husband. Shelby then invites Annelle to come to her wedding, which Annelle does and meets a man who becomes very interested in her: Sammy Desoto (Kevin J. O'Connor). Shelby's new husband is Jackson Latcherie (Dylan McDermott), and her outspoken father, Drum Eatenton (Tom Skerritt), often enjoys teasing Ouiser about her aging dog. Shelby suffers from diabetes, but is determined to live as much of a normal life as possible, even when it comes into conflict with M'Lynn's concerns for her health. With its witty script, wonderful story and engaging characters, "Steel Magnolias" is a very entertaining and emotional film. Julia Roberts received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, but disappointingly, Sally Field was not nominated for Best Actress for her exceptional performance, especially during the very emotional funeral scene. Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine and Daryl Hannah performed superbly in their roles, and Dolly Parton was very well casted for her role as Truvy and did an excellent job. Memorable scenes in the film include the opening scenes at Truvy's beauty salon, Shelby's wedding, the Christmas fair, Shelby revealing her pregnancy, other scenes at Truvy's, Annelle's wedding shower, M'Lynn at the hospital, the funeral scene and the closing Easter scenes. Overall, I rate "Steel Magnolias" with 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it on widescreen DVD.
Rating:
Summary: How can you not like this movie?
Review: I have been watching this movie since I was a little kid, and there's no telling how many times I have seen it. But, I still cry every single time I see it and I was so excited when I saw it was out on dvd. i agree that they could have picked someone else to portray "anelle" but everyoe else was wonderful. the acting is superb and the stryline is perfect. I almost wish they could have made a second one but there is no doubt that it could not compete with this one. It is definetley going to go down as one of the great classics and I recommend it to anyone, male or female.
Rating:
Summary: A Hometown Classic
Review: I think this will probably go on some list one day as one of the greatest movies of the 20th century. Not only was the cast diverse and perfectly chosen, they really brought out the truth of the movie. This movie really made people realize that no one has a perfect life, and that even when mirales happen, so do tragedies. Julia Roberts (Shelby) and Sall Field (M'Lynn) really entertained audiences with their dramatic, yet sometimes comedic, relationship as mother and daughter.
The town that this movie was filmed in is actually when I attend college right now--Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. The town itself is almost exactly like it is protrayed in the movie: there really is an annual Christmas festival that is just as wild as it was in the movie, people really are friendly, and that cemetary where "Shelby" is buried at really does exist and is really creepy!
It's also exciting life like Shelby's really did exist. "Shelby"--although not her real name, in real life was a member of the Phi Mu Fraternity at NSU, and her little boy "Jack" is actually in one of my classes!
It's really neat knowing that such a classic movie was made right here in the town in which I am studying.
So, despite the horrible southern accents (the actresses were taught to speak like they were from Georgia and not Louisiana!), this movie is a great family movie and will cause your heart to drop and your eyes to tear. Five stars!
Rating: 
Summary: Addictive...
Review: I normally do NOT watch "chick flicks," I often find them to be annoying and cliched. Don't get me wrong, this movie is filled with annoying moments(most involving Daryl Hannah,) but there is an addictive quality that cannot be explained. I have problems with Olympia Dukakis' "accent" and Sally Field's over-acting, but whenever I see that it is on television...forget it. I am tied up for the next two hours.
Another thing...was Daryl Hannah the only person available to play the part of Annelle? Surely a better choice could have been made. Nothing personal, but her portrayal of the wayward Jesus freak was like fingernails on a chalkboard.
Rating:
Summary: Finally saw it...and loved it.
Review: For years I had seen this movie on department store shelves and toyed with the idea of buying it, mostly for the array of actresses in it I recognized. For one reason or another, though, I never actually saw this movie until it was on TV a few days ago. And did it ever impress me. No, it didn't have any of the elements of the kind of films I usually like--it was southern, and a tad girly, and sweet--but it was dramatic, soft, and sad, with mega-great acting that made the story so touching I had to cry multiple times. So yes, it's a weepy movie, but it's wonderful. Everybody bring your tissues, or handkerchiefs.
Rating:
Summary: Usually worried
Review: Steel Magnolias is a movie that is timeless. You cannot beat it. I know I am in a minority in saying that it is better than Terms of Endearment and Fried Green Tomatoes but in my opinion it really is. The love between the characters is more real and heartfelt and isn't as dismal to watch as in the previous two films. The acting is awesome, as well as the score and plot. The movie will rip your heart out. I highly reccomend it.
