When it comes to scheduling a movie release, there’s an art to it—just ask about the phenomenon of “Barbenheimer.” While studios often steer clear of releasing films in competition with blockbuster superhero movies, the decision to open the third-act female friendship comedy “The Fabulous Four” alongside “Deadpool & Wolverine” is both bold and intriguing. If any audience is underrepresented during a weekend filled with high-octane superhero action, it’s surely women over 60. What better way to provide an alternative than with a lively trip to Key West featuring Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Megan Mullally?
Similar to “80 for Brady” and “Book Club,” “The Fabulous Four” may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but it has its own unique charm. While it sometimes overreaches with its attempts at humor—such as a chaotic parasailing trip and edibles—it also brings a refreshing sense of sanity amidst its improbabilities. The film begins with a somewhat convoluted backstory explaining the friendship among the four main characters: Lou (Sarandon), Marilyn (Midler), Alice (Mullally), and Kitty (Ralph). Although it hints at a slight age gap between Lou and Marilyn and the other two friends, it’s best not to dwell on the specifics.
More intriguing than the origins of their friendship is the question of how these women have maintained their bond over decades. The film primarily explores the 40-year estrangement between Lou, now a heart surgeon, and Marilyn, who is recently widowed and newly engaged. Alice and Kitty, each with their own quirks—Alice as a rock star and Kitty as a cannabis entrepreneur—are still involved in the fallout of this old feud. They deceive Lou into visiting Key West under the pretense of winning a polydactyl (six-toed) cat and a tour of the Hemingway House, only to surprise her at Marilyn’s home. This scheme seems ill-conceived and becomes more problematic when the root cause of their fallout is revealed.
Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse, known for her female-centric films like “How to Make an American Quilt” and “The Dressmaker,” and written by Jenna Milly and Ann Marie Allison, “The Fabulous Four” struggles to find a harmonious tone. The characters, while individually engaging, do not quite gel together as a group. Midler’s portrayal of Marilyn is larger-than-life, bordering on parody, though her character’s obsession with TikToks and rapid engagement provide some intrigue. Sarandon’s Lou is the most well-rounded character, presenting a rule-abiding woman in need of change, though her comedic moments with edibles and flirtations with Key West bachelors (played by Bruce Greenwood and Timothy V. Murphy) are hit-or-miss.
Ultimately, “The Fabulous Four” might have benefited from focusing more on the nuanced aspects of long-lasting friendship rather than relying heavily on zany escapades. Nevertheless, the film has its endearing moments, and spontaneous musical numbers featuring this talented cast provide a delightful break from reality.
“The Fabulous Four,” a Bleecker Street release, hits theaters on Friday. It is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for “drug use, some sexual material, language,” and runs for 98 minutes. Rating: 2 out of 4 stars.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
