Ricki and the Flash

MPAA Rating: PG - 13 for thematic material, brief drug content, sexuality and language
Run Time: 101 Minutes
My Rating: 3/5
So yesterday I saw TriStar Pictures' Ricki and the Flash starring Meryl Streep (Into the Woods), Rick Springfield (ABC's General Hospital), Kevin Kline (Last Vegas), and Mamie Gummer (CBS's The Good Wife).  The film tells the story of Ricki, a rock-and-roll singer and guitarist, who gave up everything she had in order to live her dream as a rock star.  However, she now has to face the music, when she returns home to try to make things right with her family.  With so much hatred from her family towards her, Ricki must show her kids and learn herself that to be a parent, you must give all that you have to them, even if it isn't much.
So this film was actually pretty good.  The film isn't amazing, but it does have amazing aspects to it. Probably the greatest aspect of the film is the cast.  The entire cast does a great job.  Meryl Streep shows her greatness as she usually does.  This is definitely a different role than what we have been accustomed to seeing Meryl Streep play, but she is such a fantastic actress that she plays this role flawlessly.  She also does some excellent covers of songs for the film and the soundtrack with her voice is spectacular.  Though Meryl Streep does an incredible job, she is greatly supported by the other members of the cast.  Rick Springfield is probably one of the biggest standout performances of film and possible the summer. This came as a complete surprise to me, but it was a great surprise. Finally Mamie Gummer, who is Meryl Streep's actual daughter, is the perfect pairing with Meryl Streep in the movie.  I hope that they can do more films in the future because I loved seeing them on the screen together.
Though the cast was amazing, the film's biggest flaw is that it is too formulaic and too predictable. There is nothing new to this film and besides the soundtrack, nothing too new or exciting about this film.  Even before going into the film you know exactly what is going to happen.  Honestly if it wasn't for the cast and the music, there isn't any real reason to see this film.
Overall, the film was good, but not great.  Though the film is very predictable, the cast and the soundtrack make this film quite enjoyable.  Meryl Streep is amazing once again and I wouldn't be surprised if she was in discussion during Award's Season for Best Actress.  The film is good and if you are interested in something that is not an action or superhero movie, than you should definitely see this.

Thanks again for reading!!!  If you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!