Movies
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
The title alone told you that you needed to read no further in the Rebecca Wells novel. But the screen version, written and directed by Callie Khouri, temptingly makes room for one of our premier performers, Ellen Burstyn, in addition to Fionnula Flanagan, Maggie Smith, and Shirley Knight, troupers one and all. The common lament about Hollywood's lack of use for actresses of their age must be amended with a lament, too, about Hollywood's preferred use of them, however infrequent. Case at hand: an overseasoned jambalaya of stereotyped Southern lunacy. Three out of four of the Ya-Ya Sisters (a blood sorority from early girlhood) attempt to mediate a reconciliation between the fourth one and her adult daughter (Sandra Bullock), a successful though indiscreetly autobiographical playwright. This necessitates a rummage through flashbacks and the replacement of our quartet of troupers with an unmatching set of younger actresses (Ashley Judd for Ellen Burstyn, most egregiously). In short, while the film makes room for Burstyn and Co., it doesn't make enough room for them, nor comfortable room. 2002.
Reader Rating:
MPAA Rating: PG-13
