RICKI AND THE FLASH: Meryl Streep is at it again, this time as an
aging rocker who deserted her family to pursue her dream of becoming a star and
ended up playing in “dives” with her band.
Hearing from her husband, Pete (Kevin Kline), about family problems, she
returns home to daughter Julie (Meryl's real-life daughter, Mamie Gummer) and
her two grown sons in a bid for redemption for past mistakes. Directed by Jonathan Demme and written by
Diablo Cody (both Oscar winners) you'd think this film had a lot going for
it. Well, the performances are first
rate including those by Rick Springfield as Ricki’s boyfriend and bandmate and
the wonderful Audra MacDonald as Pete’s now wife. But the story is rather formulistic even
though it’s been reversed (The woman rather than the man leaves the family and
the boyfriend is the one who wants more in the relationship). Granted it is a kick to see Meryl singing and
rock and rolling, but ultimately, it turns out to be the same old song…the
dysfunctional family trying to cope. So,
all in all, It’s a nice enjoyable film but nothing special. Been there, done that. But, I hasten to add that Meryl and the boys
doing some timeless Rock and Roll covers will have you smiling from ear to ear.
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