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jamesmk
Reviews
Isn't She Great (2000)
Bette as Jackie - Isn't she great? Absolutely...
Bette Midler is probably the only one who could have done Jackie Suzanne justice, and indeed she does. Many critics have panned this film; however, it is not a typical Bette Midler film. It is also billed as a comedy - but has plenty of drama. Midler's interaction with Nathan Lane is excellent. Her scenes in the park talking to God, her tantrum in the pond - classic Jackie/classic Midler. If you watch this movie with the intention of seeing a good story, you'll enjoy it.
Divine Madness (1980)
Bette's first true hard rock-fest
Right on the heels of the smash success of "The Rose," "Divine Madness" is Bette in concert - but not the usual Bette in concert up to that point. This is rock and roll, with even some punk rock thrown in ("Paradise") that couldn't have been better nailed if the Sex-Pistols themselves did it. Bette wails on Bob Seger's "Fire Down Below" and blows the roof off the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Ironically, Bette had the flu when this was filmed, and doesn't like the sound quality of it. Still, "Stay With Me" rips your heart out. Her cover of the Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" mixes with Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" perfectly. And of course, plenty of biting Midler language, vulgarities, and enough camp to keep everyone happy. Anyone questioning whether Midler should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this concert alone answers a resounding YES.