The Fabulous Four : Nothing fabulous about the film!

Directed by: Jocelyn Moorhouse

Written by:Ann Marie Allison, Jenna Milly

Starring: Susan Sarandon, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Bette Midler, Megan Mullally, Bruce Greenwood

Running time: 98 mins.

Star : 2 

 

While women are making significant advances in various aspects of life, the film industry still falls short in respecting and valuing older women. Even accomplished actresses over 60 often struggle to find roles, leading more older stars to team up in hopes of better opportunities and recognition.

 

A recent example of this struggle is the disappointing comedy The Fabulous Four. The film lacks wit, creativity, and originality, with a plot so thin it could fit on a matchbook cover. It follows four aging friends who have stayed close since college.

 

Lou (Susan Sarandon) is a renowned heart surgeon, Kitty (Sheryl Lee Ralph) is a successful organic farmer with a lucrative cannabis business, and Alice (Megan Mullally) is a rock star known for her partying, younger men, and Kitty's cannabis products. The fourth friend, Marilyn (Bette Midler), is a wealthy, fun-loving, recently widowed woman who announces she's getting married again at her mansion in Key West.

 

Kitty and Alice, excited to be bridesmaids, persuade a reluctant Lou to join them. Despite not having spoken to Marilyn for 40 years due to a past betrayal, Lou is convinced to go by the promise of a rare cat from a museum. Drama ensues when Lou discovers she’s been deceived, and the characters fumble through the poorly crafted screenplay. In what feels like a nightmarish reunion, Lou falls for a bar owner (played by an aging Bruce Greenwood), who turns out to be the man Marilyn is about to marry. Meanwhile, Kitty becomes infatuated with a gay male stripper, only to find out he is her grandson.

 

The actors try their best to bring warmth and charm to their roles, despite the poorly written characters and absurd antics. Unfortunately, the jokes fall flat, and despite the presence of comedy legends, writers Ann Marie Allison and Jenna Milly haven't provided strong material.

 

The film is a disaster, and its most troubling aspect is its premise that women will go to any lengths to be admired, respected, and taken seriously. Like many films featuring older actresses, it centers on the notion of deep, enduring friendship. However, it’s hard to believe these characters have any genuine connection beyond collecting a paycheck for a movie that is neither fabulous nor memorable.

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