Ricki and The Flash

Chief Chick Comments

This film was not quite as bad as I had feared. Yet after I saw it, I found it very unsatisfying. The story with a fake upbeat ending just does not ring true. Jonathan Demme both wrote and directed the movie. Not a good grade on either count. Meryl Streep does the best only she can do; yet I am not convinced that she is a 50 something rock and roll singer on the cheap circuit in California. Her actual daughter, Mamie Gummer, plays her daughter in the movie, Julie. Julie's husband has left her for another woman and Julie, 3 weeks prior, had tried suicide. Ex-husband, Pete, played by Kevin Kline, is now married to the gorgeous Audra McDonnell and after much business success lives in a drop dead gorgeous home with beautiful grounds as well. Ricki uses her last pennies to fly home and try to help. I could not help but see Meryl Streep and not Ricki/Linda. What a surprise...her children are alienated, and only one of them actually wants to see her even though he wants to avoid having Mom know he is about to be married. Streep does a good job on stage at various times in the movie as she sings classic rock and a song of her own about Summer's Day which is a pleasant. I am incredibly sorry the story is not believable. We are meant to come to the conclusion that a man can leave his responsibilities and be a rock star while a woman is not viewed favorably if she does. While the premise may be true, it rings hollow in this film. If you must see it, do something fun afterwards. The awkwardness might make you feel awkward!

Flock Comments