Change Your Image
lahabana51
Reviews
For the Boys (1991)
For the Boys is For Men and Women everywhere...if you are a Midler fan (and I am) this is a must see.
I lost count of the times I watched this movie in the span of three weeks. Where I was when this movie was released I wondered? I knew about the film, what was I thinking? What was I doing? Oh forgot, gave birth to my daughter, no excuse.
I was born in 1951 and romanticized the 40's for most of my 20's. What did I like about this movie you ask? Let me count the ways. The realism portrayed in the RSO tours. It spans World War II, Korea and Vietnam with uncanny sensitivity. Of special note is a scene when Midler and Caan are at the side of a dying solder.
George Segal is as I always find him, UNBELIEVABLY talented and entertaining. His co-writer, Loretta is wonderful with her hip slinging quips. Best line in the movie is hers "What will it take for you to give me a kiss?" A pause she replies "Chloroform." This is the type of humor of the 40's rarely found in films, other than Neil Simon plays. In fact this film is full of quips. I find myself looking for incidences on a daily basis enabling me to draw from the millions of one liners in this screen script.
The music or better yet the selection of music is perfect! And then of course, there is Bette. The film is made in 1991, Bette was born in 1945. Do the math, she looks fabulous, to me she is at her best. Not just in the looks department it's the command and ease she displays in her role.
James Caan how difficult was it for him to play someone so close in character to himself? I'm sure difficult, because his performance grabs you. You really care about the Solid Gold, World Class, Son of a Bitch (Bette's words not mine. See what I mean?).
There is nothing I did not like about this movie. Not true, the main characters did not speak for 25 years. It was tragic but understandable and real. All the more reason for me to love the story and it's characters.
It's excellent and I recommend it to all Midler fans everywhere. Bette I've been away for too long but never to stray again. Can't wait to purchase the DVD and CD of this movie. Also looking forward to her latest release of Peggy Lee songs. A perfect match of talents, kudos to you Ms. Midler.
Places in the Heart (1984)
If you are undergoing personal challenges this is a good film to watch.
At the time this film was released I was 20 years younger. I liked it but it did not stay in my memory of good movies to watch. I just saw it again today and could not leave my seat. Was it the story? Yes. Was it the acting? Yes. More than anything it was the situations that the characters faced. Art imitating life and doing a very good job of it.
What I liked most is that I did not think that the performances took away from the story. It's about how your life can change in a split second. Change in a way that challenges you to look at yourself deeply. It's about personal values. It is the type of story that moves me most these days. Stories about humans. It is a stunning film.