Movie Review – Sisters

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are the ultimate comedy duo. Writing, improve, directing, producing, and acting; the ladies have mastered it all. Their natural on screen chemistry actually draws people to the cinema because hey have star power. While everyone is making Star Wars plans, one wonders will their new film Sisters have a chance and is worth it?
My expectations for this film were very high; I love Poehler and Fey like no other. I’m talking reading their books and watch all their interviews type love. I liked Sisters and I would see it again but it wasn’t my favorite project from the pair, let alone from either as individual performers. Fey plays Kate, the older Elis sister lacking drive, ambition, or maturity while Poehler play Maura, the younger people pleasing sister who (naturally) “gives” so much of herself that she doesn’t know how to actually have fun. Polar opposite characters as so many Hollywood films present.
The sisters are in the midst of losing their childhood home and decide to throw one last signature “Elis Island” themed party like they did in high school. I loved that it wasn’t your typical young Project X style teens getting wild and that they poked fun at the fact that after being saddled down with bills, work, and commitments, many of the adults didn’t even remember how to let loose. Fun cameos from SNL alum and current cast like Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch, Bobby Moynihan, and Kate McKinnon made for quite the array of characters.
Of course there is your fair share of hijinks and the house is humorously destroyed throughout the duration of the film but there was something missing, for me at least. However the preservation of their 1980’s/90’s bedrooms and the decorative details of the house made me quite happy throughout.
Overall Maura was just adorable and Kate was crass and hilarious but the film as a whole was just so-so for me. I would see it again but on a scale from 1-10, I laughed at a steady 6 throughout. That’s not bad, but it pales in comparison to the hardy chuckles I anticipated. There were a lot of jokes that just felt too easy to me. From the gay jokes to the old parents releasing a barrage of swear words. It was of your standard comedy trying to go for a cheap laugh. I wasn’t offended, I just didn’t laugh.
While not thoroughly impressed with this movie, I am all for future Poehler/Fey projects and the SNL alum they bring along! One thing this filmed nailed? The relationship between sisters goes through a lot of ups and downs but it’s almost always worth it in the end.