Movie #1052 "Ricki and the Flash" is an uncomfortable film most of the time. The universal conflicts hit really close to home, and there are regular flair ups in the kitchen, in the living room, in public restaurants and yes, at a very posh wedding, of the family members that comprise Ricki's world. What makes it so painful to watch is what people say to each other in the heat of an argument --- Ricki and her ex-husband (played wonderfully by Kevin Kline -- nice to see them together again after "Sophie's Choice"), Ricki and her daughter (played by her real daughter), Ricki and her two sons (one who is gay and can feel her homophobic attitude toward him through her looks at him and the other who is getting married and hasn't even told her he is engaged), and Ricki and her husband's ever cheery wife (played wonderfully by Broadway great Audra MacDonald). And there are lots of arguments and uncomfortable, cringe-worthy discussions....... it was hard to watch, but I think you come out of it with a better understanding of how people need to work together to make divorces and dream chasing work in our society. Ricki herself brings up the fact that if she was a man chasing his dream of music, it would be much more accepting in our society,but since it is a mother --- it is seen as awful neglect on her part. Now, she doesn't make liking her easy at all --- she has a huge chip on her shoulder, blames everyone else for her not being there --- pushes too hard to remind everyone that she is this free thinker who wears her clothes and hair and makeup the way she wants to, with no worry about what anyone else would think was appropriate for the occasion.... I must admit, I didn't like that character through most of the film, but I think we aren't supposed to really, but we are to see what a tough road it has been for her and to gain some insight into why. I disagree with the plot summary below that says she attains her dream of rock stardom, unless the dream included being poor most of her life --- but she does have respect in the bar that she plays in night after night, but it's just too bad we don't treat our musicians like our sports figures in our society and pay them what they are due, which is more than just enough to survive --- she should be able to take visits to her kids and afford the flight money. The huge big idea that we carry away from the film is that music is the great remedy for drawing people together --- the ending is pretty pat and cheesy and really doesn't solve all that much, but it shows the power of music and for a few minutes, we can forget all the petty squabbling and forgive all the wrongdoings, and just be in the moment to share with our loved ones. If any of this sounds interesting, then you might like to see this. I definitely think there's an audience out there who would like this, but then I also recognize that others may not. Definitely, a big draw here is Rick Springfield and his music --- you will be so impressed with everything he does here and it's about time he gets his due respect in the music business. Oh, and kudos to Streep for learning to play so well, for her singing, esp. the very raw, truthful song to her daughter , and the one moment in the church between her and her daughter --- not near as emotional as the sophie's choice moment, but one that will linger for a long time. It looks like the ability that she has , has transferred quite well in part to her daughter. We should be seeing great things from Mamie Gunner in the future!
Ricki and the Flash2015PG-13 I would give it 4 stars out of 5
Abandoning her family to chase -- and ultimately attain -- her dream of rock stardom, guitarist Ricki Rendazzo returns years later to try to mend fences. Unfortunately, her estranged sons and daughter want little to do with her ... at first.