The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
‘Girls Trip’ is raunchy yet refreshingly fun
Tribune News Service
Perfecting the raunchy, randy, female-driven comedy can be a tall order. “Bridesmaids” showed it could be done, though such successes can be few and far between. “Girls Trip” proves to be the heir apparent to “Bridesmaids,” a film about female friendship that nails the comedy, the boldness and the heart. There’s no need for high concepts or outlandish premises here; all that’s necessary is four longtime best friends and a city built for sin.
“The Best Man” and “The Best Man Holiday” director Malcolm D. Lee directs “Girls Trip,” and he’s clearly a man comfort- able navigating an ensem- ble project. “Black-ish” writer Kenya Barris co- wrote the script alongside three female writers, Karen McCullah, Tracy Oliver and Erica Rivinoja. That feminine voice and influence comes through loud and clear in the banter among thef riend group known as the “Flossy Posse” (they even have matching neck- laces).
Author and Oprah-intraining Ryan (Regina Hall) has invited her girl crew along for a trip to Essence Fest in New Orleans, where she’s giv i ng a keynote speech and taking meetings to launch her brand with her husband and business partner, Stewart (Mike Col- ter). Making up the Flossy Posse are Jada Pinkett Smith as worrywart mom Lisa, Queen Latifah as gossip blogger Sasha (yes, there is a great “Set It Off” ref- erence), and rounding out the crew is lesser-known comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish, who runs away with “Girls Trip” in a breakout performance as the wildly funny, com- pletely uncensored and often unhinged Dina.
In the party atmosphere of New Orleans, Ryan’s per- fectly maintained image and composure starts to c ome loose at the seams, especially when the posse discovers photos of Stewart stepping out on her with a sultry Instagram model (Deborah Ayorinde). Meanwhile, Lisa’s trying to get her groove back with a college kid (Kofi Siriboe), Sasha’s f i nances are in shambles, and Dina’s just trying to avoid any more run-ins with hotel security.
All the women turn in funny performances but this is Haddish’s movie, and will make her a star. It’s clear from the moment she hits the screen, gleefully sharing her tips for smuggling contraband onto a plane, and the epic dance battle where she owns the floor clad in a skin-tight tie- dyed jumpsuit and purple wig “Girls cements Night” the acknowl-fact. edges that women contain multitudes and reflects that in its ability to balance potty humor with heartfelt female empowerment. These elements never clash because the characters are fully formed individuals, real people with real relation- ships and real problems. It’s a refreshing representation, but it doesn’t sacri- fice the laughs or the genu- ine love they have for their gal pals. The girls of “Girls Trip” prove that women can be many things: powerful, naughty, gross, hilar- ious and sexy, while still lifting each other up.