Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood

While its not uncommon for book-to-film adaptations to lose something in the translation, the narrative gaps are simply insurmountable in this two-hankie estrogen fest based on the popular novels by Rebecca Wells. Brimming with talented actresses, none of whom steps on another's toes in across-the-board strong performances, this is an emotionally genuine bonding picture focusing on a sniping mother (Ellen Burstyn) and daughter (Sandra Bullock). But writer-director Callie Khouri (screenwriter of Thelma and Louise) sugarcoats and minimizes their problems (the mother is essentially horrible) while launching into melodramatic histrionics to cover up serious deficiencies in the plot. The actresses (including Ashley Judd, Maggie Smith, Fionnula Flanagan and Shirley Knight) so clearly enjoy sinking their teeth into these sincere, sometimes daffy Southern roles that it's truly a pity they're left without a coherent script. Not a necessary purchase. [Note: DVD extras include two audio commentaries (one by director Callie Khouri, composer T-Bone Burnett, executive producer Lisa Stewart, producers Bonnie Bruckheimer and Hunt Lowry, and editor Andrew Marcus; the other by Khouri and star Ashley Judd); the near 14-minute "Unlocking the Secrets" featurette; the music video "Sitting in the Window of My Room" by Alison Krauss; eight additional scenes (totaling about 16 minutes); and a scrapbook compilation of segments, including cast interviews, character descriptions, a photo gallery and movie clips. Bottom line: an impressive extras package for a melodramatic sledgehammer of a film.] (R. Blackwelder)