Such a frustrating disappointment

Better Late Then Never

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

The movie is made so realistic it has a lot of that WoW feeling at the right moments and never tooo over the top. the suspense is done so well and the emotion is felt. Very well put together with the music and all.

"First Wives Club" is an example of excellent movie making. The pacing, the continuity, the look of the scenes and the characterizations are all very funny and charming and entertaining. For a big budget holiday movie made to make money, it does its job and does it very well. Midler is especially excellent. So is Dan Hedaya as her ex and Dame Maggie Smith as a friend indeed. I think that the major reason that the movie is unappreciated by too many critics is because it's a "woman's picture." It's designed to be a very light comedy that brings in women and their families to generate box office. Whatever its genre, however, the movie works in every way it's intended to work. The sets are great, the costumes are perfect and the acting is really funny and also touching when it needs to be, such as when Sarah Jessica Parker says to Bette Midler, "Brenda, this outfit might look really good on you... why don't you try one on in YOUR SIZE!" Midler's fury suddenly deflates, and she exhibits pathos. Lots of funny lines and facial expressions and over-the-top emotion, and the directing was, I think, very precise and well done.

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 really like this film. Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, and Stockard Channing have been friends for years and all have something in common - cheating, flaky husbands. So far, so cliché.But the 'First Wives Club' is an inspired bit of fluff, fun, perceptive, and full of high spirits. These forty-something ladies replaced by younger models aren't going to take their fate lying down, and what a hoot it is watching them set up their outfit to take fickle men to the cleaners.OK, the film is a little sexist, with a one-dimensional view of both men and women; but it succeeds as entertainment. Some of the supporting caricatures are simply hideous, but work well. You can also spot stars of the future such as Sarah Jessica Parker in smaller roles.If you take this film for what it is, you'll probably enjoy it. It's one of those films that you'll either love or hate - but with this calibre of cast it's worth a look.

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.