For the Boys

REVIEW
Midler is paired with the miscast Caan in this hit-or-miss tale about the turbulent partnership of a song and dance duo -- from their meeting during WWII to the present. When set in the '40s, the film has vitality and purpose, but it is overly ambitious and none-too-successful in tackling the Hollywood blacklist, and the Korean and Vietnam wars. As the bawdy Dixie Leonard, Midler is in excellent voice and her acting far outshines the rest of the cast, thereby propelling this otherwise mediocre film. A good soundtrack is amongst the film's few other outstanding attractions.