The First Wives Club (1996)

Am i the only one who thinks........Average?

There is just so much movie here. For some it may be too much. But in the same secretly sarcastic way most telemarketers say the phrase, the title of this one is particularly apt.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

The First Wives Club (1996): Dir: Hugh Wilson / Cast: Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, Maggie Smith, Elizabeth Berkley: An ugly creation of retaliation where the sympathetic wives are as ruthless as their cheating husbands. Three women are dumped by their husbands for younger women, and after a fourth woman commits suicide over her break-up, they band together seeking justice. They form The First Wives Club for battered wives. Goldie Hawn plays an actress down on her luck and resorting to alcohol. Bette Midler eats away her frustration. Diane Keaton is in denial. Good background heads to formula and an ending that justifies revenge. This sort of theme worked much better in the comedy Nine to Five where three female office workers retaliated against their sexist boss. Here it just comes across as merely a lash out at men, as if they are all this bad. Hugh Wilson does a fine job directing but his Police Academy is far more funnier. On the plus side there is fine comic chemistry between the three leading ladies but the husbands are merely props. Elizabeth Berkley plays an underage brainless actress who lives with one of the cheaters. There is a message that many viewers may relate to when it comes to abandoned wives and husbands seeking younger women. The film is great to look at with its stunning art direction that makes the club worth entry. Score: 6 ½ / 10

This movie works because it uses each of it's leads in the way that best suits them and makes them shine. Three excellent comedians at their best. It's funny even the second time for all the funny details. A real feel good movie when their ex husbands get their just desserts.Goldie Hawn is in a role she is best for doing a diva actress who isn't afraid of making fun of herself. Diane Keaton Bette Midler has a good showcase for her sharp humor. Even SJP pre Sex and the City is good as the second wife. The men are well cast too. Stephen Collins as a cheating spouse, a role he has played well several times before is just right. Nice cameos from Maggie Smith and Ivana Trump and Marcia Gay Harden.

I never read the book, but my husband did, and he said the women in the movie were kinder than they were in the book... which I find hard to believe! These 3 women find themselves middle aged and in the middle of huge life changes, all brought about by the desertions and betrayals of the men they'd devoted their younger years to. They all sort of fall apart, but pull themselves together through friendship - and a new-found purpose. Their new purpose in life? To destroy the men who betrayed them. It's a very funny movie, not surprising, considering the all-star cast. They do an admirable job, not only of exacting revenge, but of rediscovering their friendships, and discovering exactly how strong they really are. I really enjoyed this movie, and so did my husband.

That's it.You'll thank me later for saving you the cost of renting this truly appalling movie starring three women who all know men better than to really believe this pseudo - feminist horse puckie. And it's not even true to its outrageous premise because they all take their exes back in the end.... And its got Maggie Smith in it.My cup runneth over. Miss Midler is very loud and Jewish,Miss Hawn scatty and blond,Miss Keaton fragile and WASP.How daring is that? There is a scene on a window cleaner's hoist that is so long and unfunny I was holding my head in my hands by the end of it. Does Miss Midler get to sing "The wind beneath my wings"?You'll have to watch it to find out,but if you're rather hoping she does then "The first Wives' club" may well be right up your street.