Fried Green Tomatoes

Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker

Directed by Jon Avnet

Rating: B

Finally having her son growing up to leave home, Evelyn Couch (Bates) has a void to fill. Her husband, Ed (Gailard Sartain) doesn't appreciate the time they have together, preferring to eat dinner in front of the tv than talk to her. During a visit to see Ed's aunt in a nursing home, Evelyn meets Ninny Threadgoode (Tandy). Ninny starts to tell Evelyn a story about a strong, independent woman she knew growing up but doesn't get to finish because Ed was ready to go home. Evelyn comes back to visit Ninny and hear more about Idgie (Masterson) and Ruth (Parker), two best friends who have survived an abusive husband and some attacks by the Ku Klux Klan.

Fried Green Tomatoes is really just a sweet story about friendship and loyalty. The movie goes in and out between Ninny's story and Evelyn's growth of independence. Through Ninny's story about Idgie, Evelyn is inspired to change what she doesn't like about herself and to fix her marriage. Evelyn struggles with aging and gaining weight and after trying out some support groups, the best support she can get is from Ninny. Soon, Ninny becomes like family to her.

What I really liked about this movie was how Ninny takes you back to the 1920's Alabama. You get to hear about a different time and different people. Idgie is a tough girl who has preferred to be on her own since her older brother died. Ruth comes back to town and tries to reach out to her, not giving up until one day they are able to make a connection. Their friendship grows (while apparently in the novel they are actually "lovers") and they take care of each other. In the end, something tears them apart but the movie doesn't end unhappily. I would recommend this if you enjoy sentimental, inspirational, and heart-warming movies of the kind.