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movie review - Steel Magnolias

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Steel Magnolias is a cult movie with a vast following: the majority of the N. American female audience. It's worth watching, with one caveat; it degenerates into a bit of an obvious tear-jerker toward the end. Until then, though, it's a good collection of tales about a small group of friends (adult woman those for whom the movie is titled) who mark life's ongoing events with wit, courage, and outrage.

Steel Magnolias is an important marker in the genre of "woman's movies" that has appeared with more lasting regularity than most. A stark counterpart to Thelma & Louise - which also starred Julia Roberts - this movie is very grounded in everyday middle class suburban America: its characters are utterly believable and familiar.

Not recommended.