GET READY TO ROCK. GET READY TO LOVE. GET READY FOR RICKI.
Ricki Rendazzo (Meryl Streep), singer and guitarist in a local rock band, flies to Indianapolis to help her daughter (Mamie Gummer) pull through after a rough break-up… but she isn’t exactly a welcome presence. Jonathan Demme’s last fictional movie was inspired by writer Diablo Cody’s own mother-in-law, but the script is the weakest part. Ricki should be a thankful character for a satisfying drama, especially as she’s chosen to live her life the way a male rock star would, but the consequences are not the same. Still, it’s a testament to Demme’s filmmaking prowess and the cast that this movie nevertheless becomes so enjoyable; the music also helps.
2015-U.S. 101 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Jonathan Demme. Screenplay: Diablo Cody. Cast: Meryl Streep (Linda Brummel/Ricki Rendazzo), Kevin Kline (Pete Brummel), Mamie Gummer (Julie Brummel), Audra McDonald, Sebastian Stan, Rick Springfield.
Trivia: Gummer is Streep’s real-life daughter.
