Movie Review: Ya-Ya Sisterhood

Story: Oh to have been ga-ga over Ya-Ya - but, alas, this film turned out to be ca-ca.

Based on two of best selling Rebecca Wells' books, this film will have her many fans crying wa-wa over the cinematic interpretation. It was written and directed by Callie Khouri (Thelma and Louise) and is totally uninspired. Indeed, this is a chick flick - but not for this chick. Mother/daughter friction, decades old friendships with characters that come to the rescue of the troubled pair, teary flashbacks, warm, sepia toned days of olde, lost loves, tears, hugs, squeals and an occasional peak at a few ta-ta's. It has everything that should work...but sadly, I cried ma-ma.

However, if you want to watch a grand ensemble of aging actresses in miscast roles or if you just want to support films like this...go for it. It won't change your life for the better or for the worse. Or better yet, how about just read the book?

Acting: Sandra Bullock was awful (more on her later). Ellen Burstyn is always good. Maggie Smith is a treasure but should not have been cast in this film. James Garner looked like he was sleep walking through his role. Ashley (I am in every film) Judd was actually pretty good but I have seen her in too many of these type of roles. Fionnola Flanagan, who is usually terrific, was also miscast.

Critters: Disappointingly, none.

Food: A surprising lack of food - some of it is thrown, but there is lots and lots of booze.

Visual Art: Some great attention is paid to the interiors of the various homes and that is worth looking for.

Blatant Product Placement: Time Magazine

Soundtrack: The best part of the film.

Opening Titles: Uninspired.

Theater Audience: I was alone in my secret balcony (appropriate, considering the title of the film) but when I peered downstairs to see who else was in the theater I was shocked to see there was not a soul to be seen. Oh my!

Sappy Factor: 9

Predictability Level: Off the scale.

Tissue Usage: None for me but I am sure others will need one.

Oscar Worthy: Ha-ha

Nit Picking: I don't know why they did not choose aging American actresses for these roles. There are far too many women of a certain age who are waiting for their agents to call. It pissed me off!

Big Screen or Rental: Definitely a rental, or a better idea - just wait until it shows up on WE or Lifetime. Some of Maggie Smith's rentals for you could be: Gosford Park, or The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. Fionnola Flanagan's gems of rentals could be: Some Mother's Son or Waking Ned Divine. Ellen Burstyn is a rental weekend unto herself with Requiem for a Dream, Resurrection (one of my all time favorite films) Same Time Next Year and Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore. And then there is Sandra Bullock. I had held out hope for her becoming a good actress but I have given up. Here is her fimography. You be the judge - Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Murder by Numbers, Gun Shy, 28 Days, Miss Congeniality, Forces of Nature, Hope Floats, Practical Magic, The Prince of Egypt, Speed 2: Cruise Control, Two If by Sea, A Time to Kill, In Love And War, Me And the Mob, A Fool And His Money, While You Were Sleeping, The Net, Speed, Wrestling Ernest Hemingway, Demolition Man, The Thing Called Love, When the Party's Over, The Vanishing, Love Potion No. 9, Who Shot Patakango?

Length: A bit under two hours

LOBO HOWLS: 4