Review of The First Wives Club (1996) by Chris E — 18 Apr 2010

(from The Watermark 09/15/96).

This smart and witty comedy was not a typical cinematic experience; it was more like attending a convention. The audience was full of older women - bitter women - who once were first wives themselves. One woman shared her story of finding out her husband was having an affair, and how she poked pinholes in a bunch of condoms he had hidden. Another woman had never acted out any revenge on her ex-'s new wife, but still dreamed of scratching the word "slut" into the hood of her car. Needless to say, this was a room that was good and ready to enjoy a film about three women jilted by their husbands who decide they're not going to get mad - they're going to get even. And the film delivers enough laughs that would have satisfied me even if I weren't in the company of this audience.

All three stars have perfect tailor-made roles: Hawn is an out of work actress addicted to plastic surgery, Midler is a Jewish housewife with a weight problem, and Keaton is an insecure mother who has been in therapy too long for her own good. The three women, who are old college pals, are brought together by the death of a mutual friend, who - you guessed it - committed suicide after being dumped by her husband. When they are reunited, they find they share a common bond: their men have all traded in their older women for newer models. The girls team up and decide to retaliate by ensuring the future misery and financial ruin of their former spouses. Yes, folks, it's 9 to 5 meets She-Devil. The husbands' new chickadees are perfectly played as complete bimbettes by Sarah Jessica Parker (Miami Rhapsody), Elizabeth Berkley (Showgirls), and Marcia Gay Harden (Spitfire Grill). But the film belongs to the great comedic team of Midler, Hawn, and Keaton. Their talents make an already sassy script even funnier.

QUEER QUOTIENT: In the book, Midler's character is a lesbian, but naturally, Hollywood needed to cleanse that character into heterosexuality. But don't judge too quickly - it still addresses the lesbian community, and in a positive light. Keaton's daughter comes out to her in the film's first few minutes. Later, Keaton actually brings Hawn and Midler to a lesbian bar with hilarious results. Lea DeLaria does a cameo, and the film seems to find no problem with mixing the straight women and the gay ones. Hooray! Also, Bronson Pinchot has a supporting role as an interior decorator. No sexuality is inferred, but please - it's Bronson, isn't it? Just as in Spy Hard, Harden looks like Kid in the Hall Bruce McCulloch in drag. Separated at birth, maybe? I think she should get an honorary Oscar just for her name alone.