Boys on the Side (1995)

Director:

Herbert Ross

Writer (WGA):

Don Roos (written by)

Release Date:

3 February 1995 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

A motion picture that celebrates the art of survival, the gift of laughter and the miracle of friendship.

Plot:

Jane is a night club singer, out of work. Robin is a quirky real estate agent looking for a ride-share to accompany her to California...

Plot Keywords:

Lesbian | AIDS | Road | Childbirth | Pregnant Prisoner

Awards:

1 win & 2 nominations

Cast

Whoopi Goldberg	...	Jane
Mary-Louise Parker	...	Robin
Drew Barrymore	...	Holly
Matthew McConaughey	...	Abe
James Remar	...	Alex
Billy Wirth	...	Nick
Anita Gillette	...	Elaine
Dennis Boutsikaris	...	Massarelli
Estelle Parsons	...	Louise
Amy Aquino	...	Anna
Stan Egi	...	Henry
Stephen Gevedon	...	Johnny Figgis / Jane's Band
Amy Ray	...	Indigo Girl
Emily Saliers	...	Indigo Girl
Jude Ciccolella	...	Jerry

Also Known As:

Avec ou sans hommes (France)

Runtime:

115 min

Country:

USA | France

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

Philippines:R-18 | Argentina:13 | Australia:MA | Chile:14 | Finland:K-12 | Peru:14 | Singapore:PG | South Korea:18 | Spain:13 | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:R | Germany:12 | Iceland:12

Filming Locations:

Bendix Diner - Route 17 and Williams Avenue, Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, USA

Company:

Alcor Films

Trivia:

As the part of Holly hadn't been cast, Whoopi Goldberg suggested her close personal friend, Drew Barrymore. The two have been friends since Barrymore visited the set of The Color Purple (1985) in 1985.

Goofs:

Errors made by characters (possibly deliberate errors by the filmmakers): When Robin is trying to inform Holly that her boyfriend is dead she writes "MORTE" on the window and tells it is French for dead. French for dead is "mort". Nevertheless, "Morte" means "Death" in Italian.

Quotes:

Holly: Anyway, uhm... Jane called me at work, wanted to know how you are.
Robin: I'm fine.
Elaine: Who's Jane?
Abe: [mouth full of corn from his cob] Jane used to live here up until a few days ago.
Robin: You stay out of this, Holly. It's between me and Jane.
Holly: Well, she asked for my advice, so I told her she's anti-Lesbian.
Robin: I am not.
Elaine: [shocked] Who's a Lesbian?
Robin: Jane is.
Elaine: [shocked] And she was living here?
[...]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Office: Night Out (#4.11)" (2008)

Soundtrack:

Keep On Growing

Barrymore at her best

Drew Barrymore really makes this movie what it is as the dizzy (blonde of course) Holly, with her fresh and upbeat view on life. The faces which Barrymore pulls to dramatize her part will keep you laughing (e.g whilst on the Greyhound bus, whilst in labor). Moreover, this film shows that Barrymore can not only play the slutty, seductive parts (e.g The Amy Fisher Story, Poison Ivy) but a role which mixes both.

What will surprise you about this comedy (and tear jerker) is that it's not as predictable as you may except. Although the story line is simple, there are always the odd parts which you don't expect. The fight at the beginning with Nick will keep you shocked and probably laughing.

It's definitely a chick flick (although the guys may drool over a blonde Barrymore.) However the actor who plays Abe Lincoln is an eye catcher.

This is not one of Whoopi Goldberg's best roles and I didn't think her part as the lesbian was believeable, yet she did display both strength and humor to keep you interested. Mary Louise Parker was excellent and her performance was on line with her part.

Definitely a movie for a Barrymore fan and if you need a heart warming movie to keep you interested at night. You go get it!