steuben Overacted and under-directed, you won't learn anything new (or at all) about Jackie Susann. Brought to you from the same director as Striptease, the movie people confuse with Showgirls, this schlockfest is incredible for its ability to wring the worst performances from a cast of talented actors. Nathan Lane is forced to narrate large portions of the film since the scripted action fails to tell much of a story, but even that can't compensate for the lack of a plot. Yes, it's true: there is no plot. Susann's life was more complicated, messy, and salacious than this thing would otherwise convey, but even Lane's narration of unimportant tangents doesn't come close to rescuing a story so neutered as to be incomprehensible. The camera work, set design, and lighting give a tightly-produced feel that distances the action from any sense of place in reality; scenes shot in Central Park look as if there were actually filmed on a sound stage decorated to look like Central Park. That's quite an achievement.

Derek Sheldon Isn't She Great! and TCM's Robert OsborneDer ya to listen to this:I wanted to post on this movie awhile ago, however I didn't use my energy to create an account on DA "blogspot". Today I feel as if everyone gives their opinions and soon what does it matter what anyone says. It's not like Truman Capote is around anymore! Not that I even like Truman, who the F was he anyway? So pressing on to this movie. I watched this movie and balled at it, like I am a sucker for pretty much any good sappy movie. I can attest that I have seen pretty much every movie since 1936. You name it, I saw it. I wish Robert Osborne would =call me some time soon I am getting older here. I want this man J.O.B., frankly I think I am a little hotter too..what do you think TCM.....audition? No honestly he is a brilliant film historian. I would love to work with him someday. I do however have serious doubts about his side kick Ben Mankiewicz. What a miserable personality eh? OK I guess this is for another post. Today we (yes the royal WE) talk about "Isn't She Great." I absoulty love and adored this movie. All I read is blasts of negativity from critics and lectures about how horrid these two were...CAPITAL F>A>L>S>E! I do not believe anyone could of cast this movie any better. The cast was so brilliant together and a perfect team. Not only do I adore Bette in any movie, but her touchable real side was exposed in this movie. She swore, she drank, she was just generally a normal person who could let go in this film. Granted the character she played the infamous Jacqueline Susann, allowed her to ham it up. Together Nathan Lane and Bette Midler connected. I do not know how the critics of this movie could bash them. They loved working together and you could see this. David Hyde Pierce who I personally cannot stand, was great in this movie as well. Thank you Dave, (may I call you Dave?) for renewing my faith in stuffed shirt tight wad characters. The language and the determination in this movie was well put on screen. I simply love Jacqueline Susann for doing it HER WAY. I love that Bette could bring this story to light. While I did not care so much for "Valley of the Dolls" it was quite addicting, least the movie. I do not read so much these days this might attest for my atrocious writing skills which everyone apparently must notice. I cannot express to you how much I liked the assemble of this cast, John Cleese..amazing! Stockard Channing was a pre-runner to that blonde chick I like in Sex and the City! I think its Samantha? BTW Ms. Channing if you read this, I believe I am your biggest fan! What an amazing range for all of this cast. While others might criticize this movie...I found it to be a touching story with a powerful message. Something I believe that most movies lack in 2009. Yes it was not a Joan Crawford movie, but it just was touching. The way the cast interacted during this movie was fanominal to me. It was the message and the cast that made this movie special. Maybe I am the person who fights all lost causes, but as Jimmy Stewart says they are the only ones worth fighting for. I encourage you to re-look at this movie and give it another shot. I think the best parts in this movie for me was when Bette as Ms. Susann goes to the tree in central park to "talk to God." She is so matter of fact and vulgar to God and I love it. She identifies God as a light source though a tree, and it is so child-like, yet so close to your heart. It just shows how real Jacqueline Susann was and how Bette Midler understood her. I do think that Jackie would of loved this movie due to the fact that everyone else hated it. To me, that alone makes this film 4 stars in my book. Watch this movie again with an open heart you overpriced movie critics.

tex-42 Isn't She Great is a terrible movie inhabited by good actors who should know better.Supposedly a biography of Jacqueline Susann, the movie tells us very little about the woman or what drove her. We see her meeting her husband, Irving Mansfield, and absolutely no reason is given as to why they have a relationship. Jacqueline is presented as a struggling actress prior to writing Valley of the Dolls, but both she and her husband live in a luxury high rise, eat expensive meals and appear to spend thousands on themselves without any hint of where their money comes from. We are given some hint that Susann worked very hard to market Valley of the Dolls, while also caring for an autistic son and dealing with breast cancer, but the whole thing is treated in such a campy fashion that it loses its emotional impact. And I can't even begin to describe the horrible scenes of Susann screaming at a tree that she and her husband believe is God.In short, this movie has no reason to exist. Read one of Susann's books instead.

SandyLiz I wasn't a fan of Jackie Susann's books and didn't care for the movies based on them. But I LOVED this movie. It was done in a comedy format rather than totally serious, but it was wonderful. I loved her going to the park and facing up into the sky/tree to talk to God. And the bubbly Miss M brought a lot of excitement and energy to the role. As a wanna be writer, myself, I was impressed with Miss Susann's life story especially starting her writing career later in life and making herself into a best-seller and celebrity (with her husband's and publishers' help.) I am glad that she was able to get her books published and have the fame she craved. Everyone should be able to do that in whatever field they prefer. It is a very good book for writers to watch for education on marketing and publicity for your own books. Watch it. It would be a good movie even if it were based loosely on a real person and life.