Ricki and The Flash proves that moms can rock and that a little rock-n-roll can fix almost anything, even relationships. This slightly predictable, yet surprisingly heartwarming and humorous film follows the struggles of an estranged mom trying to find her place in the well-established family she dropped in order to pursue her dream to be a rock star.
Ricki, played by the magnificent Meryl Streep, is a grocery store cashier by day and a rock-star by night. She and her band, The Flash, play gigs at a shabby bar in Los Angeles to a small number of patrons. Not only does Ricki get her dream job, but she also lands a rock-n-roll boyfriend that has the same passions she does, her lead guitarist Greg, played by musician Rick Springfield.
Ricki’s carefree lifestyle is put on hold when she gets a concerning call from her ex-husband, Pete (Kevin Kline) regarding their daughter, Julie, played by Streep’s real-life daughter Mamie Gummer. Julie falls into a deep depression her husband is leaving her for another woman and Ricki tries her best to help repair her heartbroken daughter. Though Ricki makes strides in mending her relationship with Julie, her other children will not give her the time of day.
The film is at its best when Streep and Gummer share scenes. It is incredibly satisfying to watch Gummer follow in her mother’s acting footsteps and witness their innate mother-daughter chemistry. Seeing Ricki step into the maternal role and Gummer feed her mother sardonic insults gives the audience a glimpse of what their real-life relationship may actually be like.
Ricki and The Flash without-a-doubt follows a cliché film archetype, but successfully manages to reverse Hollywood’s traditional gender roles. The film tackles the broken family storyline from the perspective of a woman who chose her career over her family, rather than the father. It also gives a different take on relationships. Here, Ricki calls the shots in her relationship with Greg and leaves him pleading to take their relationship to the next level. Streep shines as this determined and independent role woman that chases her dreams develops relationships on her own terms.
Despite having a renowned cast, their full acting potential is not met. Each actor delivers a fantastic performance, but his or her characters do not experience any growth or development. This lack of resolution and character development makes the film painfully average. Though the family reconciles at the end, the audience is left without any closure or dialogue proving that Ricki has actually been forgiven. The major issues each character battles throughout the film appear to be solved, but there is no speculation as to how or why.
Overall, Ricki and The Flash is good, but it could have been so much better. Knowing that Ricki’s children have finally accepted their mother’s unconventional ways gives the audience some pleasure, but it’s simply not enough.
If Streep’s half-braided hair and rocker-chic ensembles aren’t selling points to see the film, let the chance to experience her raw singing voice and awesome guitar skills be.