Comedies featuring a group of friends travelling to a
destination aren’t new. Dozens of recent examples like ‘Bridesmaids’ and
the ‘Hangover’ movies have appealed to audiences. Whilst a few have
indulged in gross-out toilet humour for laughs, others have tried to conjure
more sophisticated ways in raising mirth. ‘Girls Trip’ is halfway between
with a focus on the emotional bonds that friends share. Graced with an energetic
cast who remember to have fun even when its characters behave very badly.
Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifah), Lisa (Jada
Pinkett Smith) and Dina (Tiffany Haddish) are lifelong friends. Wanting
to take a weekend vacation to a music festival in New Orleans, they hit the
road ready for adventure. Ladies, who have had mixed fortunes in their
personal lives, use the time away to reflect on where they’ve been. With
wild times and tested friendships ahead, the four-some discover more about each
other and the unbreakable union they share.
‘Girl Trip’ shows how far movie comedies have
come. In the 50’s the humour relied on style and wit with the
decades since humour has gradually descended into the gutter for laughs.
Those who find bodily function jokes hilarious will get that here. But
beneath the undignified carry-on, ‘Girls Trip’ has interesting things to say
about how time changes people and the notion of friendship. There are
good messages amidst the smut which makes it regrettable that the screenplay
felt it needed to enter the realms of unspeakable vulgarity.
For its many faults, ‘Girls Trip’ is enlivened by the leads’
chemistry. You feel they have been genuine friends for years with the
performers knowing how to successfully deliver a comedic retort. The
antics they get up to feel familiar and it doesn’t break new ground. The
moments away from the grotesque sewer-like jokes are its best with fully formed
characters trying to cope with life. New Orleans looks amazing and
becomes an exotic bystander to the ladies’ unending wickedness.
Hardly a classy affair, ‘Girls Trip’ moderately succeeds in
being truly amusing. Fans of ‘end of pier’-style laugh-fests may enjoy it
with its dramatic moments more bearable. You can’t fault the casts’
enthusiasm with these types of comedies still finding favour amongst easily pleased
viewers.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 5
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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