‘Girls Trip’ delivers raunchy, refreshing fun
Creating a raunchy, randy, female- driven comedy can be a tall order. “Bridesmaids” proved it was possible. “Girls Trip” is the heir apparent — a flick about female friendships that nails the comedy, the boldness and the heart.
There’s no need for a high concept or outlandish premise here. All that’s necessary are four longtime friends and a city built for sin.
Director Malcolm D. Lee (“The Best Man,” “The Best Man Holiday”) is clearly comfortable with this material. And “Black-ish” writer Kenya Barris has collaborated with writers Karen McCullah, Tracy Oliver and Erica Rivinoja on the screenplay where the feminine outlook and voices come through loud and clear among the members of the “Flossy Posse” (whose necklaces match).
Author and would- be Oprah- in- training Ryan ( Regina Hall) has invited her crew to make a trip to the Essence Fest in New Orleans, where she’s giving a keynote address and launching her brand with husband and business partner, Stewart ( Mike Colter).
Rounding out the posse are worrywart mom Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith), gossip blogger Sasha (Queen Latifah — and yes, there’s a great “Set It Off” ref- erence) and the wildly funny, uncensored, often unhinged Dina (comedian and actor Tiffany Haddish, in a breakout performance).
In the Big Easy’s party atmosphere, Ryan’s wellmanicured image and composure start to unravel, especially when the rest of the posse discover photos of Stewart stepping out with a sultry Instagram model ( Deborah Ayorinde). It’s not just the infidelity, but the threat to her business that prompts Ryan to try to sweep that escapade under the rug.
Meanwhile, Lisa’s trying to get her groove back with a college kid ( Kofi Siriboe); Sasha’s finances are in shambles; and Dina is trying to avoid any more run-ins with hotel security.
All the women give funny performances. It’s great to see Pinkett Smith cutting loose, and the radiant Hall displaying her talent for physical com- edy. But this movie belongs to Haddish, and it will make her a star. From the moment she hits the screen gleefully sharing tips for how to smuggle contraband onto the plane, and again in an epic dance battle where she wears a skin-tight tiedyed jumpsuit and purple wig, she steals the show.
The high jinks in “Girls Trip” are of the brash, bawdy and boozy variety, replete with X-rated discussions about sex and anatomy. These women like to have fun with their sexuality, don’t take it too seriously and are unashamed of their desires.
“Girls Trip” balances potty humor with heartfelt female empowerment. It’s a refreshing representation of fully formed individuals who have a genuine love for their gal pals.
They show everyone that women can be empowered, naughty, hilarious and sexy while lifting up each other.