Review: The First Wives Club (1996)

When The First Wives Club was released in 1996, it was slaughtered by critics. They hated it. Audiences, however, failed to pay attention to this, and flocked to see the film despite all of the negative reviews, eventually making it the 11th highest grossing film of the year.

After the suicide of their friend, three former best friends, realizing they all share similar circumstances, decide to get revenge on their scheming, cheating, former husbands, with inspiring, yet comedic, results.

"He brought her... to my son's bar mitzvah!"

"... Is she a gift?"

The First Wives Club is a film I would describe as an easy-watch. By this, I mean that the film doesn't require much thought, but is nevertheless enjoyable. And boy is this movie enjoyable. It never fails to make me laugh, no matter how many times I see it. I really like this movie, and have done ever since I first saw it about a decade ago. It's one of those films I encourage others to see, as I find it hard to believe that anybody would, or could, dislike it (Except for the critics and scheming, cheating, former husbands, that is).

The comedic timing of the film's three main stars (Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton) is fantastic, and the women have an undeniable chemistry. They were all very well suited for their roles, as were the rest of the cast. I would have liked to have see more of Stockard Channing, though, who's screen time is limited in the film.

"Don't get mad, get everything!"

The First Wives Club is a hoot. I enjoy it every time. 8/10

Trivia: Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton all celebrated their 50th birthdays on the set of The First Wives Club, throughout the winter of 1995/1996.