Some people find it bizarre that a film following three middle-aged divorcees as they plot revenge on their ex-husbands ranks among my favorites. These misinformed critics clearly have not experienced the magic of The First Wives Club.
While it’s probably true that the movie was aimed at a demographic closer to my mom’s than mine, I became enamored after my first viewing. Diane Keaton, Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn are all in top form as they reunite following a friend’s suicide and realize their common predicament: they’ve all been dumped for younger babes.
They fumble through plastic surgery, bar mitzvahs and ill-fated excursions on a window washer all as part of an effort to get back at their exes. Rumors of on-set tension aside, the actresses interaction through increasingly ludicrous situations elevates the movie from tired romp to comedy gold.
Now, when the ladies’ finale song and dance routine to “You Don’t Own Me” starts, I proudly sing along, secretly jealous that I can never be part of their exclusive club.
