This movie was unfunny, annoying, smug, offensive and utterly crap.
2
This is a terrible movie! It held such promise & disappointed on every level. It was raunchy without being funny. It just made me uncomfortable & my respect for Fey & Poehler crumbled as the their childhood manse did @ the house party. Those otherwise brilliant women owe me an apology...or part of the huge sums of money they probably got to sell themselves to the devil. They can use PayPal or Chase QuickPay.
4
Good grief... That was an awful movie! This has to be just a money grab. Really, it is the worst movie I've seen in a long while! No Stars.
9
Movies like this give me the creeps because they are the opposite of "female-driven". In truth, they are just one more example of women trying to please Hollywood's male suits who, in turn, are catering to China's misogynistic male masses. 5 ICKs.
7
Starring Amy Poehler and Tina Fey! What could go wrong? The answer is "Sisters." It's a dud. The movie is not worthy of the ink used for this review.
9
If you can't find enough material in a lowbrow comedy to make an amusing montage as a coming attraction, that tells you all you need to know about why not to see the film...
3
I am sick of divorce being used as a humorous plot vehicle. My daughters think it would be great if I got divorced and they could have fun times like in the lazy Disney movies and movies like this. It does not sound funny and a bit misogynistic.
4
Kidding? Why would such a talented cast waste themselves on this script? Love the cast and went in expecting some smart comedy; we walked out before the predictable teen party scene. Really?
5
I agree with the reviewer and most of the replies; this was an overlong SNL skit with lots of drugs, bad behavior and cameos (John Cena is da bomb) that only got made and has any life b/c of fey/prehler's twin-daughters of different mothers comic telepathy, but it did have a few moments. and the painful mispronunciation scene with prehler and korean manicurist? where are the card-carrying-PC'ers on that one? it was so "funny" apparently to the film makers, they had it in the out-takes.
2
I am embarrassed to admit that the music box bit in the trailer had me in stitches. So now you know.
1
Feels like at the last minute this movie was censored or rewritten so that stars, Poehler and Fey, would not risk tarnishing their public (money-making) image. Poehler smokes pots, but would have been funnier if she had done the coke. Fey drinks, but doesn't get smashed (or doesn't play it convincingly). Take away the two stars and would anybody have made or wanted to see this movie?
1
As much as I used to enjoy Tina Fey, her constant rehash of Sarah Palin is nauseating. Please don't give that woman, (Palin) any more than her allotted 15 minutes of fame. Enough of her already.
Won't go and see many films with recent, former SNL alumni. Over hyped and usually low-brow material. Think Sandler. Ick. 40'ish party girl sisters? No thanks.
Every time I see middle America's media sweethearts, Pohler and Fey, they strike me as too smug and self assured.
Ditto Fallon. Not worthy of our fawning adoration.
Won't go and see many films with recent, former SNL alumni. Over hyped and usually low-brow material. Think Sandler. Ick. 40'ish party girl sisters? No thanks.
Every time I see middle America's media sweethearts, Pohler and Fey, they strike me as too smug and self assured.
Ditto Fallon. Not worthy of our fawning adoration.
2
Wow. The haters are out in force. A new NY Times demographic comes into view.. and I don't fit into it. I love Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. I loved 30 Rock and Parks & Rec. and Ioved the Mean Girls.
Whither the vociferous putting down and insults? It's only a movie.
So, I'm an old white man living in the hinterlands and seem to have the values and sense of humour New Yorkers used to be famous for. This world sometimes turns upside down, and I often learn more about the state of our culture from the comments here than I do reading the articles.
Whither the vociferous putting down and insults? It's only a movie.
So, I'm an old white man living in the hinterlands and seem to have the values and sense of humour New Yorkers used to be famous for. This world sometimes turns upside down, and I often learn more about the state of our culture from the comments here than I do reading the articles.
5
"“Sisters” is best when it allows itself a hint of cruelty.", exchange "Sisters" for "Movie Reviews" and we get guidelines for writing a passive aggressive movie review. How can something be both "too awkward" and "not awkward enough"? Also, you do not distinguish sufficiently between "party movie" and the odd classification "movie-as-party", how can a movie be a party?
"The party movie is a venerable genre. So is the movie-as-party, which is a slightly different creature.", sorry, you lost me here.
