Fried Green Tomatoes: Collector's Edition

Rating:
Summary: A Magnificent Film
Review: Jon Avnet's 1991 film on life and everlasting frienship. A very touching film with multiple themes explored through deep character studies.

Kathy Bates stars as a wife in crisis who feels that she's everyone else's door mat. By accident, she becomes friends with an elderly lady (Jessica Tandy) who lives in a retirement home and receives little company. Kathy Bates becomes captivated by the old woman's stories of friends she knew a long time ago. After offering many visits to hear her stories, Bates becomes good friends with Tandy's character. Tandy's narratives change the scenes to the past to follow the lives of two women (Mary Stuary Masterson and Mary-Louise Parker) living in the South in the 20s and 30s. One of the friends is the reserved Southern Belle while the other is the fiercely independent tomboy. Because the women are both at odds with many of the customs and traditions of the South (segregation, marriage, etc.) they are soon faced with hostility. The story goes on to cover all of the trials and tribulations the women encountered in their lives and how such adversity made them stronger.

Again, a very touching film on life and its challenges. The film explores how personal and social struggles can bring out the best and the worst in the human being. A well made film that moves the spirit and appeals to all genders and ages.




Rating:
Summary: Not as good as I'd have hoped.
Review: Fried Green Tomatoes is a heart-warming story, but it's not a movie I'd watch more than once. One of the most annoying things about it was the fact that a lot of the story's points got mixed around.

For instance, in the movie, it is strongly hinted at that Idgie Threadgoode and Ninny Threadgoode are the same person. THEY ARE NOT. Implying that she grows into Ninny is destructive to her character and confusing to the audience. When you think about it, how could Mrs. Threadgoode, wife of Cleo Threadgoode, have been Idgie, sister of Cleo and Buddy Threadgoode in her youth? The movie also glosses over Idgie and Ruth's relationship.

The bottom line is this, if you want to experience this story fully, read the book.

Rating:
Summary: Fine Adaptation
Review: I love this movie. I watched it and fell in love with Idgie and Ruth, both wonderfully quirky and southern. I'd marry either in a heartbeat and count my blessings.

The rendering is faithful in many ways to Flagg's book: Whistle Stop teems with life in all its contradictions, the actors portrayals are flawless (especially Masterson's of Idgie), the screenplay is spot-on (probably because Flagg assisted), and the artistry is close to that of the book's (anecdotal flashbacks). That the directors found a town in Georgia and not Alabama doesn't matter. We are transported to a special and endearing place in time, and we want to stay.

Everything about this movie works. Watch it and enjoy.