Beaches Movie Review — Simply Being Mommy

Beaches is Now Available on Blu-ray | Movie Review

Sometimes Mommy needs a time-out. What did I chose to do with those few fleeting moments of sweet solitude? I grabbed a box of tissues, some chocolate (stolen from the kiddos’ Halloween boxes…shush, don’t tell!), and watched Beaches, now available on Blu Ray.

The 1988 production tells of a lifelong friendship between fiery starlet C.C. Bloom (played by Bette Midler) and debutante Hillary Whitney (Barbara Hershey). The duo met on the Atlantic City beach as children, and the film follows their friendship through the triumphs and tribulations. C.C. aspires for greatness on stage, while Hillary desperately desires to break free from the constraints of her upbringing. Despite disagreements over men and personality flaws, the unlikely friends always return to each other.

C.C.’s storyline somewhat mirrors Midler’s rise to fame. Although it’s not an autobiography, it does spotlight Midler’s talent and features several recognizable hits, including “Under the Boardwalk,” “The Glory of Love,” and, most notably, “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Since it’s been a while since I had seen this movie, there were plenty of times when I said, “Oh, I love this one too.”

Another fun surprise was discovering the young C.C. is played by Mayim Bialik (of “Blossom” and “Big Bang Theory” fame). It became clear that Mayim Bialik has been part of some of my favorite programs throughout each decade of my life.

Spruced up for its first-time on Blu-Ray, Beaches has been digitally restored. Also redone for the 2012 release is the sound. Hear Bette belt out the hits and just try not to sing along. I also challenge you to get through the movie without shedding tears. Without giving away too much, the greatest challenge the friends will endure is the declining health of Hillary, now a single mother to a young Victoria.

Not a movie to share with your children (or most likely your husband), Beaches is a fun “chick flick” and a great look at the extraordinary talent of Bette Midler. Beaches is on Blu-Ray and in stores now!