Girls Trip

This film begins with four women named "Ryan Pierce" (Regina Hall), "Sasha Franklin" (Queen Latifah), "Lisa Cooper" (Jada Pinkett Smith) and "Dina" (Tiffany Haddish) enjoying their youth so much that they formed a group known as the Flossy Posse and became almost inseparable. However, like so many things in life, time and events proceeded to take their toll and each of them eventually go their separate ways. But then one day Ryan decides to invite the other three to accompany her on what is essentially a business trip to New Orleans and in no time the Flossy Posse hits Bourbon Street with the single intent on riding high once more. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this film had an interesting plot along with several humorous scenes thrown in for good measure. Unfortunately, there were also a few completely unnecessary scenes of a rather crude and vulgar nature thrown in which not only diminished the film as a whole but almost ruined what could have been a very good comedy. At least, that is my opinion. That being said, I have rated this movie accordingly. Slightly below average.

I am not one to go to the theater to see a comedy. I prefer big budget Hollywood blockbusters, science fiction, etc. but I love all Jada, Queen, and Regina so I wanted to support (plus I got free tickets to an advanced screening, so why not LOL). Low and behold, I have never laughed so hard at a comedy movie in a very long time and I mean like laugh out loud, ugly noise funny.

While everyone has funny moments throughout the film, the real star of the show is Tiffany Haddish. She delivers the funniest one liners, punchlines, every-lines. She was definitely the highlight.

Now I will say that for most avid movie goers, the plot isn't too original. If you are a comedy lover then you have definitely seen a version of this movie before; four friends who have lost their mojo go on a fun filled weekend where everything that could go wrong does go wrong. Their friendship is tested and their lives are changed forever. Nothing too unique but the characters and the setting make it enjoyable to watch. I thought that the writers choosing such a prestigious event like Essence Festival as the backdrop of the storyline was genius and much needed. It's great that the world can see inside such a huge cultural event for the black community.

Of course, this movie will be donned (by some) as a "black movie" but it's nothing of the sort. Many themes and jokes are definitely inspired by a culture birthed from the black community but the film can be enjoyed by all races and adult ages. I was even surprised when I got the the advanced screening to see so many diverse faces and age groups. Plus the theater erupted in laughter the entire time.

I definitely recommend this film. You won't be disappointed. It's the funnies thing I have seen since Key and Peele's show!

Ryan Pierce (Regina Hall) has the perfect life. She married her nice college football player boyfriend Stewart. She wrote the book "You can have it all". The couple is on the verge of a big media deal to be the next cultural icon. She has drifted from her longtime friends "The Flossy Posse" and decides to bring them on her speaking trip to New Orleans. Sasha Franklin (Queen Latifah) has abandoned her journalistic dreams and is struggling as an internet gossip columnist. Lisa Cooper (Jada Pinkett Smith) has turned into a safe stay-at-home mom. Dina (Tiffany Haddish) is a wild crazy girl. Sasha gets a tip that Stewart has cheated on Ryan.

This could have been a standard black girls' wild out on their lives fitting into the BET rotation with countless others. It's elevated by a couple of factors. The first is the wild performance from Tiffany Haddish. She's a comedian working her craft and getting some notice as a supporting character in The Carmichael Show. She's the wildly inappropriate character every broad modern comedies need but she does it with a smile and an inner joy. She's half clueless and half callous. The fruit fellatio scene is hilarious. The second is the writing from Kenya Barris, Black-ish creator, and Tracy Oliver. This creates some compelling characters which these experienced actors are able to inhabit. It is a broad comedy with heart. It's got the gross-out, highly-inappropriate jokes which really works here. The actors bring a humanity to their roles. They are ready to come out and set it off.

So glad I did not waste my money going to the theater to see this. Most of the cast I like, but most of the movie was just over the top stupid. I really hope that save their money and not make a Part 2.

Pleasantly surprised I enjoyed this and got bonus points for seeing with My Lady. Probably won't get full recognition it deserves but this movie definitely was worth seeing (even for this guy).

Very funny, great script, exceptional chemistry among all the stars. Often this doesn't come thru but all actors (male & female)represented very well. Great interface with New Orleans festival and makes you wonder were the scenes actually performed there or injected, lol.

Tiffany Haddish (Dina) stole the show and hopefully gets proper recognition.

Only warning is content definitely "R" rated so don't accept urge to bring younger audiences. Definitely adult content and adult humor.