2
This movie is FUNNY!! It's funny all the way through, not just mildly funny in the beginning before getting bogged down in plot. The point is for it to be funny with just enough plot to hold it together. Everyone in the theater was laughing out loud and not just in one spot but throughout the movie.
Do you people really not understand that this movie is a comedy? One of the things that makes a movie funny is that it keeps escalating the situation, which this movie does. It's why Animal House was funny. Wedding Crashers stopped being funny when the characters had to "mature" and "learn lessons" and stop "behaving badly." That's what kills a comedy.
They made an actually funny anal sex joke and they had the guts to keep it going, not just end it after one quick laugh. The scene with Maya Rudolf's character (while shopping) is funny because everyone is behaving badly. Same for their encounters at the party. What would have been funny about them all acting "classy" and polite?
Did you think it was going to be some highbrow tale with occasional witty remarks?
These comments are a perfect example of why people so often think women aren't funny---everyone upset that the female leads are raunchy and immature. If they were sitting around being "classy" it wouldn't be funny.
It's great that women can FINALLY be raunchy, make sex jokes and behave badly and not just be objects of pity. They can be funny, be immature, do stupid things, made bad decisions, etc. It's called comedy.
Do you people really not understand that this movie is a comedy? One of the things that makes a movie funny is that it keeps escalating the situation, which this movie does. It's why Animal House was funny. Wedding Crashers stopped being funny when the characters had to "mature" and "learn lessons" and stop "behaving badly." That's what kills a comedy.
They made an actually funny anal sex joke and they had the guts to keep it going, not just end it after one quick laugh. The scene with Maya Rudolf's character (while shopping) is funny because everyone is behaving badly. Same for their encounters at the party. What would have been funny about them all acting "classy" and polite?
Did you think it was going to be some highbrow tale with occasional witty remarks?
These comments are a perfect example of why people so often think women aren't funny---everyone upset that the female leads are raunchy and immature. If they were sitting around being "classy" it wouldn't be funny.
It's great that women can FINALLY be raunchy, make sex jokes and behave badly and not just be objects of pity. They can be funny, be immature, do stupid things, made bad decisions, etc. It's called comedy.
4
"They made an actually funny anal sex joke and they had the guts to keep it going, not just end it after one quick laugh."
Such bravery is commendable. But what I'm really waiting for is an actually funny fart joke.
Such bravery is commendable. But what I'm really waiting for is an actually funny fart joke.
This is by far the worst movie I saw in 2015. I really, really love Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. And I really, really was hoping that the movie was somewhat good. I don't mind raunchy humor, nor I 'accept' this kind of movie if it's guys but not if it's girls. It is just plain bad. And what is the saddest thing is that both (Fey and Poehler) do have a ton of talent. So one has to ask why? Not for the money, not for lack of work, not for need. So why?
7
Collinsfan,
That is the question my friend and I kept repeating after we left the movie on New Year's Eve. Tina and Amy are so dang lovable, whip smart and hilarious during interviews and hosting award shows. It is one thing to miss the mark and be in a not so funny movie but why be in such a crappy mess?
That is the question my friend and I kept repeating after we left the movie on New Year's Eve. Tina and Amy are so dang lovable, whip smart and hilarious during interviews and hosting award shows. It is one thing to miss the mark and be in a not so funny movie but why be in such a crappy mess?
2
Just got back from this movie, Sisters, and I enjoyed it. Yes, this is a straight-ahead comedy, and conforms to the modern requirements of the genre (i.e. some over-the-top vulgarity). But this movie sets itself apart from recent comedies in that there is an underlying intelligence and commitment to story. Personally, I enjoy a good "buddy movie," and this movie fits the bill.
3
We went with expectations that this would be light entertainment, and it was. The plot flowed, some scenes were funny, the acting was good, the characters were likable enough...all in all, worth the money for a couple of hours of relaxation. The best part for me was the company of my college and high school age children, and our conversations during the drive home about partying, drugs and underage drinking were enlightening. But enough about me: the movie is good enough for a few laughs!
2
In the late 80s and early 90s we had Moonstruck, When Harry Met Sally, Bull Durham, Groundhog Day, Four Weddings and A Funeral, Pretty Woman, Working Girl and more. Now look what we have. *Sigh*
And somehow I expect more from Tina Fey.
