Steel Magnolias

Robert Harling's play-turned-film Steel Magnolias receives an African-American update in this Lifetime-aired movie. As in the previous big-screen incarnation with Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts, the action in filmmaker Kenny Leon's remake revolves around six suburban Louisiana women. While Shelby (Condola Rashad) is preparing for her wedding to Jackson (Tory Kittles), salon owner Truvy (Jill Scott) hires new arrival Annelle (Adepero Oduye) as a stylist (Truvy's philosophy: "There's no such thing as natural beauty."). Other salon regulars include Clairee (Phylicia Rashad, Condola's mother), a widow, and Ouiser (Alfre Woodard), the town grump. When Shelby finds out about Annelle's deadbeat husband, she invites her to join the festivities. Months later, Annelle has a new beau, and Shelby, who suffers from diabetes and chronic kidney disease, is pregnant, although her mother, M'Lynn (Queen Latifah), worries that the strain might kill her. While this won't replace the original, it is a strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)