Rating: 
Summary: Horrid Message
Review: A few clarifying comments-I adore Bette Midler. How can't I?
I also adored this movie -- right up until the end. The film is nothing particularly Earth shattering. It is, however, a sweet, well told, genuine story of a single mother's relationship with her daughter. My mother took me to see this in the theater when I was very young -- probably only 7 or 8 years old. I recently rented it, remembering having liked it as a child. It held up -- the movie was still moving, still touching. My MAJOR complaint is with the ending. We are made to believe that a lower income, blue collar single mother can't succesfully raise a child without lying to her, convincing her she doesn't want her anymore, and turning her over to her richer father. What kind of values are these. Worse, what kind of message does it send about the effectiveness of single mothers? As the child of an exquisite single mother, I resent the assertion that I had nary a chance to make it without the presence of a wealthy male.
Rating: 
Summary: A real tearjerker...
Review: Bette Midler's title role performance as the vulgar mother who sacrifices everything for her daughter deserves an Oscar.
Stella is a remake of the classic 'Stella Dallas' (1937), here the Divine Miss M. is a working-class woman who discovers she is pregnant after a brief relationship with Dr. Stephen Dallas, but is too proud to accept a marriage of convenience from him or her well meaning best friend (John Goodman).
Warm, humorous and engaging performances.
The song 'One More Cheer' in the end titles performed by Miss M. is right for the movie.
Rating:
Summary: A day late and a dollar short.
Review: I am going to start out this review by stating a fact. After the 1937 version of STELLA DALLAS the film was never remade....until 1990. Why, exactly, Hollywood decided the cynical 90s was a good time to remake this classic is still a mystery over a decade later. Why Bette Midler was cast in the signature Barbara Stanwyck role at first seemed like an odd choice. Of all the great actresses that could have pulled off a remake, why Bette Midler and why in 1990? We may never know. Unfortunately, there is little reason to speculate because this neglible remake has not held up in the ensuing years. But then again, this film was sadly outdated even by 1950, much less 1990. What made STELLA DALLAS a great film is lost to this remake. Much of its appeal was to the 1930s housewife, longing to forget the Great Depression and the poverty many experienced. With the end of the self indulgent 1980s and the dawming of the politically correct 1990s, STELLA remains an odd bird. Its rather like watching your grandparents do a rap. It just doesn't "fit" the day and age in which it takes place. Even the most avid Bette Midler fan can't help but feel a little embarrased for her here. In fact, there seem to be times during the movie when Midler herself seems confused by the time warp her movie presents. For those who are curious about the ending, it is much more affective is you see the original STELLA DALLAS. Here is comes off entirely unbelievable...much like Trini Alvarado's impish acting style as Midler's sacrificed daughter. My suggestion? Skip this, unless you are looking for some kitsch and have some time to waste.
Rating:
Summary: I love Stella
Review: I have watched this movie so frequently that my video tape of it is practically disintegrated. The picture jumps all over the place and the sound drops out but that doesn't matter because I know all the dialogue by heart anyway. There are so many phrases I got from this movie that I still throw around. What great and fun dialogue! Next to Midler the only person who was more fun to watch was John Goodman. Just a hoot! As for the negative Jan. 2002 review regarding the ending of this movie, well. . . I do believe he/she missed the point.
Rating: 
Summary: What a piece of trash!
Review: I love Bette Midler, but this movie is a dog! I still can't believe that we are supposed root for girl who ostracizes her poor (meaning low-income) mother to married some rich jerk. Avoid at all costs!
Rating:
Summary: I want to read the book
Review: I thought this movie really shows how life is for an unwed mother trying to do right by her child. she gave herself up and then gave up her child for the sake of the child. Wonderful movie for mothers and daughters to watch together, rainy day or sunny!
Rating:
Summary: this was the first movie i ever saw i have the movie now
Review: i was four when i sat down my mom had brought home this movie and it was for a 4 year old to understand it but i watched it so many times now that i broke it and now have to order another one i thinks this one of bette midler's best
Rating:
Summary: a profile of true love
Review: I've seen this movie several times and always watch when it comes on tv. I wanted to share it with my sister because it so touched me. This movie shows the unwaivering love and staunch devotion of a good mother. It is a tribute to moms everywhere. Bette Midler's acting in this flick is far superior to any of her other performances... and there have been so many good ones. It's touching, yet bittersweet. The movie demonstrates the deepest type of love, the kind that sacrifices all to give the best to another.
Rating:
Summary: I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM THE ONLY ONE TO REVIEW THIS MOVIE!
Review: Looking for a great rainy sunday afternoon movie? Buy this video! I loved the storyline - Bette Midler is great! I highly advise getting this movie!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent acting!
Review: Midler should have at least been nominated for an Academy Award for this one. She is so pure and true in every scene, especially when she takes the Ding Dongs off of her eyes at her daughters birthday party.
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