‘GIRL’S TRIP’
R 2:02 ★★★ ★ 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.” “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 the friend group known as the “Flossy Posse.”
Author and Oprah-in-training Ryan (Regina Hall) has invited her girl crew along for a trip to Essence Fest in New Orleans, where she’s giving a keynote speech and taking meetings to launch her brand with her husband and business partner, Stewart (Mike Colter). Making up the Flossy Posse are Jada Pinkett Smith as worrywart mom Lisa, Queen Latifah as gossip blogger Sasha, and rounding out the crew is lesser-known comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish as the completely uncensored and often unhinged Dina.
In New Orleans, Ryan’s perfectly maintained image and composure starts to come loose 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 the threat to her business ventures that causes Ryan to sweep it 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’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 it will make her a star.
The high jinks of “Girls Trip” are of the brash, bawdy and boozy variety, replete with X-rated discussions about sex and anatomy.
Starring: Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish, Queen Latifah and Mike Colter. (Crude and sexual content throughout, pervasive language, brief graphic nudity, and drug material)
— Katie Walsh, Associated Press