Rating:
Summary: True Story
Review: The person who reviewed the movie giving it 2 or 3 stars and claiming not to believe the story is true can be assured that indeed, the story of Shelby in Steel Magnolias in true. Shelby is based upon the story of Robert Harling's sister Susan Harling Robinson and was written in remberance of her for her son who was 2 years old at the time of her death in 1986 due to complication of diabetes and a kidney transplant (from her mother) which ultimately failed. She and her brother Robert attended the exact same university that I now attend: Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She was a member of Phi Mu Kappa Iota Sorority (The second oldest in the nation) and WAS indeed a nurse. For whatever sad reason, Susan decides to have a child ("I would rather have 30 minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special."... one of her famous last words) even though doctor's warn her against this and she ultimately loses her life. The sad facts of life is that her son Robert will never know his mother. The movie is definitely worth watching and I say this not because of the "famous cast," but because it shows that, hey, life is short and sometimes we make choices that cost us dearly. Susan died a very young woman and left behind a husband, son, mother and family forever bereft of her presence. Her brother said (of the script) that he wrote it in 10 days not long after her death because he was angry that she was dead. He later wanted it so that his nephew would remember his mother. Wynona Ryder was originally offered the role of Shelby/Susan, but was considered too young. Julia Robert's was a wonderful choice and definitely not someone I would consider "horsey faced." If she is "horsey faced," she makes one d*** good salary being so ugly.
Rating:
Summary: Happy, Sad, and a Celebration of Life
Review: This movie is wonderful for its simple story of life, enhanced by a rare combination of heavyweight talent. The characters seem to jump off the screen because they are so homey and natural, and the deep philosophical thought into which so many movies of this type sink is almost completely absent, leaving something readily understandable and enjoyable that allows you to laugh or cry freely. It is unusual for so many famous stars to appear in one film. Julia Roberts is listed after many of the other names, though today she is one of the most popular and highly paid actors in the world. Sally Field plays Julia Roberts' fretful mother, always concerned about her daughter, but a balanced concern. Julia is the marginally rebellious daughter, who thinks her mother fusses too much over her, wanting her mother to let her lead her own life. Much of the interaction in this movie takes place between Dolly Parton, Olympia Dukakis, Shirley MacLaine, Darryl Hannah and Sally Field. The women gossip, criticize each other and support each other, the kind of love and friendship that seems to exist more often in smaller communities. Dolly Parton is outgoing and friendly, as is Olympia Dukakis. Shirley MacLaine is noisy and complains about everything, figuring that being old and wealthy allows her the right to complain. Darryl Hannah is a very religious frumpy young woman with (gasp!) a past, though her past seems mild to many of us. These women support each other and provide advice, but also an outlet for their wishes and hopes and problems. They also often like to talk about each other, though in a way they try hard to be polite and supportive when they can. Some of the funniest scenes involve Tom Skerritt as Sally Field's husband Drum. Tom seems to have a way of doing things that provide at least smiles, and a bit of eye rolling on occasion. Tom is funniest when he interacts with Shirley MacLaine. Tom seems to enjoy tormenting Shirley and Shirley enjoys griping back at Tom. While on one level it appears that the two dislike each other, the viewer also must recognize that they could have avoided each other and yet do not, so surely they must get some enjoyment out of the encounters. The central character throughout the movie is Julia Roberts. We discover early in the movie that she suffers from diabetes, and the effects are often severe. The tension between Julia and Sally Field as Julia's symptoms and problems increase, and the tension with the rest of the women in the movie, increases during the movie, awaiting release. The movie alternates between laughter and pain until near the ending that has its sad moments, but ends relatively happily as the true lesson of the movie is finally revealed. Stories of real life are often boring or are hard to comprehend because of lack of a common background. This story of real life has enough caricature to be funny enough to keep your attention, while being sufficiently rooted in life to allow you to feel like this life could have been yours, your parents, or your grandparents. Some of the subject matter in this film makes it unsuitable for young members of the family. (...) However, I think this excellent film should be suitable for older children and all other family members.
Rating:
Summary: This is a movie that you will remember!
Review: I loved this movie. Prepare to laugh but bring your kleenex, because you'll need it, and then you'll smile again. As the movie says, "life goes on"... The movie is packed full of well-known actresses and actors (Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Shirley McClaine, Daryl Hannah, Dolly Parton, Skerrit, Olympia Dukakis, and more) who are magnificent. The movie starts with the preparations for the wedding of Sally Field and Tom Skerrit's daughter, Julia Roberts. And then you have all the friends and acquaintances who are involved. There is the beauty parlor where all the gossip takes place, and where friendships are made. It is funny, sad and completely absorbing. Julia's diabetis is a big concern for everyone especially since she decided to have a child and it is something that is very hazardous to her health. I loved Shirley McClaine, who is an outspoken woman, and her friend Olympia Dukakis. Dolly Parton, who owns the beauty shop, and Daryl Hannah who is befriended by Dolly and the others and who has a past that they were all curious about. It is a story that could take place in just about any town, but it took special talent to put it together to make it so wonderful. It has everything-comedy, drama, and sadness, all put together harmoniously. I think this is a movie that everyone will like. I highly recommend it. Enjoy!
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