Ricki and the Flash

Synopsis

Ricki and the Flash is a heartwarming and humorous drama that follows the life of Ricki Rendazzo (Meryl Streep), a rock musician who has pursued her dreams by performing with her band in a dive bar in California. However, when her estranged daughter, Julie (Mamie Gummer), struggles through a personal crisis, Ricki must return to her Midwest hometown to mend their fractured relationship. As Ricki grapples with her past choices, including her marriage to Pete (Kevin Kline) and her connection to her other children, she finds that navigating family dynamics can be just as challenging as hitting the right notes on stage. With the backdrop of lively music and heartfelt moments, the film explores themes of love, redemption, and the unyielding bond between a mother and her children.

Cast

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  Meryl Streep

  Ricki Rendazzo

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  Kevin Kline

  Pete Brummel

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  Mamie Gummer

  Julie Brummel

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  Sebastian Stan

  Joshua Brummel

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  Audra McDonald

  Maureen Brummel

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  Ben Platt

  Daniel

Reviews

Critics have given Ricki and the Flash a mixed reception, with an aggregate score of 6.0/10 on IMDb, 65% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a Metascore of 54/100. The performances, particularly that of Meryl Streep, have received high praise, with the Hollywood Reporter noting that 'Meryl Streep shines in this offbeat family drama, captivating audiences with her charismatic presence and vocal talent.' However, the narrative has been critiqued for its predictability and conventional story arcs, as seen in the review from The Guardian, which states, 'While the film has moments of charm, it ultimately falls into a formulaic rut.' RogerEbert.com describes the film as 'a delightful showcase for Streep's talent, even if it doesn’t break new ground in storytelling.' Despite its shortcomings, many find the film's music and emotional core appealing. Overall, Ricki and the Flash offers feel-good moments alongside the struggles of personal growth and family reconciliation.