A Woman who makes the tough choice of following your dreams or being a mom
This film looks at some tough choices I think every parent has had to make at least a few times in their life. Should they follow a dream they have, or give it up and follow a new path. There is always the danger of making this decision and always regretting it later in life. But this films looks at what happens if you give up one dream to follow your passion and how it can cause just as much pain to those you love. The film asks a tough question, if a woman gave up on her kids and family does she really deserve a second chance?
Ricki Rendazzo (Meryl Streep) is a woman who is a local small time musician who plays in a small bar a couple of nights a week. She enjoys what she does, but she makes little money and has to have a second job just to pay her bills. She depends on no one and at first may seem like a real powerful woman and someone to look up to. But this life is a facade. Like anyone she has made her share of mistakes, and they can come back to haunt her sometimes. But when something devastating happens to her only daughter Julie (Mamie Gummer) a chance at redemption comes up For Ricki.
But this will not be easy. She has not seen or talked to Julie in a long time and naturally she doesn’t like her mom much. But Ricki’s ex-husband Pete (Kevin Kline) believes Ricki may be able to help Julie out of this funk she is in. Ricki is not that good at being a parent and therefore it looks like a mission doomed to fail. But with Julie getting worse there don’t appear to be many options. Will Ricki be able to be the mom Julie needs right now? Was it a good idea for Pete to call her? And how will this visit affect Ricki?
The movie has an amazing soundtrack. People who enjoy classic rock will love every musical moment and be taken back to a simpler time in their lives. Meryl is always a good singer and knows how to bring these classics to life in a whole new way. The moments with her band The Flash playing always have something to do with what is going on at that moment and there are scenes where it may seem out of place, but look closer and viewers will see just how well it truly fits.
But the best part of the film is the life lessons. Everyone makes mistakes in life some are big and others small. It is a natural part of life and when it happens there is always an opportunity to try to make it right. It will not always be easy but the struggles can be very rewarding. If it is done correctly and with someone you trust there is little that can get in your way. This movie portrays this perfectly and audiences will grow to love Ricki in the final moments. Some cool things happen for everyone on this journey and it is definitely worth it.
Such a movie deserves 7/10. Fans of Meryl Streep will get a kick out of her new picture and those who enjoy music will not want to miss this one. Kids won’t like it much although there will be things to like here for older kids and teens. It is an overall good comedic drama that many people can relate to in their own lives.
If you are looking for a film with some great messages, this is the film to watch. If you want to see a film with some awesome music, this is a film you will really like. Meryl Streep has done it again and brought a character to life that is different from the rest. Everyone has had this dream at one time or another and it is nice to see someone living it. Go out and see this movie, you may find it will surprise you.
Check out the trailer below: