Rating: 
Summary: A 'Chick Flick' Men can Love, too!
Review: With all the attention Julia Roberts is getting these days, it's an excellent time to buy and watch the film that contains her best performance, Steel Magnolias.As the doomed but optimistic daughter of Sally Field and Tom Skerrit, she holds her own in a cast of movie divas, including Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, and (in her best film work, as well), Darryl Hannah. The film is basically a warm, upbeat character study of a group of women friends, played out in a beautiful Louisiana bayou town. The story begins with Roberts' wedding, then carries on through the ups and downs of the friends' lives. The male characters in the story are barely seen, and occasionally come across as insensitive (Roberts' husband), or buffoons (Hannah's boyfriend), yet one of the joys of this movie is that you come to love the women so much, you don't mind the men's shortcomings, and start liking them, too! The standout performances of the film are from Roberts, and MacLaine, as a spinster with a sarcastic tongue, and, ultimately, a heart of gold. Her scenes with Dukakis are hilarious, yet full of the warmth that makes this film so special! A couple of things usually overlooked, but worth mentioning; the enchanting film score (I wish the soundtrack would be rereleased!), and a bit part by Janine Turner, before 'Northern Exposure' made her a star. This is a very special film, for both Roberts' fans, and anyone who wants to believe in the healing powers of friendship. Yes, this film can be defined as a 'chick flick', but guys, you'll end up enjoying it, too!
Rating:
Summary: Steel Magnolias is a Portrait of Life
Review: This is a wonderful movie. Whether the characters are bitching around with each other, gossiping, or grieving for the loss of a good woman, Steel Magnolias is filled with wit, humor, love, and tragedy. Let's start with Julia Roberts as the generous Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie, a diabetic whose choice to have a baby may kill her. Julia Roberts captures Shelby's wit and loving nature perfectly. Here are some quotes: I'd rather have thirty minutes of wonderful, than a lifetime of nothing special. You're just mad because you no longer have a say in my life and that drives you up the wall! You're ready to spit nails because you can't call the shots. The marvelous actress Sally Field plays her mother, M'Lynn, who loves her daughter so much that she gives Shelby one of her kidneys. Her reactions to Shelby's pregnancy and the aftermath of Shelby's death are impossible to keep a dry eye. The funeral scene is a display of raw grief that few actresses can equal. Dolly Parton is a natural as gossipy beautician Truvy Jones, whose marriage is falling apart. Olympia Dukakis brings sarcastic but lovable Clairee Belcher to life. Her dialogue sparkles: "They were both high. They'd been smoking everything but their shoes," and "She's the new mayor's wife. We hate her." Daryl Hannah is adequete as shy prayer Annelle Dupey Desoto, although she could have been better. And finally there's Shirley MacLaine as the extremely grouchy Ouiser "People are nice to me because I have more money than God" Boudreaux. Tom Skerrit and Dylan McDermott are great in their supporting roles. Steel Magnolias is the story of six Southern woman who stand up to life's tragedies and find laughter, wisdom, and grace in a beauty parlor. Unparallelled.
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!
Rating:
Summary: A 'Chick Flick' Men Can Enjoy, Too! (Revised)
Review: With all the attention Julia Roberts is getting these days, it's an excellent time to buy and enjoy the film that contains her best performance, Steel Magnolias. As the doomed but optimistic daughter of Sally Field and Tom Skerrit, she holds her own in a cast of movie divas, including Shirley MacLaine, Olympia Dukakis, Dolly Parton, and (in her best film work, as well), Darryl Hannah. The film is basically a warm, upbeat character study of a group of women friends, played out in a beautiful Louisiana bayou town. The story begins with Roberts' wedding, then carries on through the ups and downs of the friends' lives. The male characters in the story are barely seen, and occasionally come across as insensitive (Roberts' husband), or buffoons (Hannah's boyfriend), yet one of the joys of this movie is that you come to love the women so much, you don't mind the men's shortcomings, and start liking them, too! The standout performances of the film are from Roberts, and MacLaine, as a spinster with a sarcastic tongue, and, ultimately, a heart of gold. Her scenes with Dukakis are hilarious, yet full of the warmth that makes this film so special! A couple of things usually overlooked, but worth mentioning; the enchanting film score (I wish the soundtrack would be rereleased!), and a bit part by Janine Turner, before 'Northern Exposure' made her a star. This is a very special film, for both Roberts' fans, and anyone who wants to believe in the healing powers of friendship. Yes, this film can be defined as a 'chick flick', but guys, you'll end up enjoying it, too!
Rating:
Summary: Indomitable Charm
Review: There is a scene in Sleepless in Seattle when Sam (Tom Hanks), Suzy (Rita Wilson), and Greg (Victor Garber) are discussing what are frequently referred to as "chick flicks." Whatever the criteria for selection, there are many candidates for this category which usually include Steel Magnolias. After seeing it again recently, I decided that calling it a "chick flick" demeans what director Herbert Ross and his cast and crew achieved. This film really does have wide and deep appeal to both and men and women of all ages. Of greater significance, it seems even better each time it is seen again. The reverse is true of almost all other films which touch our hearts. As in Robert Harling's play on which it is based, all of the main characters are women: Clairee Belcher (Olympia Dukakis), M'Lynn Eatenton (Sally Field), Truvy Jones (Dolly Parton), Annelle Depuy Desoto (Daryl Hannah), Ouiser Boudreaux (Shirley MacLaine), and Shelby Eatenton Latcherie (Julia Roberts). MacLaine and Roberts were later nominated for an Academy Award as best actress in a supporting role; a split vote probably cost both an Oscar. My own opinion is that Field, Dukakis, and Hannah were equally deserving of that nomination. In terms of plot, not a great deal happens. The film's energy is established and then sustained by the interactions between and among the five older women. Keep in mind that this was originally a play whose plot focused almost entirely on the shared experiences of those women. Some of the scenes are hilarious, with MacLaine and Dukakis primarily responsible. However, the film also includes one extended situation which has a genuinely sad conclusion. (It would be a disservice to those who read this and have not as yet seen the film to say any more about that situation.) I think the acting is first-rate throughout. Most of this film is highly entertaining but whenever necessary and appropriate, Ross examines serious issues with great skill. Two points need to be reiterated: Steel Magnolias can and will appeal to men as well as to women, and, it is more enjoyable each time it is seen again. Those who share my high regard for it are urged to check out Fried Green Tomatoes (1991).
Rating:
Summary: One of the best stage to screen movies I have ever seen.
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: Shut Up You Old Bag
Review: So let me get this straight - a bunch of old ladies and Julia Roberts in the south trying to be funny, heartwarming, poignant, dramatic and important? I'm out.
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!
Rating:
Summary: Makes you appeciate family, friends and life!
Review: I just love this movie. It's a tear-jerker but the message behind this tale about simple women in a small southern town is very uplifting. Each character is one that most can relate to. Sally Field does an awesome job in this film. By the end of the movie you feel like you're a part of this circle of friends bound by gossip, family and love.
| 
