Review of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (2002) by Sonya K — 30 Apr 2008

The book; I never read. I actually bought a copy after seeing this movie but it remains on my bookcase, unopened. It doesn't mean anything - I'm just busy.

I wasn't, though, to busy to get myself to the theater and see this flick; I had to - I mean, what a cast! Starting with the four ladies of advanced glamour - two American and two from the UK: it doesn't get better than Ellen Burstyn, Shirley Knight, Maggie Smith and the extremely under rated Fionnula Flanagan. They are playing the present day versions of characters played by Ashley Jud (who has shaped up into a really lovely actress), Katy Selverstone and two other lovely actresses whose names I don't know. That means lots of flashing back and forth in time, which can get confusing but doesn't. The younger versions of the characters are so well matched to the older versions (even in the case of David Lee Smith and James Garner) and the film making is so smooth and seamless. I have to say, chick flick or not, it's a well woven story, deliciously told; and if you give yourself over to it and think about the colourful histories that so many American families have (especially those from the South), you can deeply appreciate this trip into these lives.

I am particularly moved by Sandra Bullock's non grandstand y and subtle performance as the much put upon daughter of Burstyn (and Angus Macfadyen as her fiancee is sexy as all hell).

Now, my one note of regret: Maggie Smith's odd southern accent. The other women all got it right but I get the feeling this Southern Belle came to Louisiana by way of Waco, Texas. Instead, the Broadway legend Cherry Jones (and the incomparable David Rasche) turn in performances with LETTER PERFECT Louisiana accents.

When I catch this movie showing on cable, I just leave the channel there.