For The Boys [1991] [DVD]

For the Boys come across as a vehicle for Bette Midler, and in my view there is nothing wrong with that, but it does have issues.The film is fairly story driven as it tells the tale of two performers who first come together during 1940's wartime, and their partnership lasts until the present day (which is the 1990s), with all the highs and lows in between being covered.The strengths of the film are Bette Midler and the songs. Midler is a charismatic actress who draws your attention whenever she is on the screen, and, of course, when she is singling. All the songs are fun and hummable. The movie really does have a good soundtrack. The biggest drawback of the film is James Caan's character of Eddie Sparks who is supposed to be sharing the billing with Midler's Dixie Leonard, but Eddie does not seem to have any depth to him, and no back story to help you work out his true nature. The film takes the side of Dixie Leonard 100% of the time, and Eddie is painted as the bad guy, but it would have helped to fill in a bit more of his character to give the film some pull on your affections for both characters, but unfortunately Eddie has nothing to show you. The other drawback is the portrayal of "the horrors of war", which is done very poorly in an otherwise pivotal scene involving Edie and Dixie performing during the Vietnam war. There is an attack during the show, but the realisation of it on the screen is pretty badly done, a lot of smoke and people diving about in slow motion does not make a "Saving Private Ryan".What I did like though was the fairly effective progression through time as the years go by, and the main characters age and part ways. To be fair there is probably too much content for a single feature film, this would have been a wonderful mini series, which would have allowed for more development of all the changes of situation that the characters go through. The story is topped and tailed with a "Lifetime Awards" show that is honouring the duo, and as it is Midler's character that is telling the story through flashbacks from the word go, there is even more weight given to the bias on this being her story, not Eddie's.The film ends, I'm sorry to say, on a pretty bum note with the duo accepting their award at the glitzy show, sporting some very cheesy Hollywood "old age" make-up that (rather unfairly) turns Midler into a twinkle-eyed, apple cheeked old granny, but turns Caan into a decrepit, shuffling ghoul.Ah well, it's mostly successful, and the songs are great, but it's only half a movie without giving Eddie's side of the story.

Would have been a five star review, Midler is brilliant its just James Caan! Caan has little charisma, charm or talent, his acting seems to be two expressions - eyes open or close3d and didn't feel any chemistry between the two main performers at all. That said a brilliant supporting cast filled the screen with joy and carried the story forwards - it was the heavy weight drag of Caan that dulled the senses. One did feel very often that it wasn't just his character in the film that needed idiot boards as he appeared to be just about managing a reading. ( Allegedly his character is based on Bob Hope. I worked with Bob Hope in the 60's and had the dubious honour of holding up his idiot boards) Christopher Rydell as Danny excellent and shows how much a actor can give just listening to the other actors.

Bette Midler steals the film with an infectious fun performance that highlights James Caan's shortcomings, not the best casting. The 'aging' makeup has mixed results, Bette Midler's is quite convincing, especially when portraying her in the mid 1960's. Her final make up is also quite convincing and she carry's herself and acts as an old lady would. James Caan's make up makes him look like a 'Frankenstein' monster and supposedly being 90, he is out of his depth, moving and talking like his normal age. Songs are brilliant, Bette in the swing band era cannot be beat. Story does get a bit maudlin but its still a good watch. George Segel is good too - a consummate character actor.

I have never understood why this movie fails to get higher ratings than it does. A mere 5.8 on IMDB and 38% on Rotton Tomatoes doesn't seem to do it justice, especially as Midler was nominated for an Oscar in 1991, and won a Golden Globe for her role as Dixie Leonard, a forces sweetheart singer reflecting on her life.The movie would have been fabulous but for the woeful miscasting of co-star James Caan, who fails to bring off a convincing caricature of Bob Hope in his role as Eddie Sparks. One can just about ignore that faux pas because Midler steals every scene with the full force of her screen presence. She single-handedly saves the movie.Anyway, we have Midler acting and singing in familiar form, as a convincing wartime-sweetheart stage performer. The story follows her ambitions, and the conflicts she stirs-up on and off the stage, as she and a band of entertainers tours the American forces in the arenas of the Pacific and North Africa. The dramatic backdrop of World War Two gives this essentially warm-hearted tale a bit of bite, though it does so in a romantic manner, never overwhelming the plot.If you have ever wondered why people are fans of Midler, then watch this movie and be convinced. The story is clearly built for and around Midler, who belts out many great numbers throughout, and acts like she can see the awards up for grabs. It's not that bad a movie; it's actually pretty good, but it could have been much better with a co-star better suited to comedy.There's not much by way of extras on the DVD, but the movie is certainly worth a look.

Definitely one of Bette Midler's best films where she plays the sassy Dixie Leonard alongside Eddie Sparks brilliantly played by James Chaan, as they are teamed up to entertain the troops from WW2 through Korea and Vietnam.A real feel good film full of laughs, poignant moments, and out right grab the tissues moments. An absolute must see film that you will be glad you watched.

I watched this years ago and enjoyed it so thought l would watch again .l wish l hadn't l was really disappointed, l seam to remember much more singing and dancing,and it didn't do it for me this time.