And somehow I expect more from Tina Fey.
4
So now woman can be as crude and stupid as men are!!!! Equal pay is around the corner.
1
Worst movie I've seen this year. It was so bad I walked out half way through.
6
We went to see this movies today thinking it would be a comedy since Tina Fey was staring. It was far from a comedy. It was one of the worst movies I have seen in years. Too bad Tina Fey and Amy Poehler lowered themselves to this level of supposed "entertainment".
17
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are two of the funniest people around, and I love them together. Sadly, I did not love this movie, not being a fan of frat party low jinks and penis jokes. Did evoke several laughs however, which is always a good thing. Loved the outtakes during the credits. Amy and Tina's chemistry, body language, facial expressions are just out of this world humorous. Wish they could take their Golden Globes hosting gig to a movie. I did like the lesbian and Asian mockery. Like A & T in their usual personnas best, not so much here. Ah well, it can't be a laugh fest for 90 minutes. Coulda been better though without the dumb party destruction.
After scrolling through most of these comments on NYTimes so far, I agree with most of the negative reviews on Sisters ... but then, why are so many online media agencies touting the heck out of this movie? Just as they did with Trainwreck and other low ball movies? I don't get it. Overmarketing? But why? What do these news blogs/news papers/writers get out of it? Lots of questions. But I really hope to get some replies on this thanks. Actually, I hope it gets published :/ ... you know how *that* can go these days...
4
Too bad the two female stars felt compelled to dress in trashy outfits, as that immediately tells many women that the movie is not worth watching.
3
Too bad words like trashy are used to describe females.
7
I went into the theater with low to middling expectations and my expectations were exceeded. This movie is not Citizen Kane nor does it aspire to be. It is a sophomoric comedy made by (and quite likely for) 40-something women and men. It's actually funny. There were many laugh out loud moments.
If you're a Gen-X-er this movie will hit the middle aged sweet spot.
If you're a Gen-X-er this movie will hit the middle aged sweet spot.
3
The worst movie I have seen in years. The ordeal wouldn't end for ever. Jr High humor by forty something crowd in the story is pathetic. I have less respect for Fay and Pohler after seeing this movie.
16
I love Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, but I’m maybe less of a fan now! It’s so low-brow that it makes Trainwreck look sophisticated and classy. I’m depressed that they would think so little of themselves and their audience! Rampant drug and alcohol abuse with the message “you can’t have a good time without it.” Yikes. I just can’t imagine them deciding to make this! I mean, if they were in their 20’s...it would still be revolting...but at this age? So weird. Really lowest common denominator stuff. They are so smart--they don't realize you can be funny without this level of vulgarity?
14
Looks like another short attention span comedy punctuated by gross out humor and "old people like sex?!" jokes. But any movie that brings Dianne Wiest back on screen can't be all bad, but it is a shame that no one seems to know what to do with this rare gem of a comic actress. Paging Woody Allen...
2
The joke was not "old people like sex." It was "eww, my parents are having sex" and the awkwardness of walking in on it. No one wants to think about their parents having sex. Everyone knows that their parents only had sex the same number of times as they had children. If they had three kids, they had sex three times.
I haven't run out of TV to watch yet, I think I'll wait to watch this on demand.
www.beautythroughthebeast.com
www.beautythroughthebeast.com
So much talent wasted on the lowest common denominator. C'mon ladies, you're better than this.
4
Did you see the movie? Did you laugh? The ladies are comedians after all.
3
Please. This is an insult to movie goers: the formula is low budget (relative to blockbusters)and the insulting assumption by somewhat successful television actors, writers, directors that we will continue to swallow what they cook. Well I'm no longer hungry for the long in the tooth pairing of Pholer and Fey. Ty ran their course a decade ago in my mind and as for 30 Rock it was held up by Baldwin...not Fey. I am so sick of the Hollywood elite assuming that I will want what they rehash over and over. Thanks, but no thanks.
7
So the Hollywood New Age Feminists, have now decided that Chick-flicks are gonna be "Girls" acting just like doofus frat boys. And "girls" means roughly middle-aged females, -ILFs of some sort. Women, acting like young girls.
How come all the influx of women into various genres of entertainment, storytelling only promulgate male stereotypes, but in female form? Doesnt matter what it is, music, its oversexed females spinning 'round some form of the stripper pole, or comedy - its the female version of p/nis jokes, followed by the, "Oh, are you still here?" after-sex joke. (ala Ms. Schumer)
Where's the "we're going to do things differently and better", that Feminism promised us? That the female game changers of yesteryear started?
Ive heard Ms. Fey mention owing a huge debt of gratitude to women like Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, but where in her work (outside of a few SNL skits and her being head writer) are the influences, let alone the homage?
This movie looks like any other guy, gonna make a big mess, and come out with a love interest story that's been beaten to death, and into dust.
How come all the influx of women into various genres of entertainment, storytelling only promulgate male stereotypes, but in female form? Doesnt matter what it is, music, its oversexed females spinning 'round some form of the stripper pole, or comedy - its the female version of p/nis jokes, followed by the, "Oh, are you still here?" after-sex joke. (ala Ms. Schumer)
Where's the "we're going to do things differently and better", that Feminism promised us? That the female game changers of yesteryear started?
Ive heard Ms. Fey mention owing a huge debt of gratitude to women like Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett, but where in her work (outside of a few SNL skits and her being head writer) are the influences, let alone the homage?
This movie looks like any other guy, gonna make a big mess, and come out with a love interest story that's been beaten to death, and into dust.
15
Tina and Amy make "safe", not all that funny, comedy.
1
Why can the guys make Hot Tub Time Machine and it becomes a sleeper hit and get's sequel treatment but when the girls do the SAME thing they get their parade rained on across the board lead by double standard driven critical response?
What, you think girls aren't supposed to be as un-pc as guys are to be funny--to other women?
Think again! Go read the NYT mag article recently about women in Hollywood. Go see other women inspired, produced, written acted film. I am sick to death of the same old malarkey dominating most screens that the target audience epicenter is teen boys with too much time on their hands.
What, you think girls aren't supposed to be as un-pc as guys are to be funny--to other women?
Think again! Go read the NYT mag article recently about women in Hollywood. Go see other women inspired, produced, written acted film. I am sick to death of the same old malarkey dominating most screens that the target audience epicenter is teen boys with too much time on their hands.
6
It's because the women aren't being creative at all, they're just trying to make the same stupid gross-out movies as the Seth Rogen-Jud Apatow crowd, but it's always far less becoming when women do it. Unfortunately, being immature, shallow, and disgusting is somehow more acceptable from men -- which is why it's easy to picture an old west town like Deadwood being populated exclusively by males but not exclusively by females, because for the most part women, the more mature and nurturing sex, would attempt to clean up the town, not contribute to its ongoing raunchiness and explosive violence. So the same is true in other areas of life -- like movies. Men do not want to see Fey and Poehler trying to act like Rogen and Adam Sandler, and it's a huge step down for them that they're trying to.
12
I saw it last night. Predictable, overall yes., but that was expected. For a 40 something Mom I literally laughed out loud at multiple scenes in this movie as did the rest of the theater. There were literally multiple times when we couldn't hear the following lines because aufience was cracking up. It's vulgar as heck, but definitely worth a view if you. Are a fan of Fiey and Poehlef.
6
I don't know anybody or anything from "The Mindy Project". Never heard of it before and don't want to start now.
Seriously, we just watched all the coming attractions before seeing the new Star Wars movie, and Sisters simply cannot be any worse than the endlessly insipid fantasy films that studios keep spending huge sums of money on hoping to make even more in return. I'll take Tina and Amy any day over what has to be the most unrewarding genre ever. The fantasy is that it's entertainment. Sisters can't be that bad in comparison. We'll find out.
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
Eclectic Pragmatist — http://eclectic-pragmatist.tumblr.com/
Eclectic Pragmatist — https://medium.com/eclectic-pragmatism
1
I confess I'm kind of tired of these two and puzzled at all the ink they get in the Times,
15
I am sorry to read the Mr. Scott does not like this movie very much. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are very funny together when they host various award shows and other gigs. I tend to think of them as the 21st Century's Rowan and Martin, Crosby & Hope, Abbott & Costello - you get the idea. I might rent this movie anyway just to see for myself if it is at all funny. I pay a flat fee for Netflix so it doesn't matter. Not every movie I watch needs to be Oscar worthy. Really stellar comedies especially in the movies are difficult to find these days. I don't especially care much for the slob humor of guy movies.
