By TRENTON JUDD & NATALIE SACKET
Columnists
We wanted a laugh, so this week we turned to the comedic geniuses of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. Did they succeed in making us laugh or were we disappointed with “Sisters”?
Trenton: 1 out of 5
It is universally agreed that Fey and Poehler are at their best when their together. The two of them were regarded as queens of comedy on “Saturday Night Live,” and many people would agree that’s where the two of them were at their best.
“Sisters” is basically a two hour long comedy sketch with Poehler and Fey as the leads, but it also serves as an “SNL” reunion with both old and new alumni from the show … so this should be hysterical, right? Well, unfortunately the ingredients to a perfect comedy were spoiled by a poorly written script.
This script is filled with too many sex jokes, a lot of unnecessary swearing and way too much unnecessary drama that tries to shove heartfelt feelings where they don’t belong. “Sisters” tells the story of how two siblings in their 40s are reconnecting while staying at their childhood home, but during their stay, Kate, the older sister (Tina Fey) tries to hook up Maura, the younger sister, played by Amy Poehler, with James, the guy next door, played by Ike Barinholtz. In this movie you can tell who is trying to have fun just to make people laugh and who is hamming it up for the camera in a failed attempt to tug at your heartstrings.
The best comedians in the movie are Fey, Poehler, and many of the “SNL” alumni. There is a surprise cameo by a celebrity who you can tell is having fun with role which makes him on par with the few good comedians in this movie.
The overall bad acting in the movie is done by the characters that are just there to tug at your heartstrings. The so called serious subplot of the movie comes across as awkward because so much of the movie is made comedic. The way the comedy and drama is mixed causes a majority of the movie to come across as clunky and awkward. I would not recommend this movie, but if you’re forced into seeing this then I am truly sorry and I would at least recommend you stay for the five minute blooper reel during the credits because that five minutes is funnier than a majority of the two hours you just wasted.
Natalie: 4 out of 5
If you’re familiar with “Saturday Night Live,” “30 Rock” or “Parks and Recreations,” (I highly recommend you become acquainted with these fantastic comedies!) you should know that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are a gold mine of comedy. Yet again, these two magnificent ladies have not let me down in their latest collaboration, “Sisters.” They are an incomparable comedic duo.
Just a disclaimer for the review, my evaluation of any performance of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will always be slightly biased. These two women are my role models in all things comedy and writing. Together, they are my spirit animals, and I aspire to be both of them. (No joke, I invited Amy Poehler to Jordan’s and my wedding).
Fey and Poehler have absolutely impeccable chemistry on screen, making for a hilarious experience for the audience. This film plays on the pair’s strengths, allowing for many laughs. I laughed consistently throughout the film, pausing only for a few awe-worthy moments.
Though the film’s primarily strives for laughter, it does present a few moral lessons regarding the importance of family, second chances and learning to move on.
Keep in mind, the film is rated R for crude humor, including sexual content and language. There is also drug use at times. Prepare yourself for some raunchy humor. There are some moments where it seems as though there is vulgarity only for the sake of vulgarity, bringing this film down a notch, in my opinion.
Bottom Line: This film is hilarious, perfect for a girls’ (or guys’) night out.