Customer Reviews

Boys on the Side [VHS]

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mary-Louise Parker is phenomenal as the pill-popping neurotic realtor that puts in a classified ad for a traveling comanion on her trek to the west coast. The one who answers her ad is a dred-lock-wearing black lesbian (played masterfully by Whoopi Goldberg)... and both are a little startled by each other and how contrasting their lives are. Parker is slightly horrified that her traveling companion is gay and Goldberg is very horrified that she's going to be trapped in a car for over a week with this psycho, anal woman.

Goldberg's character makes a quick diversion to visit a friend (Drew Barrymore) and a crazy turn of events puts Barrymore in the van with Goldberg and Parker.

The three of them all have skeletons in their closets and all sorts of emotional baggage that they have not dealt with, much less shared with anyone else. This dynamic mix of diverse personalities is first a cauldron of irritation, frustration and prejudices, but together the women face some crazy circumstances that bring them together.

It turns out they all have much more in common than they realized. There are very touching scenes where only the most stone-hearted individual will not feel a crack in their throat... and there are scenes that will make you laugh so hard, you might just lose bladder control.

Themes include family, loyalty, race, bigotry, domestic violence, unrequited love, romance, loss, terminal illness and death. This may seem like a lot of themes for just one movie, but the film is so real, you feel like you're one of the girls in the van, hanging out with them. They become your friends and you quickly bond with them. The film was directed by Herbert Ross who is known for directing "Steel Magnolias." This film is just as powerful, if not more so.

My less than perfect rating is due to the lack of extras on the DVD. How about interviews with the director and the cast? Trailers? Music video of the Indigo Girls (they had cameos in this film)? It is very unfortunate that no effort was made to make this a DVD worthwhile getting in lieu of VHS.

In spite of the DVD's shortcomings, the film itself is fantastic and I recommend it highly. Domestic violence, mature themes and language make this not suitable for kids.

LADIES..This is definetly one of those you should add to your collection. All 3 of the characters portray a wonderful story of love and friendship and the bounds of both. I saw this movie a year ago..LOVED IT..and have loaned it out to friends..who end up buying a copy for themselves...( great present for your lady!!!)

I think this film qualifies primarily as a "chick flick", at least according to every man who has ever watched this with me. Maybe there are some of you guys out there reading this who'll disagree. Feel free to chime in, preferably in the comments section.

This is one of my favorite films but it is the kind of film that is a guilty pleasure. I can't seem to avoid watching it when I catch it on television but I am always left wondering WHY I find it so addictive.

Is it because of Mary Louise Parker, an actress some can't stand but who I find to be both quirky and charming, with her performances in Fried Green Tomatoes, Angels in America and this film (Boys on the Side)? Looking as frail as she often does, with a face that isn't classically beautiful, she is a walking poster for someone needing help although she is spunky and stubborn enough to not seem totally pathetic?

But I don't think that is the whole reason I'm drawn to this film. Perhaps it is it the wild series of events, however improbable, that get me to both laugh, mostly at Drew Barrymore who can wring the comedy out of every moment, however sad.

There are moments in this film that also make me teary (won't say why, no spoilers here). Drew Barrymore is just so irreverent when it comes to her very disorganized, chaotic life and her romantic issues. Not surprisingly, she doesn't just skirt the law, she practically raises her shirt (as she did on David Letterman) and displays her assets to the world.

Whoopie Goldberg is in fine form, too, generally unflappable and adding some great heart to this film, the main nurturer and caretaker of the group. Anyway, this movie always hooks me, like some fish destined for dinner.

P.S. On a totally unrelated note, I find the closing scene of Three Days of the Condor, with Max Von Sydow, to be just as addictive. "It will happen like this..." he says, almost as though he were reciting poetry and them speaks so softly of a terrible day to come, in the most soothing and practical tones imaginable. He has to be among the most intriguing killers in movie history.

This review refers to the WB/Regency DVD edition of "Boys on the Side".....

"Sometimes...if you don't have anyplace to go, it's probably best to stay where you are" is one of Whoopi Goldberg's bits of wisdom in this film. So that's what they did....

Two strangers, women who couldn't be more different then night and day begin on a journey that will take them places far better than their intended destination. A journey of life, discovery and a friendship that knows no bounds is what unfolds in this wonderful story.

