Were The Critics Too Harsh On Bette Midler & For The Boys?

Hollywood Outbreak
Bette Midler Believed In ‘For The Boys’ Were Critics Too Harsh?
By Hollywood Outbreak
November 23, 2024

Back in 1991, Bette Midler and the late James Caan teamed up for a film called For The Boys. While it had a modestly promising start with a limited release in just two theaters the weekend before Thanksgiving, things took a sharp downturn when it opened nationwide the following week. Despite its heartfelt performances and ambition, the film struggled to connect with a wider audience. It pulled in only $4.5 million during its first weekend in wide release and disappeared from most theaters by Christmas, managing to earn just $17.8 million overall—a far cry from its hefty $40 million budget.

The film follows the extraordinary journey of Dixie Leonard, a gifted USO performer, and Eddie Sparks, a charismatic comedian, as their bond evolves over the course of five decades. From entertaining troops during World War II to navigating the tumult of the Vietnam War era and ultimately facing the challenges of their later years in the 1990s, their relationship weaves a compelling story of camaraderie, conflict, and resilience that spans generations.

At the time, For The Boys seemed destined to be forgotten, but the years have been kinder to its legacy. The movie gained a loyal following, with fans drawn to its nostalgic charm and emotional depth. Its resurgence even inspired a stage adaptation, a testament to its staying power. At the time of the film’s release, Midler expressed her belief that For The Boys was the best movie she had made—a conviction that, over the years, seems to have been validated by the film’s devoted audience.

One thing is certain—Bette Midler and James Caan gave it their all. Caan, a true multi-talented performer and Midler once again proved why she’s one of the greatest all-around talents in entertainment history. Has time healed the wounds of this film’s initial reception? Is it now a better film than many believed when it first debuted? We’ll leave that for you to decide.

For The Boys is available on DVD, Blu-Ray, and most digital platforms.