Boys on the Side

for all you other indigo girls fans out there: watch for amy ray at the end of the flick as well. ;)

Jane Deluca (Whoopi Goldberg) decides to head west after she loses her job in New York. She hooks up with Robin (Mary-Louise Parker) who is heading the same way and wants to share the driving with someone else. The pair picks up a third traveler in Pittsburgh when Jane's friend Holly Pulchik (Drew Barrymore) joins the westward trek in order to escape her abusive boyfriend Nick (Billy Wirth). Along the way there are a series of revelations with one in particular leading to a painful loss.

"Boys on the Side" is a film with the dramatic twists and turns of a soap opera. However, it fares much better in comparison because of the higher quality of acting and the more mature approach to the material. The whimsical interaction between the three women is a joy to watch as Goldberg, Parker, and Barrymore light up the screen from start to finish. Parker's performance is especially powerful and will most likely be the one aspect of the film that will continue to linger in your thoughts after it concludes. "Boys on the Side" is about the strong bond of friendship and how this strong bond helps friends to deal with the sad realization that life is difficult and unfair. It is not the easiest film to sit through but it is a rewarding experience for those that manage to do so.

"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