8
Have you seen the movie?
If the movie is as mediocre as the review makes it sound, why are there so many photos and videos hawking it embedded on the page?
6
The all-time best and funniest party-as-movie is, in fact "The Party" (1968) starring the one and only Peter Sellers.
13
Want to see a real movie as party watch "Project X"
Want to see a real movie-as-party watch 'Candy' with Richard Burton.
2
Go and see Brooklyn or Spotlight!
2
Tina Fey may be the best talk show guest of the post-Johnny era.
Her weird silent mind-meld with Craig Ferguson at the end of the interview.
Her effortless quips on the latest Graham Norton Show.
Her stories about her daughter(s) on David Letterman.
Her seemingly-constant rescue of the unfunny Jimmy Fallon.
Improv, ranconteur, physical comedy she can do it all.
And 30 Rock, granted in a very subjective opinion, bests the Office, Seinfeld, and a host of streaming comedies (including UKS) for best TV comedy of the last 25 years (tightness of the script; outrageously great ensemble work; seasons-long story arcs that stick their landing at the end of the series).
But...the movies don't like Tina Fey and maybe they never will. At 90 minutes she cannot sustain. Her acting is like the score of a precisely played clarinet. The notes are fast and high and clear, but there are no low notes. No flaws to expose, no sorrow that plays under the surface, no darkness, no promise or threat of coming unstrung. She lacks the "schmutz" that needs to corrupt a solution before it can crystalize: Kristen Wiig's on-the-edge mania; Amy Schumer's I-double-dare-you vulgarity and sexual license; Rose Byrne's riptide-turns against type; Sharon Horgan's comic ability to spew rage and love in the same line, or, not to be so one-sided, Adam Sandler's man-child absurdism.
She needs "schmutz" and she doesn't have it.
Amy Poehler is lovely and seems genuinely kind.
Her weird silent mind-meld with Craig Ferguson at the end of the interview.
Her effortless quips on the latest Graham Norton Show.
Her stories about her daughter(s) on David Letterman.
Her seemingly-constant rescue of the unfunny Jimmy Fallon.
Improv, ranconteur, physical comedy she can do it all.
And 30 Rock, granted in a very subjective opinion, bests the Office, Seinfeld, and a host of streaming comedies (including UKS) for best TV comedy of the last 25 years (tightness of the script; outrageously great ensemble work; seasons-long story arcs that stick their landing at the end of the series).
But...the movies don't like Tina Fey and maybe they never will. At 90 minutes she cannot sustain. Her acting is like the score of a precisely played clarinet. The notes are fast and high and clear, but there are no low notes. No flaws to expose, no sorrow that plays under the surface, no darkness, no promise or threat of coming unstrung. She lacks the "schmutz" that needs to corrupt a solution before it can crystalize: Kristen Wiig's on-the-edge mania; Amy Schumer's I-double-dare-you vulgarity and sexual license; Rose Byrne's riptide-turns against type; Sharon Horgan's comic ability to spew rage and love in the same line, or, not to be so one-sided, Adam Sandler's man-child absurdism.
She needs "schmutz" and she doesn't have it.
Amy Poehler is lovely and seems genuinely kind.
23
Well, at least Dianne Wiest is looking fantastic!...maybe someone should write a good role for her again where she's not just another silly mother figure
36
I just watched a bit of a film Dianne Wiest was in with the also-wonderful Stockard Channing. They were both cast as ridiculous witches. As I turned the film off I despaired of the waste of talent. Yes I'd love to films that would display the talents of both these fine actresses.
Somehow Tina Fey and Amy Poehler don't lure me to the box office. Maybe it's an age thing.
Somehow Tina Fey and Amy Poehler don't lure me to the box office. Maybe it's an age thing.
10
In the brilliant series "In Treatment" she plays a psychiatrist's teacher and psychiatrist.
1
Sounds like a spin on Romy and Michele's High School Reunion...
8
This kind of movie comedy fare is what has turned me to netflix and amazon prime series that provide better entertainment and the option of previewing the first episode. If you like it, continue watching: if you don't try another offering. All from the comfort of home.
17
So Manohla Dargis reviews Star Wars and A.O. Scott is given Sisters. Is this a practical example of the 'gender roles are only a social construct' theme the Times likes to push?
