The late Jonathan Demme had a illustrious career of acclaimed titles including 'Silence of the Lambs' and 'Philadelphia'. He was undoubtedly a pioneering director in the early 90s. So it gives me no pleasure in saying that this, his last directorial effort, was his blandest production. A mother chooses to become a rock star and leaves her family behind, however years later her daughter is divorced and so she is called back to confide in her and reconcile with the rest of the family. Basically, it's what I like to call a "Sunday afternoon" film. A bland, generic, predictable drama with some cheesy comedy and a positive vibe where in the end everyone lives happily ever after. It really was as basic as that. A few mature themes are thrown into the cacophony of guitar strums, such as an absentee parent attempting reconciliation with their estranged daughter. Using the medium of music to express emotions. It's all executed fine, and it's perfectly watchable. Yet, it is absolutely nothing new. We've all seen it before in more memorable productions. Streep gives a musically commanding performance, and her character of Ricki is obviously the most developed and relatable. A few awkward dialogue exchanges, particularly the family reunion dinner, provides dark humour. In fact, Cody's screenplay is surprisingly bleak and edgy (whilst being funny, don't worry) however it contrasts with Demme's placid directing style. The two just do not marinate. The first half built up character and focus, then the second half crumbles and decides to shift subplots and focus more on Ricki and her band than with her daughter. Just did not work in my opinion. The music was good though, made me want to get up and dance...so that's a positive. Ricki certainly is flashy, hosting solid performances and engrossing concert music. But the all too predictable plot, inconsistent tone and lack of focus results in a forgettable entry within Demme's filmography. Does anyone think Streep could actually be in a rock band? Totally could see it happen...

The Final Film by the Late/Great Jonathan Demme, 'Ricki and the Flash' is a fairly entertaining film, that works in parts. Though very predictable, this comedy-drama still has its heart at the right place.'Ricki and the Flash' Synopsis: A musician who gave up everything for her dream of rock- and-roll stardom returns home, looking to make things right with her family.'Ricki and the Flash' is a tale on family & bond, and how ambition sometimes can affect relationships deeper than imagined. Its interesting to see Ricki mingle with her estranged family & later realize the importance of being united. Diablo Cody's Screenplay is decent, but its very predictable. There are no surprises here & it firmly sticks to the genre clichés. I wish there was some newness in its Writing. Demme's Direction is faultless, as always. His loss is truly among the most tragic moments of this year, as he was truly a Master at his craft. Cinematography & Editing are fair.Performance-Wise: Meryl Streep as Linda / Ricki, slips into her character effortlessly & comes up with a winning performance. The Thespian doesn't miss a single beat. Kevin Kline, another Acting Giant in his own right, is simply superb as Ricki's former husband. Mamie Gummer (Meryl's real-life & reel-life daughter here as well), is natural to the core as the suffering soul. And Rick Springfield shines as Ricki's supportive boyfriend. Others lend perfect support. On the whole, 'Ricki and the Flash' offers nothing new, but its warm film nonetheless.

Actors are children playing hide and ego seek, Margo Channing sings in "Applause!", the musical version of " All About Eve". Meryl Streep plays Rikki's Choice, choosing rock and roll over husband Kevin Kline and their three kids, and returns for a family crisis, only to find that she ain't so welcome. They are all selfish, overly needy, and resentful (perhaps justified), and like many before, Meryl finds you can't go home. An adamant request from Kline's perfect second wife (Audra McDonald) basically cements Streep's place in the family, especially since she insists on keeping those wild braids, garfish eye make-up, and black leggings on while trying to re-bond.It's difficult to picture Streep as a rocker, failed or not, but I'll say she's far more successful than Tom Cruise in "Rock if Ages" (which isn't saying a lot). She doesn't escape into the character like she normally does. Even though she surprised me singing country and western in "Postcards From the Edge", her attempts at '70's rock is forced. They were wise to choose Rick Springfield as her liver/guitarist, who really should have been the lead singer than off on the side.While the Lifetime feel of the movie is obvious, that isn't the reason that I can't recommend this beyond a single viewing. It seems to take pleasure in showing the worst of society today through new wave weddings, a self absorbed generation with no humor and a far too serious view of themselves. That finale just really reeks of desperation.

I originally gave this 5 out of 10, but after careful consideration I settled on 1 out of 10 because it really was that bad. At first I didn't think it was all that bad, but then again I was at home sick with the flu, so I wasn't even in my right mind when I watched it. The characters were incredibly annoying and the story was predictable as taxes. Meryl Streep isn't even trying, Kevin Kline looks embarrassed to be in the movie, the girl who plays their daughter was annoying as hell - just whiny, immature and completely psychotic, same with the their eldest son, Sebastian Stan as the second son looked equally embarrassed as Kline, the girl who played Stan's fiancée was a whiny, stuck-up snob, and the woman that Kline's character married was condescending and self- righteous. The only redeeming feature of the movie was the eldest son's boyfriend and possibly Ricki's boyfriend, they were at least pleasant, particularly the son's boyfriend in the brief moment that he was on-screen. Oh, and they play the same two songs over and over and over again throughout the movie, so watch out for that.