Boys on the Side
Boys on the Side

Boys on the Side

1995Movie115 minEnglish

After breaking up with her girlfriend, a nightclub singer, Jane, answers a personal ad from Robin, a real estate agent with AIDS, seeking a cross-country travel partner. On their journey from New York City to Los Angeles, the two stop by Pittsburgh to pick up Jane's friend Holly, who is trying to escape an abusive relationship. With three distinct personalities, the women must overcome their differences to help one another.

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Insights

IMDb6.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes68%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users81%
Director: Herbert RossGenres: Comedy-drama, Road movie

Plot Summary

Three women from very different backgrounds become unlikely friends when they embark on a cross-country road trip together. Jane, a soulful singer struggling with addiction; Robin, a wealthy yet insecure real estate agent; and Holly, a free-spirited woman with a troubled past. Their journey is fraught with both humorous mishaps and serious challenges, including Robin's diagnosis with HIV, forcing them to confront their pasts and rely on each other for support.

Critical Reception

Boys on the Side received a mixed to positive reception from critics, who praised the performances of its lead actresses, particularly Whoopi Goldberg and Mary-Louise Parker, and the film's emotional depth. However, some critics found the plot to be somewhat predictable and the tone occasionally uneven, balancing dramatic themes with comedic elements.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for the strong chemistry and performances of the lead actresses.
  • Appreciated for its exploration of female friendship and overcoming adversity.
  • Some found the blend of comedy and drama to be inconsistent.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film for its heartfelt story about friendship and resilience, with many commending the acting. Some viewers found the plot to be a bit sentimental.

Fun Fact

During filming, Drew Barrymore reportedly bonded with her co-stars by constantly prank-calling them.

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