Lazy Film Critic Movie Reviews
Ricki & the Flash
Ricki & the Flash is a drama/comedy from director Jonathan Demme, and it stars Meryl Streep, Kevin Kline, Marmie Gummer, Sebastian Stan, and Rick Springfield. It follows this guitarist for a band, called Ricki & the Flash, played by Meryl Streep, who has to somehow get back in touch with her disfunctional family following her daughters divorce. She's also got stuff going on in LA with her band that she has to deal with.
Now, going into this movie, I knew Meryl Streep was going to be the highlight of this movie. And she was, she's a fantastic actress, and like any other movie she's been in, she totally kills it here. What makes her performance here special is the fact that, in most of the guitar related scenes, she's actually playing the guitar, and singing the songs. While you're watching the movie, you can totally tell that she's fully commited to the role, and it pays off in another awesome Meryl Streep performance. Along with Streep, Kevin Kline and Marmie Gummer were also pretty good in this movie.
One of the problems I usually have with films in the drama/comedy genre is that a lot of them have trouble blurring the line between drama and comedy. Some films, like 50/50 or Her can do it, and make it seamless. However, Ricki & the Flash isn't one of those films, and some of the shifts between drama and comedy are rather sudden. A scene will go from a comedic moment to a dramatic moment, but without any build up. The individual dramatic and comedic moments themselves are really good, the only issue is the transition between them.
Ricki & the Flash is one of those movies that isn't made for everyone. I don't mean that in the sense where Snowpiercer is way too dark for some people, I mean Ricki is specifically made for people in their 40s-50s or older. Now, I'm 18 and I could still enjoy the movie, and I think most people regardless of age may like the film, but I feel like it's important to point out that this movie has a specific target audience. If you weren't alive when the various 80s rock bands featured in this movie are brought up, it may not connect with you as well as it would with other people.
Final Rating
Ricki & the Flash is entertaining and for some people, nostalgic film. It has some flaws, but nothing I couldn't get over to enjoy it. Meryl Streep, as expected, is fantastic and absolutely steals the show. If you're a part of this movies key demographic, you'll totally enjoy it. If not, well that's really a matter of opinion. I can't say Ricki & the Flash is a movie you need to rush to the theatres to see, but if you're interested in it then go for it.
Ricki & the Flash is entertaining and for some people, nostalgic film. It has some flaws, but nothing I couldn't get over to enjoy it. Meryl Streep, as expected, is fantastic and absolutely steals the show. If you're a part of this movies key demographic, you'll totally enjoy it. If not, well that's really a matter of opinion. I can't say Ricki & the Flash is a movie you need to rush to the theatres to see, but if you're interested in it then go for it.
“Ricki And The Flash” is very much a woman’s tale in the sense that it asks the question of why a woman will be shamed for leaving her family to pursue a different lifestyle whereas a man who did the same thing might be commended.
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