Brilliantly balancing its own quirky self awareness, with a ton of genuine likability, “Frances Ha” is what a smart female comedy looks like. Take that “Bridesmaids”!
Side Note: So, I can already hear the irritatingly shrill commentary from the “Bridesmaids” faithful now, stating that the comedy in “Frances Ha” and “Bridesmaids” are “totally different” and cannot be compared. But guess whe compared. But guess what? I just did.
Directed and co-written by Noah Baumbach, who is essentially the personification of a New York indie filmmaker (for better or worse) and co-written and starring Greta Gerwig, in her best role to date. “Frances Ha” tells the story of a woman in her late twenties named Frances who lives in New York, but doesn’t really have any permanent residency. In fact, she doesn’t really have any real direction in life. She is a dancer that doesn’t really dance all that well. She continuously wears these hideous floral print dresses with black leggings and a sweater wrapped around her waist. In some circles she is referred to as “Frances undate-able”. And to top it all off, her best friend, Sophie (played by Mickey Summer) and she seem to be growing apart, after Sophie decides to move in with her boyfriend. OK, so while this sounds like the makings of a barely watchable coming of age tale concerning a late twenties, annoyingly quirky, white, middle-class hipster, “Frances Ha” ends up being a pleasantly naturalistic and insightfully funny film about a woman just trying to find her place in a world that seems to be passing her by.
Shot in black and white, as if to transport us back to an older (better) style of Indie filmmaking, why this Baumbach endeavor works monumentally better than his last directorial attempt “Greenberg”, has nothing to do with his direction. But clearly has almost everything to do with Greta Gerwig playing a middle class woman dealing with first world problems, with such likeability that audiences won’t be able to help themselves but root for Frances and her quest to fulfill her idealistic dreams, no matter the odds.
Another Side Note: Much attention is going to be paid to the final scene, which serves to give an off-beat, yet simplistic explanation for the title of this film. And in its simplicity, many pretentious film school dialogues are sure to arise. But for the rest of us, the one great flaw in “Frances Ha” will come forth in a final few minutes which will end up leaving your average movie-goer cold.
Final Thought: This surprising little film almost plays out like an early Woody Allen. And that may be praise enough for many to immediately go out and buy a ticket (or maybe avoid this movie all together). But do realize that throughout the overtly quirky world Baumbach has built, Gerwig’s performance (and undoubtedly her conversational dialogue) is the only thing here which allows this film to stay grounded, and more importantly stay relatable. Not to say Baumbach’s content isn’t entertaining, but “Frances Ha” is definitely Gerwig’s time to shine, as she is the inexplicable reason I am giving a film like this a solid recommendation, even though its protagonist is reminiscent of the most annoying actress in the world: Zooey Deschanel.

Written by Markus Robinson, Edited by Nicole I. Ashland

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This is my second consecutive Noah B. movie starring Greta Gerwig which just fell flat for me. Sure, it's somewhat real, it's clever, and urbane, but it's also very catty, nasty, and trendy. I chuckled twice in the movie, but didn't fully laugh once. I wanted to like it and laugh more, but the movie didn't pull it out of me.

This movie could have been a good story about an almost 30-year old trying to find herself. Or about how infantile this generation is. Could have. The potential is there. But it is not. With a notable exception of a few funny lines, it left me bored, looking at my watch and mentally scratching my head why on earth it got critic reviews so high...

Noah Baumbach's latest is actually is best in years. Greta Gerwig is funny and sad sometimes at the same time Francis a women struggling with her career and life in her late twenties. Gerwig co-wrote the screenplay along with Bauback and is one of the best comedic screenplays in along time. I have never been a big fan of Gerwing, but that has changed with this movie, Thanks for proving an adult comedy that is for adults… Expand

In a month of sequels (Star Trek 2, Hangover 3, Iron Man 3 you get the picture), it was nice to see something original on the screen without a number in its title.
While it does not open or end strong, this movie's middle is filled with many great moments. It's beautifully photographed, often funny, and a good combo of Noah B. and Greta G.

Frances Ha is a delightful study in character development and all the relationship struggles 20 something New Yorkers struggle with. Meaningful friendships is a common goal the individuals share with their ups and downs. Greta Gerwig shines throughout with an irresistible lightness that has her dancing sometimes aimlessly through the streets of NYC. We intently observe her trying to cope with her dance career and intimate partners and the inevitable disappointments as well as her moments of truthfulness and ecstasy.… Expand

This movie attempted to live completely by the quirky nature of its main character. Unfortunately for me, she was quite unsuccessful as a person, in a career, and somewhat boring after the first two or three quirks. I rank it as a movie that the critics give high points for an attempt to be different and uncommercial. This movie did not ring my bell in any way.