Reviews

Using the same data-controlled, criteria & demographics for all, submit a Poll to 100 random individuals on rating, virtually any film, from virtually any genre (in the year of its release date). And then, on the 20th anniversary of the initial poll, repeat the same poll & polling methodology, (having no correlation with or connection to, the initial group polled).

For a number of reasons, (many being obvious ones) its seemingly, more statistically likely that, the referenced secondary poll, would reflect, consistently lower ratings (both individually & collectively), than the initial poll taken 20 years earlier.

Now, for those fellow-lovers of the more vintage & classic film genre, granted that there is a significantly-greater delta, between films released in the 30's, 40's & 50's - juxtaposed to films separated by only, the last 3-5 decades.

Argument: In other words, if (only) a 20-year delta, existed between the two aforementioned hypothetical-polls, and {in theory}, result in such dynamically different outcomes, then how much more skewed, would 3-5 additional decades create (for any similar poll)?

It is in providing this backstory, along w having experienced this same related conundrum, after watching & then, eagerly seeking to accurately rate (such a film), to suggest that, having been granted the timing & dynamics etc., of rating this movie, soon after its release date that, the rating would have been a strong, solid...TEN!

It's been roughly 33.5 years now, since the January '89 release of Beaches, and perhaps there could have been a better movie title attached to this film, but far be it from this individual critique, to offer any or try to have created a better one.

Not to delve into the minutia of movie making and/or it's marketing, but there's always the notion, on some deeper level that, ideally more sophistication & creativity, actually went into the creation of this film's title, than merely the notion, of attempting to maximize ticket-sales.

Interestingly, the advent of this film Jan/'89, materialized less than two years, after my wife & I were married, and to this day 6/'22, we recall a part of our initial conversation, having watched Beaches soon after it's release. ...While sharing some ice cream at the local Chattanooga parlor, and having just left the theater, we expressed mutual curiosity, regarding the potential of Beaches, experiencing limited ticket-sales, especially having been bequeathed, w such a seemingly benign & non-descriptive title:

Now, after almost 35-years of marriage, w infrequent visits to the local theaters, when most of the same movie-options, are available from home - the two of us, will occasionally revisit Beaches, every 3-5 years, and although we still remember, our initial concern, specific to the film's seemingly, nondestructive title, we now have come to a much better understanding, for the creative & artistic efforts, behind this wonderful & brilliant movie called, Beaches.

For those perhaps straddling, the proverbial fence, about watching this movie, PLEASE DO NOT, make the mistake, of judging this one-of-a-kind, absolutely wonderful and truly-inspiring masterpiece of cinematography, by placing any significance w this film's (quasi-abstract) moniker.

On rare occasions, our daughter (and/or) her mother, will make, either her famous 'No Bake Cookies' (mom) or 'specialty brownies' (daughter), and the very moment that, any of our 2k-5k taste buds, actually reach either of these referenced treat's 'flavor nucleus', the wiring from our mouth's, complex-nervous-system, accesses the brain's 911 dispatch & instantaneously, confirms that, something in Denmark, isn't 'as ripe as it should be':

Not enough or to much - butter, salt, vanilla extract or egg(s), etc., but irrespective, what the exact problematic ingredient might be, it is often, in a mere instant that, we collectively realize that, something, has been Inadvertently changed (from either chef's original recipe).

Subsequently, 'Cheers for Miss Bishop', seemed to have all the right ingredients necessary, to not only make a genuinely exceptional film, but it also {seemingly} contained, the rarest of ingredients that, often can take an exceptional movie, and morph it, into a potential contender, as a true historical-classic.

And, considering the great film-classics, from the same era, such as: 'Stagecoach' (John Wayne), 'War of Wildcats' (also staring Martha Scott, opposite John Wayne) or, 'Grapes of Wrath' (w Henry Fonda) - Cheers for Miss Bishop's half-century plus (old) release date ('41), just cant be, the scapegoated-ingredient (either).

In the meantime, take heart that, this is a much-better-than-average movie, for the time period; however, its overall trajectory, seems quiet predictable, and merely borderline inspiring.

[Conversely, for those that can appreciate this type movie's genre & theme, especially the intrinsic value of students, after having been exposed, to any truly, exceptional teacher, viewers may want to consider the (classic) film: 'Good Morning Miss Dove' ('55)! ]

Across the cinematic landscape, this flick received consistently low ratings, and a number of critical reviews, most likely because, there seems to be an aggressive effort afoot, to try & punish, virtually any Nic Cage movie (in general), primarily due, to the inordinate volume of movies that, this gifted actor has opted to star in, over the past 2-3 lustrums.

Regardless, the reviews for this movie that, are featured on IMDb and other outlets, the decision to NOT watch this film almost occurred. Thankfully, what started out to just be another fast-forwarding effort, to view the highlights of the movie & race through it in 15-20 min quick-clipss. And, although there were admittedly a couple of weak moments in the film, the overall acting & plot was compelling enough, to stop the fast forwarding & settle in, till (final) credits rolled.

Searching for an exceptional film these days, often feels tantamount, to combing the wasteland of online debris, only after investing months at a time, and seemingly repeating the same 'ole routine, the search is suddenly interrupted, by what is later discovered, to be a genuine nugget of pure gold.

Approximately 3-5 years ago, it became a personal obsession, to start watching (unknown) classic movies on YouTube, dating back to the early 40's - the late 60's.

Occasionally, a hidden gem would surface along the way, making the picture inordinately memorable. But, on one rarified evening, a vintage movie called The Luck of The Irish ('48), would later prove, to be something extra special!

The movie, starring Tyrone Power, Anne Baxter & the screen-stealing Cecile Kellaway, was front & center, as an option for that particular night's classic film (selection).

But be prepared, as this is one of those type movies that, after watching, most will (wildly) wish that, they could watch this movie all over again (for the first time).

Last but not least, this GREAT film of yesteryear, is not only free on YouTube, but is available in1080p quality as well!

It's a woefully brutal realization that, of today's child(ren) & their parent(s) frankly, the verdict is still out personally, as to which would become, the greater calamity & insult, to such a historic movie: {e.g. (a)., The young parent(s) & their pre-adolescent child(ren), kicking & screaming, as both {even} consider, watching such a presentation}, and/or, (b)., the bitter-cold disconnect from humanity, for just how far removed, any such concept, conveying, the struggles, of actually going hungry, possessing the discipline of delayed gratification, and also, the overwhelming importance, of the nuclear family.

Regrettably, America's re-purposed & updated cultural 'norms' (post-industrial age), could not help, but interrupt and convolute, the translation of such a wonderfully crafted film!

Three (3) possible future outcomes from the advent of this brutally bad movie being released (and the context of the word 'future' here is quite relative).

1. Undergoes a similar metamorphosis' to Director Tommy Wiseau's 'The Room' in that, it attracts an insane, cult-like following from movie goers that, possess a tit-twisting fetish, for watching flicks that, are so poorly done on every possible level that, it is tantamount to passing a fatal accident on an Interstate and trying to look away.

2. The US military pay big bucks to acquire the exclusive rights to this film, for use in covert opts, as a last resort means to brutally torture a combatant, traitor or outright sworn enemy. Unfortunately, if the Geneva Convention were allowed to view this film, prior to it being classified for warfare, it is highly likely that, the Geneva Convention would immediately restrict such usage (as inhumane).

3. Serve as inspiration to any wannabe director, actor or other individual, looking to break into the movie industry realizing that, if this film found financing and distribution that, it can only go UP from here.

Someone could have knocked me over w a feather, after having read on IMDb that, this movie maxed out at an estimated budget of $30m yet only grossed worldwide a little over $10m. As a self-professing film connoisseur, this movie ranks in the top 25 personal favorite movies (produced during course of my generation).

Yes, this is a dated movie & yes there's likely not a more entertaining & practical way, for demonstrating to individuals (especially millennials), the true art for possessing altruistic & authentic concern for others, service-related employment {e.g. customer service}. And, yes as a fellow business owner, there's an instant affinity to this type genre..., but this flick is a serious amalgamation of great writing & exceptional acting that's, collided w talented direction, scoring & editing.

Popcorn please (extra butter)...

There are elements of this movie that are likable, but then again, there are elements of having a root-canal that are great too, like once it's over and the pain subsides. But this isn't horseshoes & hand-grenades, so getting 'it' close doesn't count for much. Our 14- year-old daughter loved it, which is the only reason, it merits a 5 (out of ten).

Honestly, someone that genuinely loves & cares for the director(s)/producer(s) of this film, need break it to these individuals that, there is a tremendous delta that separates, legitimate film direction/production, from merely expertise in operating sophisticated movie equipment.

At best, 'Mom's Day Out' was a straight to DVD movie (or better yet, straight to digital Format and downloaded for free on iTunes, alongside Bono's recent music free-bee).

Not to disparage or take anything away from individuals that, have proved their ability to 'gen-up' the millions of dollars necessary, to secure the level of infrastructure and actors, associated with a want-a-be, feel-good project like 'Mom's Day Out'. But this movie just goes to validate that, much like government, just because someone has the ability to toss big money at a specific outcome, doesn't guarantee it will hit its target.