The journey begins in New York. Jane(Whoopi Goldberg) and Robin(Mary-Louise Parker),both for their own reasons want to start a new life. Looking to share a ride to California, they meet and agree to make the trip together,even though from the outset it's obvious these two woman have nothing in common.When they hit Pittsburg, Jane stops in on good friend Holly(Drew Barrymore). There's trouble amiss in Holly's life though, her drug-dealing boyfriend is abusing her.The girl's take matters into thier own hands and free Holly(leaving the boyfriend tied up and injured), grab her and take her along with them.On the road with them we come to realize each has a secret of their own. As their stories unfold, these three very different woman become close and are there to help each other at any costs.The become their own little family. Men, as Robin's mother puts it,"are merely side dishes, you girls stick your fork in, when you want a taste."

It's not just a story for women though. It's a story of bonding. Sharing one's own strengths with the people you are close to. It's an emotional roller coaster, you'll need the kleenex for this one!(But there's lots of laughs as well).If you like "Terms of Endearment", you'll love this one.It's a story from the heart that will touch your soul.

The casting of the three stars is a stroke of genius. Goldberg, Parker, and Barrymore have a connection to each other that is a joy to watch.They put THEIR hearts and souls into this film. The supporting cast includes Anita Gillete, Estelle Parsons and Matthew McConaughey(who is just so,... well Matthew McConaughey).
The music is as much a part of the story as the characters and is excellent with songs by Bonnie Raitt, Melissa Etheridge,Pretenders,Sheryl Crow, and Whoopie herself does some singing.Oh and don't forget to see whose band is playing in "The Cantina".

The DVD is as beautiful as the movie. A sharp clear picture( a little dark in some places but nothing to distract from the enjoyment of the film),nice colors, and great sound(Dolby stereo surround)is what you'll find. You have the choice of widescreen or a standard format. There are no special features(might have been nice to have a music video with all this great music), but there are subtitiles in English and French and may be viewed in those languages as well.

So get the popcorn, Kleenex, and maybe a side of Brad Pitt ready for this one.....enjoy..Laurie

also recommended;
The Color Purple

The best thing about this movie is that it "feels" real - Like it did or could reall happen to me or you. The fact that the caracters are lesbian is secondary to the story and the great acting performances. The actors are top rate, the setting was classic and interesting without being distracting. The movie is funny and entertaining while trying to get a serious message across without hitting you over the head. Yes that message is "you can love" even if you have AIDS and others can love you back.

This movie sounds pretty ridiculous, I admit, but now that I've seen it, I can't see it enough times. Strong performances and strong momentummake up for a few script flaws and by about 15 minutes into the movie, I forgave the little flaws in favor of the big picture. This movie is very successful in making you really care about the characters. However Be Warned: This is a CHICK FLICK!

I love this movie, Touching,moving,funny all rolled in to one. I love Whoopie, she moved me so much when she sang, made tears in my eyes everytime. That i went out and bought the soundtrack to it. Hope it does the same to you.

Put together powerhouse talent like the brilliant Mary-Louise Parker, the hilarious Whoopi Goldberg, and the sweet Drew Barrymore, and you have "Boys On The Side": Cinema Gold. This movie takes you along for an entertaining ride, and pulls at your hearstrings like an 18 wheeler at the end. Two thumbs up.

It is a "chick flick" but a wonderful put together chick flick!!! Three women travel out from the East Coast area to the West Coast. As other reviewers have pointed out, one happens to be a straight woman with HIV, another one is a black lesbian and the third one is a white young woman who is pregnant by who? we don't know.

They bond and connect because in the process of going to the West coast, they have a confrontation with one of the woman's boyfriends.

The movie is very moving and very touching. And it will surely make you cry. It's about friendships...women friendships!! Through thick and thin they can really depend on each other. If you like movies that make you laugh, smile and cry than I recommend the movie. If you like a movie like Beaches (with Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey)-than you'll enjoy this one!!

This is a great female bonding movie. The relationship between Goldberg and Parker is very erotic and exciting.

There are strong lesbo themes in this movie. The plot and storyline are very involving. Once you start watching, you won't be able to stop until the movie is done.

In short, this is a great movie and I highly recommend it. I love you.