Scheduling the release date of a movie is both a science and an art form, as seen in the case of “Barbenheimer.” While filmmakers often experiment to gauge audience preferences in the unpredictable world of modern cinemas, there’s an unwritten rule to avoid big superhero movie weekends for other genres.
Yet, the decision to debut the third-act female friendship comedy “The Fabulous Four” alongside “Deadpool & Wolverine” was surprisingly strategic. It tapped into an underserved audience segment: women over 60 looking for an alternative to the dominating superhero spectacle.
Similar to hits like “80 for Brady” and “Book Club,” “The Fabulous Four” exceeds initial expectations despite its attempts at raucous humor with mishaps like a misadventure in parasailing and encounters with edibles.
The narrative kicks off conventionally, exploring how lifelong friends Lou, Marilyn, Alice, and Kitty forged their bond in youth, albeit skirting over age discrepancies. More intriguing is how these friendships endured over decades, a theme overshadowed by the drama surrounding Lou and Marilyn’s 40-year estrangement.
Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse, known for her nuanced female-centric films like “How to Make an American Quilt” and “The Dressmaker,” and penned by Jenna Milly and Ann Marie Allison, the film struggles to harmonize its ensemble cast despite their individual appeal.
Marilyn’s larger-than-life persona, played by Bette Midler, teeters on parody, contrasting with Susan Sarandon’s Lou, whose character is more introspective, grappling with a need for change in her structured life.
As the plot unravels with Marilyn’s wedding plans and revelations about past rifts, the film shifts between slapstick humor and reflective moments on enduring friendships. Despite its focus on wild escapades, “The Fabulous Four” occasionally shines with unexpected musical interludes and poignant reflections on life’s twists and turns.
“The Fabulous Four,” distributed by Bleecker Street and hitting theaters soon, is rated R for its portrayal of drug use, sexual content, and language. Lasting 98 minutes, it garners two stars out of four, offering a blend of humor and heartfelt moments amidst its narrative challenges.
