Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Remake about joy, loss among friends; some mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Steel Magnolias (2012)
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In STEEL MAGNOLIAS, a tight group of mostly middle-aged Southern women like to hang out at their friend Truvy's (Jill Scott) beauty parlor to gossip, poke fun, and support each other. One reminisces about her departed and beloved husband. Another can't get hers out of a funk. All are feisty individualists who know themselves well and like to exchange zingers in an affectionate routine. Annelle (Adepero Oduye) shows up to take a new job and her story of abandonment by someone who might, or might not, be her husband fuels the gossiping. Young Shelby (Condola Rashad) is about to get married and has just learned that her chronic kidney disease and severe diabetes make having kids out of the question. Her mom, M'Lynn ( Queen Latifah), a beauty shop regular, is both overprotective because of the lifelong illness and also the booster who has always told Shelby she could do anything. There's a wedding, a pregnancy, a child, and tragedy.
Is It Any Good?
Get out your handkerchiefs—a good cry is unavoidable. The good news for this version of Steel Magnolias is that the sentiment rises above the weaknesses. This is based on a play, and it often feels stagey, as if the cast has to get through a series of events and one-liners in order to make it to the tear-jerky parts. ("I do not go to plays because I can nap at home for free," a reliably cranky character explains.)
Men are relegated to the sidelines as the divine, predominantly female cast drives the action. It's an assembly of reliable pros who make far more of the never-ending one-liners than the writer could possibly hope for, showing us what real friendship and community look like. Phylicia Rashad brings depth and humor to the wise and superior Clairee. Queen Latifah as M'Lynn is a joy, as always, bringing her usual charm, seriousness, and emotion to the role of a mom who has spent her daughter's lifetime hoping for the best while preparing for the worst. Alfre Woodard as Ouiser, the rich and mean town widow, rises above the role of annoying cynic, ever sour yet deeply compassionate when her friends need her. Watching these women work together is a privilege.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ways people cope with loss. How does the tight-knit community help in the grieving process?
What does this movie have to say about sacrifice and legacy?
A character here is given a difficult choice about choosing a compelling but life-threatening option. Would you have chosen differently? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 7, 2012
- Cast : Queen Latifah
- Director : Kenny Leon
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lifetime
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Moms ) , Friendship
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : May 28, 2026
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