Meryl Streep is probably one of a handful of actors who can successful perform any role. From Holocaust survivor to witch to rock star, she has tackled a variety of parts. In “Ricki and the Flash” she plays an aging want-to-be rock singer and and, once again, her performance is first rate.
Directed by Jonathan Demme, “Ricki” also stars Kevin Kline, Audra McDonald, Mamie Gummer, and Rick Springfield. The screenwriter was Diablo Cody.
Ricki, AKA Linda, left her family to pursuit her dream of being a singer and guitarist. When her daughter, played by her real-life daughter Mamie Gummer, faces a crisis in her life, she returns home to try to help her. Ricki left home when her children were quite young, so they feel no real connection to her. All three children really want nothing to do with her.
Although the subject matter of the film in one of estrangement, most scenes are played for their comedic value. Streep particularly shines when she and her group “The Flash” perform. Her duets with Rick Springfield are very well done.
This is an enjoyable, fun movie. If you watch it, try to pick out the scenes that were filmed locally. I was able to identify Piermont and Nyack in two scenes.