Every decade has its chick flicks that define those years and feature a who's who of up-and-coming actresses mixed with veterans. In the 1980s, it was Steel Magnolias and in the 1990s it was Fried Green Tomatoes, a southern folktale based on the novel by Fannie Flagg (who also co-wrote the screenplay).

Fried Green Tomatoes is a beautiful shot film that really evokes the rich, lush setting of the Deep South. Director Jon Avnet also uses warm colours to create an inviting atmosphere that draws the audience in. There is real artistic integrity to the camerawork which gives the film a Classic Hollywood vibe.

Fried Green Tomatoes is the perfect lazy Sunday summer afternoon movie that evokes simpler times. The film makes us appreciate taking the time out of our busy lives to stop and smell the roses as it were. The film espouses a simple yet important message of tolerance and compassion towards one another but not in a preachy way. It is a message that is certainly applicable today (maybe even more so) making Fried Green Tomatoes even more relevant.

There are a collection of "Deleted Scenes" that are really just little bits of added footage tagged on at the end of or in-between scenes. There is nothing too memorable here.

Also included, is an amusing collection of "Outtakes," featuring flubs and blown lines.

"Moments of Discovery: The Making of Fried Green Tomatoes" is an engaging, endearing retrospective documentary that runs just over an hour. Good news for fans is that Mary Stuart Masterson and Mary-Louise Parker contribute new interviews and warmly recall filming anecdotes, including working in the intense Georgian heat, how Masterson really handled all those bees and Parker's run-in with some nasty leeches. This is a must-watch for any fan of this movie.

"Sipsey's Recipes" include actual recipes for over 15 dishes that are taken from Flagg's book and that allow you to recreate the Whistle Stop Café's cuisine. This is a really nice touch.

"Jon Avnet's Director's Notes" includes script excerpts with specific directions he used as a guide when making the movie.

There are "Production Photographs" that include behind-the-scenes pics of the delicious food and also the movie crew at work.

"Poster Campaign" features various poster designs for the movie, including some really nice hand-drawn ones that are quite artistic in nature.

Finally, there is an audio commentary by director Jon Avnet. He takes us through his filmmaking process switching back and forth between talking about the themes of the film and production anecdotes.

My husband had been asking me to watch this movie with him for years - it was one of his favorites (from before we met), even though he continually called it a "chick flick"... I was hesitant to watch it because I had the idea that it would be a sad movie - and I just don't like movies that leave me blubbering & saddened for the rest of the day.

However, last weekend we finally sat down and watched it together, and I was pleasantly surprised! Although there was 1 or 2 parts that led me to cry, it was not what I would categorize as a "sad" movie - in fact, when I really think about it, it was quite uplifting...

"Fried Green Tomatoes" weaves the life experiences of 3 very different women - 2 of them lived their youth about 50 or 60 years ago, and one is currently 40 something years old.

The story revolves around an "old" woman who is sharing her & her friends life experiences with the younger, 40-something woman. This younger woman is quite depressed, feeling like a weakling who doesn't really matter. She gains strength and a will to really LIVE through the stories shared with her. Spending time with the "old woman" becomes an important, life changing event for her - helping her to step-up and be the woman she truly wants to be.

This movie shows the importance of being willing to listen & learn from others - as well as the wealth of knowledge & experience that our elderly population has - if only we would take the time to engage them in discussion & listen to what they have to offer.

Overall, I give this movie "2 thumbs up"! If you're at all interested in human growth, and the "good old days", then this movie's for you!

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.