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DVD Review: “Beaches” Takes You Through A Wave Of Emotions

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“Beaches” follows the serendipitous meeting of two young girls on the Venice Beach Boardwalk, who, though worlds apart in lifestyle, embark on an unexpected and lifelong friendship.

As a young mother, I can’t tell you how many times the original “Beaches” saved me almost thirty years ago. Whenever I needed a couple of hours to myself, I could depend on Bette Midler (C C Bloom) and Barbara Hershey (Hillary) to entertain my daughter for hours on end with their wacky relationship that paired two completely opposite personalities and formed a bond that lasted a lifetime. Two young girls who faced their own personal challenges, found in each other what they couldn’t in the world of possibilities that surrounded them; the ability to live their lives on their own terms. The goal that each of the girls strived for seemed to be so far out of their reach, yet their belief in each other far exceeded the personal and professional sacrifices they had to pay to reach them.

Fast forward thirty years and Idina Menzel (CC) and Nia Long (Hillary), are just as entertaining and equally adventurous in the remake. While they have both achieved their personal successes as actors and the chemistry they have in the film is undeniably fitting and in character, there remains a void they can only fill with each other. In the oddest set of circumstances, they start out as acquaintances meeting on the beach discussing their quirky lives, return to their separate lives as pen pals and then become the most intimate of friends who through trials and tribulations learn more and more about each other. Throughout all of their growing pains, they seem destined to be together for better or worse, honoring their childhood vows.

The current “Beaches” delivers the same high level of enthusiasm and raw emotion as the original. As the relationship between Hillary and CC takes its twists and turns, there is always a way for it to redeem itself until Hillary develops a terminal illness, and it is only CC who can give her death any dignity. In spite of all they go through, the end-of-life treatment and continuity of sacrifice is what truly defines the relationship they have spent their lives building. Director Allison Anders did an excellent job re-creating the emotionally-high rollercoaster that bridges the lifetime gap between two human beings who find common ground, in spite of their differences. The film is entertaining for all ages and relevant for all time. Don’t miss it.

Beaches will be available on DVD at Walmart for the suggested retail price of $14.98 on Tuesday, May 9th

 

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Tracee Bond

Tracee is a movie critic and interviewer who was born in Long Beach and raised in San Diego, California. As a Human Resource Professional and former Radio Personality, Tracee has parlayed her interviewing skills, interest in media, and crossover appeal into a love for the Arts and a passion for understanding the human condition through oral and written expression. She has been writing for as long as she can remember and considers it a privilege to be complimented for the only skill she has been truly able to master without formal training!