We all have those longtime friends that we consider the closest of the close. And even though we may have the best intentions in mind, sometimes life just gets in the way with all of its hectic twists, turns and follies. Next thing you know, you’ve drifted further and further apart from those that you once were inseparable from. This is less of an indictment on true friendship but more of a test of attrition because the ones that are truly our friends will be there no matter how much time has passed. Girls Trip is an entertaining two hour lesson of the words that you just read.
Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifah), Lisa (Jada Pinkett-Smith) and Dina (Tiffany Haddish) have been friends for a long time. They’ve laughed, partied and cried together. As with most friendships over the years, they all drifted apart for various reasons. Whether it was job, family or simply lifestyle related, each of these four women drifted apart. With Ryan being a successful married author and a career on the rise, she decides to take time out to hang with the old gang again while also negotiating a deal that will set her up financially for the foreseeable future. The “Flossy Posse”, as the girls were affectionately called in their prime, are heading for weekend trip to New Orleans that will become more of an eye-opening experience than any of them could have bargained for.
Malcolm D. Lee is doing a reversal of gender focus in his latest work, Girls Trip. Typically the very talented director and writer appears, at least based on titles and first glance, brings forth films that focus more on the male perspective. That being said, movies like The Best Man (1999), Undercover Brother (2002>, Soul Men (2008), The Best Man Holiday (2013) and Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016) all have male focused titles but each film gives the female side time grow and express their sides of these various plots. With a title like Girls Trip, many might assume that this is a chick flick of sorts. Well, if you’re one of those people, let me be the first to tell you that you’re completely wrong.
Even with all of the top billed actors being female, there’s no shortage of “unladylike” material. Girls Trip is first and foremost a comedy that revolves around close friendships and the struggles that come with them. Even with all of its comedic moments, and there are A TON OF THEM, there is also a softer more vulnerable side to the plot. There is absolutely nothing at all groundbreaking about the way the story plays out. As a matter of fact, events are very transparent as to how they will eventually play out. That being said, this is still a fun experience to be had by all. And by all I mean adults that are of age to handle some very adult thematic content.
With Regina Hall’s history of being part of several hilarious rated R comedies, she doesn’t miss a beat and continues to show just how funny she can be. Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett-Smith are not staples in restricted comedies such as this one but, based on their performances, they should be. And last but definitely not least is Tiffany Haddish, who provides countless laughs from start to finish. She does most of the heavy lifting from a comical standpoint and takes Girls Trip to that next level of hilarity. Aside from the main four female leads, other actors include Mike Colter, Kate Walsh and Larenz Tate. Aside from those names I have already mentioned, there is a laundry list of other famous cameo performances, mostly due to the fact that part of the plot’s backdrop takes place at the Essence Festival so keep a sharp eye out.
Girls Trip should be an absolute delight for anyone, male or female, black or white, that likes a good rated R comedy. Even with its predictability, you will find yourselves wrapped up in the characters developments as well as of the crazy situations that they find themselves in. Who needs to be hungover in Las Vegas when you can go all out in New Orleans? Definitely check this one out in theaters.
