Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002)
Expansive, like a novel, "Divine Secrets of the
Ya-Ya Sisterhood" is fluffy yet thoughtful, hilarious
yet heart- warming. Sure, it's a "Chick Flick," but
older film buffs of both genders will enjoy the breezy
pace, the humorous anecdotes and the star-power generated.
Although considered a vehicle for Sandra Bullock,
the film really belongs to Ashley Judd. In flashback
scenes, as Bullock's mother when a 20-something, Judd
is almost unrecognizable. More interestingly, she plays
a character that we really shouldn't like, but thanks
to Judd's raw and honest portrayal, we accept. It's
perhaps her best performance yet.
Of course, the treat of "Ya-Ya" is watching the
older actresses raise a fuss, flittering all about Bullock.
Ellen Burstyn, fresh of her indie awards tour for "Requiem
for a Dream" does a really nice job here. It's so good
to see her getting quality roles. She does not disappoint
here. Maggie Smith, a hoot in "Gosford Park," is equally
charming here. Sure, her Southern accent is a bit hard
to swallow but who really cares? Shirley Knight, one
of my favorite underappreciated actresses, turns in
a fine performance. And Fionnula Flanagan makes a name
for herself with a new set of fans with her feisty,
no-nonsense Teensy. Although underused, it is also nice
to see James Garner here.
Suffice it to say that this is the perfect film
to take you mom to see. "Ya-Ya" is about a connection
between a mother and daughter and how old wounds heal
slowly. Bullock may not have much time on screen here
with Burstyn, who plays her mother as an older woman,
but when they are together, the screen crackles with
electricity. Her heart-warming turn with her male romantic
interest is also quite nice, if a bit typical.
If there is any problem with this charming little
tale, it's the "secret" the plot seeks to expose. This
is the whole bailiwicks when it comes to plot points
and we wait so long to hear what it is about, that it
is kind of a let-down when we do find out the big secret.
Younger audiences won't get how major the situation
described here was in the 60's. By that I mean, that
in the context of the modern audience, the major "family
situation" that the Judd/Burstyn mother character undergoes
(in the 60's) in the film will seem very tame. Younger
folks won't understand what all the fuss is about. Another
good reason to take mom, she'll put it in context for
ya.
"Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood" is exactly
what it looks like, exactly what they are selling it
as. It's a fluffy and bitter-sweet yet emotionally charged
mother/daughter chick flick. And it's a good one. The
kind of film it's fun to talk about with mom while sipping
Mint Juleps on the veranda.
Note:
A song by Bob Schneider, Bullock's Ex, is included
in the film's soundtrack.
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Card
Script:
B+
Acting: A+
Cinematography\Lighting: C
Special Effects\Make Up: A
Music: C-
Final
Grade: A-
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