Ricki and the Flash: Movie Review

From the director of “Silence of the Lambs” and the writer of “Jennifer’s Body”, comes “Ricki and the Flash”. Ok, I know director Jonathan Demme and writer Diablo Cody have a more extensive body of work, but I just thought that would be a fun way to start off my review. I just wish the film about a seasoned rock musician played by Meryl Streep made a better attempt injecting some fun. Unfortunately “Ricki and the Flash” is about as flat as can be, and the only thing that makes it bearable is the likable cast. I think in the hands of someone like Nancy Meyers, this could have turned out a whole lot better.

Ricki (Meryl Streep) and her boyfriend Greg (Rick Springfield) are part of a Los Angeles cover band called “Ricki and the Flash”. When Ricki isn’t jamming out at a local bar, she is working her day job as a “Total Foods’ cashier. Other than that the seasoned rocker has no other responsibilities.

When Ricki’s ex-husband Pete (Kevin Kline) calls her up and tells her that their daughter Julie (Mamie Gummer) is an emotional wreck due to her husband leaving her, Ricki jumps on a plane. What Pete failed to mention was that Julie tried to commit suicide as well. The mother and daughter reunion has a bit of a rough start. Ricki hasn’t seen Julie in many years and the same goes for her two sons Josh (Sebastian Stan) and Adam (Nick Westrate).

Much of “Ricki and the Flash” has to do with Ricki trying to re-connect with her family which she finds extremely difficult. Pete’s wife Maureen (Audra McDonald) has played the part of mom during Ricki’s absence and when she arrives back home from taking care of a family matter, she is not too happy with Ricki’s influence on Julie.

“Ricki and the Flash” isn’t bad, it just isn’t very good. Easily the best moments are when Streep is on stage rocking out with Springfield. If you love the cast, you might find some enjoyment, but this is the type of movie that you are better off watching at home on cable or Netflix.

By: Marc Ferman