10
Since Ms. Dargis is the best reviewer on the Times ( no disrespect to A.O. Smith) she gets first dibs on the best movies. If you think it is unusual for her to review action and adventure movies then you should be reading her reviews more often because she does it all the time ...and quite well thank you.
7
M.D. and A.O.S. have always done this. I believe Ms. Dargis didn't want to get pigeon-holed reviewing the obvious women's pictures--and she is the senior reviewer so she gets to pick. Am from L.A. and remember Dargis' very fast rise from the free L.A. Weekly, to top spot at the Times to top spot at the New York Times in less than a year. Have always admired her, even when disagreeing. It's taken some time to cozy up to Scott, but I see him improving as he goes along. Often, the main culprit in second rate opinions of some hit comedies comes from the entitlement that outlets like the Times enjoys of either private screenings (for that one person alone sometimes) and/or--even worse--a DVD screener where the critic sits alone rather than in auditorium full of laughing, real people.
2
Yes she does! And I also believe that Ms. Dargis doesn't just take what she or anyone considers 'the best movies', I think she keeps challenging not only herself but the rest of the reviewing staff. I believe A.O. Scott's writing has improved since Ms. Dargis came on board.
1
Anyone who would purposely subject themselves to this movie needs psychiatric help.
20
I haven't seen this movie, but have seen the trailers (good bits) and know the work of its two protagonists. If there is a failing in a movie like this, it would have to chalked up to the producers/studios unwillingness to take risks in an area of unprecedented political correctness. Both Tina Fey and Ms. Poehler are students of the, "John Belushi school of comedy". Animal House, the defining satire comedy of its day, was decidedly un PC, (probably even for the 70's) and yet raised the bar for the sophomoric type comedies that have become the staple of this art. Fey and Poehler need to worry less about offending any group or (PC) sacred cow, and just produce, good , belly laughing comedies. They know what gets laughs, and it doesn't always fit what is "right". Belushi offended and defied conventional wisdom, this comic pair can too, if they are willing to risk it.
4
That's The point: They Have No Desire To Risk it. They only have a desire to take your money...write em a check and they'll be fine...acting? Why bother we just got paid!
When celebrities make films expect a lot of cliches. There's no illusion about making art.
3
I wonder what Ms. Fey and Ms. Poehler, not to mention the director and producers, thought when they heard their film was being released the same weekend Star Wars was being released?
11
That maybe no one would notice their mistake?
7
Maybe that's why they gave up so easily-why bother?
Many '2nd place' movies found audiences despite the juggernaut they shared the weekend with: "Honey, I Shrunk The Kids" was considered a surprise hit opening opposite "Batman."
2
Why is a man reviewing this movie? I would be so much more interested to read a woman's review.
27
Because that's his job.
17
Isn't that female chauvinism?
5
I agree. Wander over to the Washington Post where the reviewer, a woman, loved it.
1
Review and trailer make it clear that I would have to be paid to watch five minutes of this mess. And I like (but do not love) both of them.
28
As much as we all want to love Tina Fey, her movies just aren't very good.
41
Disagree. "Mean Girls" (she wrote) was pretty good. Everything else is horrible. They're both terrific on TV but that transition to the big screen, writing and acting, is tricky. A better version of this film would be one without the jokes. And then it might be funny.
8
Compare the celebration of the Star Wars film's embrace of "diversity" for use of a black and female characters to the hasty dismissal in this review of the ongoing overt racism directed towards Asians in Hollywood films. Here's the excusable Asian stereotype the character is a Korean female with an unpronounceable name replete with requisite hilarious thick accent who works in yes you guessed it a nail salon. "He Won" can now take her place amidst all the other excitable Asians speaking heavily accented English in Hollywood films. Once again I wonder how these Asian actors feel when often the only roles they are offered required them to mispronounce English and cater to the comforting stereotypes beloved by the people making the films. It's an interesting question to examine why Asians are so repeatedly eagerly targeted for depictions of this manner and what it says about the insecurities an fears of the people making the films. Obviously, this cannot be addressed in a review but it would be nice to see a full article on the subject with interviews of some of the Asian actors who have accepted these demeaning roles and the impact it has had on them.
41
I don't get it. On the small screen Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are comedic gold (SNL, Golden Globes); however, their film collaborations aren't all that great.
