Isn't She Great

MPAA Rating: R

Entertainment: +2

Content: -2 1/2

Struggling actress Jacqueline Susann (Bette Midler) has only one obsession in life - worldwide fame. So when publicist Irving Mansfield (Nathan Lane) falls for her, shes on her way. After their marriage, Irv devotes all of his energies into making Jackie a star, but it just doesnt happen for her as an actress. Thats when Irv decides that writing a book would be the next best thing. Since Jackie only knows about the seedy Hollywood lifestyle of alcohol, drugs, and sex, she decides to write a book with those elements. Her finished work, Valley of the Dolls, initially falls on hard times when they cant find a publisher. But when they meet Henry Marcus (John Cleese), hes ready to take a chance on this new idea. He sends editor Michael Hastings (David Hyde Pierce) to prepare the book for printing. But will the book bring Jackie the fame she so desperately seeks? ISNT SHE GREAT has its moments and its clear that Cleese and Pierce are the scene-stealers. But even they arent enough to save this film from a short run at the box office.

Jackie wants fame and shell stop at nothing to get it. Based on a true story, the film includes many of the hardships that come into Jackies life. Not only do she and Irv have a severely autistic child, but Jackie later contracts cancer. Yet, she continually rises above those things to persevere toward her goal. Although she spends much of the film talking to God, most of it seems to be just lip service. She appears more concerned with the desire for fame than living a life pleasing to God. Foul language occurs regularly with many obscenities and six regular profanities. As the opening credits roll, several provocative cartoon drawings reveal quick glimpses of female breast and rear nudity. Theres also some crude sexual dialogue and homosexual references. While occasionally humorous and touching, ISNT SHE GREAT lacks entertaining appeal. So, in answer to the title - not in our opinion.

Preview Reviewer: John Adair
Distributor:
Universal Pictures, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.

Crude Language: Many (10) times Mild 7, Moderate 3

Obscene Language: Many (20) times - F-word 9, s-word 5, other 6

Profanity: Many (16) times - Regular 6 (G 1, JC 1, GD 2, C sake 2); Exclamatory 10 (OMG, OG)

Violence: None

Sex: None

Nudity: Several times (female breast and rear during cartoonish looking photos in the opening credits); Near Nudity - Few times (cleavage)

Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: Several times (references to sex, reference to genitals)

Drugs: Many times (smoking, alcohol)

Other: People pray to God, but obviously not too concerned about anything He wants, only what they want; makes death look as horrible as it should; woman obsessed with fame and fortune

Running Time: 95 minutes
Intended Audience: Adults


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