Ricki and the Flash

Name: Ricki and the Flash
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Music, Musical
Released: August 7, 2015
Duration: 101 min
Rating: 54
Cast: Kevin Kline, Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep, Rick Springfield, Sebastian Stan

2015

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 36 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 84 Ratings

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6.4

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6.4	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 84 Ratings

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Ricki And The Flash

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Movie Details & Credits

TriStar Pictures | Release Date: August 7, 2015 | PG-13

Starring: Kevin Kline, Mamie Gummer, Meryl Streep, Rick Springfield, Sebastian Stan

Summary: Ricki Rendazzo (Meryl Streep) is a guitar heroine who made a world of mistakes as she followed her dreams of rock-and-roll stardom. Returning home, Ricki gets a shot at redemption and a chance to make things right as she faces the music with her family, including her daughter (Mamie Gummer), her ex-husband (Kevin Kline) and his new wifeRicki Rendazzo (Meryl Streep) is a guitar heroine who made a world of mistakes as she followed her dreams of rock-and-roll stardom. Returning home, Ricki gets a shot at redemption and a chance to make things right as she faces the music with her family, including her daughter (Mamie Gummer), her ex-husband (Kevin Kline) and his new wife (Audra McDonald). [Sony Pictures]… Expand

Director: Jonathan Demme

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Music, Musical

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 101 min

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Critic Reviews

Ty Burr

Aug 6, 2015

Because Demme genuinely likes people and is interested in them, Ricki and the Flash feels like “Stella Dallas” as remade by Jean Renoir — it’s a humanist suburban fable. Read full review

James Berardinelli

Aug 6, 2015

It's an entertaining diversion - a good way to pass a couple of hours as late summer evenings lengthen - but not much more. Read full review

John Hazelton

Aug 3, 2015

A breezy but touching dysfunctional family dramedy, with real heart and some genuine musical soul. Read full review

Andrew Barker

Aug 3, 2015

This is a shaggy, easily distractible film that consistently defies expectations to both charming and baffling effect. Read full review

A.O. Scott

Aug 6, 2015

Ricki’s attitudes, and their place in the family and the society she inhabits, are the most interesting part of the movie, or at least they would be if Ms. Cody and Mr. Demme were not so weirdly conflict-averse. Read full review

Peter Travers

Aug 6, 2015

It helps that Kevin Kline excels as Ricki's ex, and Mamie Gummer, Streep's real-life daughter, imbues the fictional version with rare grit and grace. Otherwise, too many wrong notes. Read full review

Alonso Duralde

Aug 3, 2015

It’s fine to forfeit elements like stakes or suspense for a character piece, but when the characters are this vague, there’s nothing on which to hang your hat (or headband, for that matter). Read full review

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User Reviews

mickster072

Aug 10, 2015

I think the movie was well written, I think Meryl Streep and Rick Springfield had a lot of chemistry. I thought Rick Springfield excelled in his role as did Meryl. I would give this movie 5 stars...

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

Skitty515

Aug 10, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A great feel-good movie. Rick Springfield rocked the house. The film really hit home with my husband who has a daughter and and experienced what it was like to have a step parent come in and take over your role in your child's life. I will definitely see this movie again.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MaryDau

Aug 10, 2015

Ricki and the Flash is a good movie with amazing music, family drama, and a message. All the bar scenes concerts were recorded live and I feel like it worked well. I would love that to be my neighborhood bar. Ricki is deeply flawed and unapologetic for her choices in life even if it hurtRicki and the Flash is a good movie with amazing music, family drama, and a message. All the bar scenes concerts were recorded live and I feel like it worked well. I would love that to be my neighborhood bar. Ricki is deeply flawed and unapologetic for her choices in life even if it hurt the people she loves. She does come through when her daughter has a crisis. Streep and Cline seemed to not mesh well, but maybe that is the point since their characters are no longer together. We see the life Ricki rejected, and Ricki seemed content with the one she has chosen. Greg, Ricki's lead guitarist is in love with her, but she seems to not think she is worthy of that love. The scenes between Springfield and Streep are wonderful. You should definitely see this movie.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

DawdlingPoet

Nov 27, 2021

I want to start by saying that this is primarily a film about a dysfunctional family, rather than a film about a rock star/musician. If you hope or expect this to be about a famously popular rock star and full of constant musical numbers, then you'll be disappointed, although there are aI want to start by saying that this is primarily a film about a dysfunctional family, rather than a film about a rock star/musician. If you hope or expect this to be about a famously popular rock star and full of constant musical numbers, then you'll be disappointed, although there are a fair few. However, its not an awful film - I felt I could relate to some aspects of numerous characters, of Ricki's family and I did enjoy most of the music.

I can't say im entirely convinced by Meryl Streeps vocal abilities (there was one moment in particular that made me cringe in between scenes but for the most part it sounded ok). Some scenes of this film are lighthearted, frivolous and fun but there are serious plot elements too, with her daughter having mental health issues and struggling following a divorce, hence it not being purely comedy or music focussed. I enjoyed most of the songs that Ricky played and found myself tapping my toes and thinking of the lyrics ahead of time, as I recognised a fair few songs ('Bad Romance' by Lady Gaga, 'Get The Party Started' by Pink and 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For' by U2) but, as I say, these musical performances are sparsely shown. Still, I suppose it works reasonably well in terms of it highlighting the happier moments.

It is a bit of a 'hodge podge' of a film but its not too bad - I certainly enjoyed it more than I disliked it. There are some cringe-y moments and if your prone to argue with siblings, then you'll probably be able to relate to it. I'd recommend this film, if you know what its about and don't expect it to be something it isn't. Its not by any means especially great but it is quite fun at times (sobering at others) and it has a nice nostalgic vibe/element to it, so in summary its certainly good. Its a feel good film for some of its duration but not entirely, which is perhaps a shame but I'm sure there are worse films out there, make of that what you will.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Spangle

Aug 27, 2015

Ricki and the Flash is far from being outstanding, but certainly serves a role in being above average entertainment and a showcase for some of the actors. Meryl Streep, in classic Streep fashion, is fantastic as Ricki/Linda, the wannabe rockstar who tries to mend her fractured relationshipRicki and the Flash is far from being outstanding, but certainly serves a role in being above average entertainment and a showcase for some of the actors. Meryl Streep, in classic Streep fashion, is fantastic as Ricki/Linda, the wannabe rockstar who tries to mend her fractured relationship with her children. Mamie Gummer is also great as her daughter and Rick Springfield does quite well as Ricki's bandmate and boyfriend. The film is quite well written by Diablo Cody and well directed by Jonathan Demme, though neither are fantastic, but get the job done here. The film is also quite funny and touching throughout, seamlessly transitioning between serious and comedic scenes with nary a hitch. Overall, Ricki and the Flash is an entertaining film that certainly is no Award winner, but you could do far worse going to the cinema here at the end of summer.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

mitchellkennedy

Aug 31, 2015

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Many viewers will find the title of this movie misleading. Flash is not a dog, and Rikki is no mongoose. This is the story of a female rock guitarist who decides to clean up her act.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Glorywar

Aug 8, 2015

I thought this movie was very boring, depressing and uninteresting. Meryl Streep didn't seem comfortable in her role. Considering her amazing talent, she was a disappointment. It was sad to witness as the only reason I went was because of her playing in it. Cosmetic surgery did nothingI thought this movie was very boring, depressing and uninteresting. Meryl Streep didn't seem comfortable in her role. Considering her amazing talent, she was a disappointment. It was sad to witness as the only reason I went was because of her playing in it. Cosmetic surgery did nothing to convince me she was of an age to be her children's mother.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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