23
That's because they assume your like of their television prowess and thusly can make a payday off of less observant viewers and finance their personal lives for another few years with their Hollywood tripe.
I keep hoping that audiences will finally reject crude and raunchy movie comedies starring females. What has happened to classy behavior?
34
So true. I'd rather read Rabelais than watch such drivel!
7
I love Downton Abbey, but I also need a break from being serious all the time. Why do movies have to be classy all the time. There is a place for movies that are worthy for girls night out just as there is ample room that is answered in theaters for boys night out features. I say give these known comedy and social commentary front of the pack writers and performers a chance to hone their skills on what is not well understood to be one of the most difficult genres to get right. Goodness knows millions has been handed the boys to do the same thing: Animal House Beverly Hills Cop the entire string of Bill Murray flicks from his cocaine driven years, Revenge of the Nerds, and too many count movies that are just vehicles for strings of shoot em up, vehicle smash ups, martial arts driven fight scenes.
Out of that came some later fine work that raises the bar in contemporary social commentary. The same latitude to experiment is way past due for women in film. I loved Legally Blonde but I hated that she always had to wear Barbie Doll dresses. It's time for the girls to get down and dirty about what it means to be a woman in the contemporary now if for no other reason than to figure out where we are going to go.
Out of that came some later fine work that raises the bar in contemporary social commentary. The same latitude to experiment is way past due for women in film. I loved Legally Blonde but I hated that she always had to wear Barbie Doll dresses. It's time for the girls to get down and dirty about what it means to be a woman in the contemporary now if for no other reason than to figure out where we are going to go.
1
Thanks for the softball: I too keep hoping for audiences that will reject movies. Most movies. What happened to art?
Is it me or there are more and more movies, TV shows and overall social behavior that discourages maturity and promotes postponed adulthood? It is starting to seem normal for forty somethings to post private things on social media as a teenager would (selfies, protruded lips selfies, protruded lips group selfies, location updates "I am having a great dinner with my wifey", etc...). It is starting to seem normal for thirty somethings to dress up like a character from a star wars movie as his/her children would. What seemed like a joke, has ended up with a cheaply hedonistic society that only "examines" life to update the CV for a new job interview. I guess that given an economy where no one feels safe nothing provides more comfort than pretending you are still a kid.
66
Any movie made for grown ups only is called elitist if it's good, boring if it's bad.
4
All part of the Declline of Western Civilization.
6
That's a really good point. Could it be this is a symptom of the outcropping of millennials, who many other generations believe stay immature (or at least stay immature longer)?
3
This movie is dreadful and not funny. Don't waste your time.
36
This sounds and looks awful.
56
It was.
1
I saw it today, efb. It is awful. Just awful. Ewchgh.
2
The movie that Mr. Scott is describing here would seem to be thoroughly dreadful (and that's assuming that nothing of interest is done with camera placement, editing and those other "minor" elements of filmmaking that the critic doesn't address here). And yet- when all is said and done- he determines that it's "generally enjoyable" and "kind of touching." Which kind of sounds like a recommendation, doesn't it? Again and again this critic demonstrates that he just can't bring himself to turn his thumb in a direction pointing downwards. (Well, maybe once or twice a year...)
48
This critic and most others would be out of jobs if they told it straight, as so many movies are just downright awful, Stu.
They all seem to try to find some silver lining in every outright bomb just to keep this industry afloat (as well as their livelihoods).
Give me back the days of Deer Hunter, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Raging Bull, Apocalypse Now, Godfather, etc...
Instead we get Ted 2.
They all seem to try to find some silver lining in every outright bomb just to keep this industry afloat (as well as their livelihoods).
Give me back the days of Deer Hunter, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Raging Bull, Apocalypse Now, Godfather, etc...
Instead we get Ted 2.
26
The joy of seeing Tina Fey and Amy Poehler working together can overcome a lot. In this case, it overcomes a hackneyed premise and a so-so script. If you're looking to go out to a movie this weekend and Star Wars isn't calling to you (or you've already seen it) Sisters will fill the bill; it is more than the sum of its parts because of the chemistry between the two stars.
11
Criticism isn't always binary -- "thumbs up" or "thumbs down." Most things are a mix of positive and negative elements, and this review, and others like it, reflect that.
8