Friends, Felines, and Fredricks: A Review of “The Fabulous Four”
“The Fabulous Four” finds humor in deeply personal moments, blending heartfelt foundations of friendship with comedic capers. Although not without its flaws, the film boasts a star-studded cast that shines with charm and authenticity. The movie offers an engaging exploration of friendship dynamics, cleverly cloaked in comedy.
While the script by Ann Marie Allison and Jenna Milly initially tempts familiar territory of old grievances, it surprises with a sensitive interrogation of the central characters’ strained friendship. The cast’s compelling chemistry brings brilliance to the somewhat predictable set-up.
After 48 years of separation, Lou (Susan Sarandon) reunites with former friend Marilyn (Bette Midler) in Key West. Lou, alongside Kitty (Sheryl Lee Ralph) and Alice (Megan Mullally), soon learns she hasn’t inherited one of Ernest Hemingway’s cats, but has been tricked into attending Marilyn’s wedding. Under Jocelyn Moorhouse’s deft direction, the ensemble grapples with past grievances without compromising the film’s affable tone.
Mingling Humor and Heartfelt Moments
“The Fabulous Four” manages to blend seemingly disparate elements—ridiculous and resoundingly emotional—into one delightful dish. While occasionally touching on comedic clichés, an atmosphere of authenticity imbues the tale with deeper dimensions. Lou’s legacy of pain isn’t merely a backdrop; it’s meaningfully addressed, giving the cathartic climax a sincere underpinning.
However, not all is smooth sailing. The humor hints at a grander narrative, but the film’s fragmented subplots ultimately lack the necessary development. From a cannabis-conducting Kitty combatting ageism to intergenerational tensions, these intriguing narratives are unfortunately underexplored. Despite Ralph’s stellar performance, these elements detract from the central premise. Similarly, Mullally’s Alice, with her cannabis capers and youthful liaisons, remains confined to comedic relief.
Subplots and Shortcomings
The humor, while effective at times, feels a tad undercooked. Despite the movie’s star caliber and natural charm, the comedy doesn’t consistently hit the high notes. A sprinkling of absurdity lends the film unexpected gravitas, but more hilarity would have been welcome.
As the curtains close on “The Fabulous Four,” it proves to be a journey worth taking. For an unpretentious and uplifting exploration of fractured friendships, this film ticks the boxes. Running for a tight 99 minutes, it is now showing in theaters, with a mature audience rating for scattered scenes of silliness, romance, and cannabis use.
“The Fabulous Four” is a vibrant frolic on the sunny shores of Key West, charting the chasms and catharsis of college friends reuniting. As history, humor, and heartache harmonize, their lives are forever altered in remarkable ways. Despite underdeveloped side stories and a missing mirth multiplier, the film’s focus on friendship, bolstered by exceptional performances, cements “The Fabulous Four” as an experience worth embracing.
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