'Isn't She Great' Lives Up To Title's Challenge

The filmmakers behind the new Jacqueline Susann biopic, "Isn't She Great" had to have known they were setting themselves up for a big fall with a title that professes greatness.

Think of the headline possibilities for critics: "'Isn't She Great' Isn't Great." Or, how about, "She Isn't Great."

Don't be surprised if you see those cheap, but easy zingers coming from the more cynical of critics in the coming days. But rest assured, you're not going to see it coming from me.

For the most part, the new comedy lives up to its title. In fact, one of the few downfalls of the film isn't anything in the film itself, but the sad reality that the late celebrity author (Suzann's "Valley Of The Dolls" -- a shocker about crazy, steamy lives of drug addicted, sex-crazed movie stars -- all but invented the trashy "tell-all" book genre) isn't around to see her life in film.

Somehow, though, I felt a whist of her spirit through perhaps the only person that could have done justice playing her: another brassy, tell-it-like-it-is survivor by the name of Bette Midler.

Based on a New Yorker magazine article written by Michael Korda, "Isn't She Great" chronicles over three decades Susann's inspiring, yet tragedy-filled rise from a bit Broadway stage player to best selling author and finally, her final bittersweet days of the fame she so greatly desired.

However, "Isn't She Great" isn't so much the story of Susann herself, as it is of the man who helped make it happen -- husband and manager Irving Mansfield (Nathan Lane). Like Midler, Lane seems like a natural at every role he takes on, and "Isn't She Great" is no exception.

Perhaps the overall tone of "Isn't She Great" is a bit too theatrical, but not to the point where it feels phony. The characters, even in all their brash behavior, are for the most part believable -- which is an essential quality when you consider that they are playing real people.

Much in the same way Susann's works flew off the book shelves, "Isn't She Great" moves at a brisk pace, thanks to some smart and sassy dialogue by Paul Rudnick.

And while this is clearly Midler's movie, Stockard Channing (who stars as Susann's friend and fellow performer, Florence Maybelle) almost steals the show. Not only does Channing look great (it seems like she hasn't aged a day since her turn as Rizzo in "Grease"), her impeccable sense of timing and expression haven't changed either. One has to wonder why she isn't featured in more films; maybe "Isn't She Great" will be Hollywood's wake-up call.

As Susann's book editor, David Hyde Pierce is his usual brilliant self -- although those looking for more range from the thespian may be disappointed since his character is basically an extension of his delectably uppity Niles Crane character on "Frasier."

On the other hand, former Monty Python troupe member John Cleese is unusually reserved, but effective in his role as the book magnate who took the chance on publishing Susann's works when no one else would.

Perhaps the only thing that upstages this actors' movie is the brilliant work of veteran costume designer Julie Weiss. Her vibrant recreation of the film's retro 60s/70s wardrobe is stunning, especially on costumes donned by Midler. They're a scream.

Though Susann and my brands of writing are libraries apart, I'd have to say I was personally inspired by this film, which basically, is about Susann's unbridled passion to succeed. Granted, I'm not looking to start a new career as a trash author anytime soon, but Lane's summation of Susann's life at the conclusion of the film can't help but provide inspiration for not only writers, but anybody with a dream: "She didn't get the breaks, so she made them herself."

Now those are "great" words to live by.

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