Ricki and the Flash

Streep is the only element worth watching the film for, but there's only so much of 'Streep pretending to be a failed rocker' one can take.

There are some things even Meryl Streep can't do. Rescuing this flaccid film is one of them.

Ultimately, spending time with these people is pleasant, lived-in, honest and even thought-provoking. And when the dialogue stops, there's a fun, golden not-too-oldies live music soundtrack to hum along with too.

The performances are mostly solid. Real-life rocker Springfield plays Ricki's bandmate and lover. And Gummer's screen presence is credible and good. Some of the film's best scenes involve her. But by the end of the film, you might find yourself wondering if Streep (she plays and sings for real here) really is in a rock n' roll band on the side. Yes, she's that convincing.

Ricki and the Flash is let down by a schmaltzy, too-pat climax. Most of the final sequence feels almost forced — like the director and the writer had to check certain boxes: 1. Emotional redemption for Ricki and her children, check. 2. Pair everybody off happily with partner, check. 3. Ensure Ricki 'saves' the day and gets to be the heroine, check.

Ricki and The Flash is a scattered film. You enjoy it in bits and pieces but as a whole it turns out too corny to be true. Streep tries best to save this film with her effortless performance but lacks a little grit.