Gal-pal getaway raunchy in a fun way
Perfecting the raunchy, randy female-driven comedy can be a tall order.
“Bridesmaids” showed that it could be done, but such successes tend to 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. The movie has no need for high concepts or outlandish premises; it needs only four longtime best friends and a city built for sin.
Malcolm D. Lee (“The Best Man” and “The Best Man Holiday”) directed “Girls Trip.” He’s clearly a man who's comfortable navigating an ensemble project.
“Black-ish” writer Kenya Barris co-wrote the script alongside three female writers: Karen McCullah, Tracy Oliver and Erica Rivinoja. The feminine voice and influence emerge clearly in the banter among the friend group known as the “Flossy Posse” (matching necklaces included).
Author and Oprah-intraining Ryan (Regina Hall) has invited her girl crew along for a trip to Essence Fest in New Orleans, where she will deliver a keynote speech and spend time launching her brand with her husband and business partner, Stewart (Mike Colter).
Rounding out 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” reference) and lesser-known comedian/ actress Tiffany Haddish, in a breakout performance as wildly funny, completely uncensored and oftenunhinged Dina.
In the party atmosphere of New Orleans, Ryan's perfectly maintained image and composure start to loosen at the seams, especially when the posse discovers photos of Stewart stepping out on her with a sultry Instagram model (Deborah Ayorinde).
It’s not just the infidelity but also the threat to her business ventures that prompts Ryan to sweep the affair under the rug.
Meanwhile, Lisa is trying to get her groove back with a college kid (Kofi Siriboe), Sasha’s finances are a shambles and Dina’s just trying to avoid any more run-ins with hotel security.
All the women turn in funny performances — it’s great to see Pinkett Smith cut loose, and the charming and radiant Hall displays a faculty for physical comedy — but this is Haddish’s movie from the moment she hits the screen.
The hijinks of “Girls Trip” reflect the brash, bawdy and boozy variety, replete with X-rated discussions about sex and anatomy. The women like to have fun with their sexuality, don’t take it too seriously, own it and are unashamed of their desires.
The film acknowledges that women contain multitudes, reflecting as much 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 relationships and real problems. The representation is refreshing — and it doesn't come at the expense of laughs or the genuine love they have for their gal pals.
The girls of “Girls Trip” prove that women can be many things — powerful, naughty, gross, hilarious and sexy — while still lifting one another up.