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Movies / On DVD / For the Boys
For the Boys

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For the Boys (1991)

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45 %
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Reviews Counted:11

Fresh:5

Rotten:6

Average Rating:5/10

Runtime: 2 hrs 25 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: In this ambitious musical saga, unknown USO singer Dixie Leonard (Bette Midler) is teamed up with one of America's beloved song-and-dance men--Eddie Sparks (James Caan)--in England during World War... In this ambitious musical saga, unknown USO singer Dixie Leonard (Bette Midler) is teamed up with one of America's beloved song-and-dance men--Eddie Sparks (James Caan)--in England during World War II, beginning a 50-year partnership of music, laughter, and tears. Eddie is a seductive comedian and singer as notorious for his roving eye as he is for his jokes, while Dixie is a feisty but vulnerable and incredibly talented entertainer. Through three wars, a Golden Era television show, the McCarthy trials, and, in later years, an awards ceremony, FOR THE BOYS chronicles the relationship of this perfect onstage, tumultuous offstage couple as it's highlighted by historic events. George Segal adds further complexities to the couple's relationship as Dixie's showbiz uncle who is interrogated during the McCarthy era. With this nostalgic film, director Mark Rydell creates--in the spirit of old MGM musicals laced with a serious, modern look at war--a highly entertaining and touching film. The heroic cinematography, authentic period costumes and sets, and wonderful musical numbers all enhance this gripping melodrama. [More]

Starring: Bette Midler, James Caan, George Segal, Patrick O'Neal

Starring: Bette Midler, James Caan, George Segal, Patrick O'Neal, Christopher Rydell, Arye Gross, Norman Fell, Rosemary Murphy, Bud Yorkin, Dori Brenner, Jack Sheldon, Karen Martin, Shannon Wilcox, Michael Green, Melissa Manchester, Steven Kampmann, Jason Iorg, David Bowe

Director: Mark Rydell

Director: Mark Rydell

[See More Credits]

Reviews for For the Boys

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1 - 18 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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N/R

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Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
01/26/06
Time Out
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N/R

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Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
03/26/09
Variety
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Never a subtle director, Rydell goes for the obvious and sentimental. Starring Bette Midler and James Caan. his musical chronicle is not so much nostalgic as it is banal, reducing major events in American history to the level of personal feuds.

Full Review Source: EmanuelLevy.Com | comment Comment
02/05/07
Emanuel Levy
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

comment Comment
10/05/05
Chuck O'Leary
Chuck O'Leary
Fantastica Daily

Hokey and sentimental, but Midler's divine.

comment Comment
12/03/04
Carol Cling
Carol Cling
Las Vegas Review-Journal
N/R

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Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
05/20/03
Janet Maslin
Janet Maslin
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

No review available.

comment Comment
04/27/03
Michael Szymanski
Michael Szymanski
Zap2it.com

No review available.

comment Comment
01/13/03
Kit Bowen
Kit Bowen
Hollywood.com

No review available.

comment Comment
10/31/02
Brian J. Arthurs
Brian J. Arthurs
Beach Reporter (Southern California)

A very enaging, ultimately satisfying drama with two knockout performances

comment Comment
09/18/02
Clint Morris
Clint Morris
Moviehole

There are moments when you might find yourself moved beyond reasonable expectation.

Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com | comment Comment
06/25/02
Andrew Howe
Andrew Howe
eFilmCritic.com
N/R

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Full Review Source: Movieline | comment Comment
01/09/02
Movieline
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N/R

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Full Review Source: Deseret News, Salt Lake City | comment Comment
01/01/00
Deseret News, Salt Lake City
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N/R

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Full Review Source: Washington Post | comment Comment
01/01/00
Hal Hinson
Hal Hinson
Washington Post
N/R

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Full Review Source: Washington Post | comment Comment
01/01/00
Joe Brown
Joe Brown
Washington Post

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Full Review Source: Austin Chronicle | comment Comment
01/01/00
Kathleen Maher
Kathleen Maher
Austin Chronicle

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Full Review Source: rec.arts.movies.reviews | comment Comment
01/01/00
Mark R. Leeper
Mark R. Leeper
rec.arts.movies.reviews

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
01/01/00
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
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1 - 18 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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