Review: Streep proves she can rock, too, in the heartfelt ‘Ricki and the Flash’

Posted on August 14, 2015

By MARK VIOLA

Needless to say, 19-time Academy Award nominee Meryl Streep has portrayed a lot of different characters, and while I have not seen even most of her performances, I can say I have never seen her quite like she is in “Ricki and the Flash,” the story of an aging rock and roller who must face the family she left behind when her daughter is tossed aside by her husband.

Directed by Jonathan Demme (“The Silence of the Lambs,” “Philadelphia”) and written by Diablo Cody (“Juno,” “Young Adult”), “Ricki and the Flash” isn’t a ground-breaking film, but it feels earnest in its portrayals and instead of wallowing in what could have been a melodramatic pool, it uses Cody’s typically snarky and witty dialogue to keep the story moving toward its rocking conclusion. Although some of the resolutions feel a bit too easy considering the amount of baggage all of the characters bring to the scene, sometimes it’s nice to see that maybe it isn’t too late to fix your mistakes.

Cody does tend to be a bit too spot on sometimes, but there is enough nuance to help you overlook the blemishes. This isn’t one you will remember for years to come like “Juno,” but it is still an enjoyable film.

“Ricki and the Flash” brings the drama, the comedy and, of course, the music.

The film is rated PG-13 for thematic material, brief drug content, sexuality and language.

(This is a shortened version of the full review available in our printed or e-edition papers.)

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