Isn't She Great (R, 2000)

common sense media says

Midler's character is empty, boring, selfish.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that in addition to a sour moral vacuousness, this movie includes explicit sexual references.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Some sad moments.
Sex: Many sexual references.
Language: Some strong language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Social drinking.

More on Isn't She Great

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the idea that talent isn't everything -- is this true?

What's the story?

What's the story?

In ISN'T SHE GREAT, Bette Midler plays Jacqueline Susann, sensationally untalented but best-selling author of the very sensational "Valley of the Dolls." Susann has just one goal in life: to be famous. She wants "mass love."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

It would have been better if Jacqueline Susann had written this movie. It would have been dumb and unbelievable and even grotesque, but it would not have been boring. The tag line for the movie is "Talent isn't everything" and indeed, that is its theme. The movie has clever dialogue and bright direction, but it wants us to love Jackie as much as her adoring husband does (the title is taken from his favorite comment about her). We can feel sympathy for her. She has an autistic child and becomes very ill with breast cancer. It's fun to see her triumph over her stuffy editor's urgings on grammar, consistency, and taste. And it is always nice to see someone's dream come true.

But this dream is so selfish, so trashy, so empty that we just don't like or believe her. The movie's point of view seems to be that a fantasy of fabulousness wrapped up in Gucci pantsuits and manicured poodles is enough to engage us. Jackie herself would never have created a character so shallow -- not a female character, anyway.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Andrew Bergman
Cast: Bette Midler, Nathan Lane, Stockard Channing
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 95 minutes
Theatrical release: January 20, 2000
DVD release: July 18, 2000
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language

This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age