Boys on the Side

1995

Boys on the Side

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

74%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 35

69%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 35,203
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Movie Info

In the tradition of Fried Green Tomatoes, this touching drama focuses upon the relationships of three strong, independent women who come to love and need each other on the way to Southern California. The story begins in New York when Jane, a night club singer, chances to meet Jane, a tense real estate executive on a trip to souther CA. Jane's friend Holly joins them after she and her boyfriend the drug addict have a big fight. When Robin becomes terribly ill, the three must stop in Tucson where they set up a house. Jane, a lesbian, must come to grips with her romantic feelings toward the ailing Robin.
  • Rating:
    R
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Directed By:
    Herbert Ross
  • Written By:
    Don Roos
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Warner Home Video

Cast

Whoopi Goldberg
as Jane
Mary-Louise Parker
as Robin
Marie-Louise Parker
Drew Barrymore
as Holly
Matthew McConaughey
as Abe
James Remar
as Alex
Billy Wirth
as Nick
Anita Gillette
as Elaine
Dennis Boutsikaris
as Massarelli
Estelle Parsons
as Louise
Amy Aquino
as Anna
Stan Egi
as Henry
Stephen Gevedon
as Johnny Figgis/Member of Jane's Band
Gedde Watanabe
as Steve
Amy Ray
as Herself
Emily Saliers
as Herself
Jude Ciccolella
as Jerry
Gede Watanabe
as Steve
Jon Seda
as Pete
Mimi Toro
as Carrie
Lori Alan
as Girl with Attitude
Mary Anne McGarry
as Dr. Newbauer
Michael Storm
as Tommy
Danielle Shuman
as Young Robin
Julian Neil
as Nightclub Owner
Niecy Nash
as Woman at Diner
Ted Zerkowski
as Drug Buyer
Jill C. Klein
as Waitress
Marnie Cressen
as Nurse
Aaron Lustig
as Judge
Terri White
as Guard
George Georgiadis
as Cab Driver
Cheryl A. Kelly
as Hotel Clerk
Adria Contreras
as Mary Todd (age 5 Months)
Malika Edwards
as Mary Todd (age 10 Months)
Pablo Espinosa
as New Mexico Policeman
Kevin LaPresle
as New Mexico Policeman
John F. Manfredonia
as Obstetrician
James Shuffield
as Gynecologist
Thomas Kevin Danaher
as Tuscon Policeman
Richard Loewll McDole
as Tuscon Policeman
Don Hewitt Sr.
as Tow Truck Driver
Andy Duppin
as Tow Truck Driver
Alan Mirikitami
as Member of Jane's Band
Joe Pyles
as Member of Jane's Band
Worthy Davis
as Member of Jane's Band
Josh Segal
as Member of Indigo Girls' Band
Breta La Von
as Member of Indigo Girls' Band
Patrice Jones
as Member of Indigo Girls' Band
Tito Larriva
as Member of Indigo Girls' Band
Gary Montemer
as Member of Indigo Girls' Band
Vernon Francisco
as Member of Desert Suns Band
Fidelis Manuel
as Member of Desert Suns Band
Sylvester Oliver
as Member of Desert Suns Band
Benedict Martinez
as Member of Desert Suns Band
New Kiva Motions Puppet Theater
as Day of the Dead Dancers/Puppeteers
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Critic Reviews for Boys on the Side

All Critics (35) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (9)

View All Critic Reviews (35)

Audience Reviews for Boys on the Side

  • Dec 02, 2010
    It was okay, something I'd watch in passing or while doing something else.
    Sarah P Super Reviewer
  • Dec 15, 2009
    The Best and precious gift ever is laughter and the miracle of friendship.
    Wahida K Super Reviewer
  • Apr 25, 2008
    A bit cheezy in parts but it's cute and sweet.
    Sunil J Super Reviewer
  • Jan 12, 2008
    This is a movie I have watched many times over the years and have owned in more than one format (VHS, laserdisc and now DVD... and frankly the transfer on the DVD is so crappy if it comes out on blu here, I am all over it!), so that gives you some idea how much I love it and how biased this review is going to be! As far as I am concerned, it is the perfect movie about female friendship... another one that leaves SATC in the pale (fun though those movies might be). Casting is perfect. I am far from a Whoopi Goldberg fan (she normally grates on me), but she is really good in this as Jane, a musician and lesbian who meets up with Robin (Mary-Louise Parker - just perfect here. I had never seen her in anything before this and I was drawn to her portrayal of the slightly dorky but beautiful Robin). Both are looking to leave town for various reasons and decide to car pool to California, though seemingly totally incompatible. Along the way they pick up Jane's friend Holly (Drew Barrymore - also a perfect role for her) who has got herself into a bit of a scrape with her dodgy boyfriend. The three get to know each other better, secrets come out and long lasting friendships are formed. The ending is incredibly sad and moves me to tears everytime without fail. I don't want to say more than that and ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen this. Even though the twist which leads to the end is revealed fairly early on in the movie, you do still kind of hope it will not happen as you just really can't wish any bad on this emotionally scarred character. I had not realised that Matthew McConaughey plays the policeman Holly falls in love with - I have not watched this movie in a few years, and I probably didn't really know who he was at the time. (Now of course he is in just about every chick flick going). He is pretty slimy here - both himself and the character, so I guess he suits it!
    Nicki M Super Reviewer
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