Links: IMDb * Wikipedia * AllMovie * Rotten Tomatoes
Premise: A middle-aged woman with a lack of self-respect and a lackluster life finds friendship and self-discovery with the help of an elderly woman and the tales of her youth.
Stars: Jessica Tandy * Kathy Bates * Mary-Louise Parker * Mary Stuart Masterson * Chris O'Donnell
The story: Evelyn (Bates) meets Ninny (Tandy) in a nursing home. Evelyn is in a depression and living an unfulfilling life. As she relates her own story to the older woman, Ninny begins telling Evelyn of the story of her youth - concerning Idgie (Masterson) and Ruth (Parker). Living in the South during the 30s, Ruth was in love with Idgie's brother Buddy (O'Donnell) until he was killed in an accident with a train. The two girls continued bonding together, and survived the Klan and Ruth's abusive husband. They formed a business together - the Whistle-Stop Cafe which has since inspired real-life restaurants - and raised Ruth's son together.
Ninny's stories inspire Evelyn to begin standing up for herself instead of being a pushover. She also begins to take interest in her own life again, working out and talking to her husband.
Review: Somehow I missed this back when it came out - I try to avoid 'chick flicks' as much as possible. But, after watching it, I have to admit it, I liked it.
Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy are great together. Same for Parker and Masterson. The acting is terrific. While the supporting cast seems ready-made for stereotypical behaviours - the southern tomboy, the black housekeeper, the gentle strong black farmhand/cook, the Klan, etc. - the chemistry between the two pairs of leads drives the movie and makes it a nice film to watch.
Overall: Good
No comments:
Post a Comment