film criticism by maryann johanson | since 1997
Fairy tale goes jukebox musical with a feminist, gender-fluid spin. Throws irony and sarcasm at heterosexuality, patriarchy, even monarchy. Pretty darn fun, with a sweetly spunky Ella in Cabello.
Kay Cannon and Lynne Ramsay direct two very different movies about adults trying to protect children, and more…
Leslie Mann and Kathryn Newton are mother and daughter, Sanam Saeed and Aamina Sheikh are sisters, and more…
It’s oddly structured, doesn’t seem to know whom its audience is, and indulges in too much distracting grossout humor. But the sex-positive message and the delightful cast make it just about worthwhile.
The slim charms of the previous movies have been tossed away in favor of cringe-inducing cattiness and a ridiculous plot. There’s barely even any music. Aca-palling.
Most of the female ensemble are crude stereotypes, but a few central characters are robust, with complex goals that have nothing to do with romance. [This post is not behind the paywall.]
Some sweet sisterhood and truly fantastic musical performances get dragged down by awkward, lazy, embarrassing attempts at humor.
What’s charming and fun here gets a little overwhelmed by too much grossout stuff.
