A Delightful Star-Studded Friendship Comedy That Embraces Its Silly Side

The Fabulous Four (2024) is a very straightforward movie, though it doesn’t get to the root of its problem until the end is upon us, and we’re lulled into the safety of a cheerful happy ending. The film contends with a strained friendship that fell apart because of a man and a lack of communication over hurt feelings. While I immediately wanted to sigh in frustration because of the reason, Ann Marie Allison and Jenna Milly’s script, while silly, doesn’t treat it lightly. With a game and, dare I say, fabulous cast, the film’s at least more than its basic premise.

The Fabulous Four’s Star-Studded Cast Shines

Its main story is also relatable

After 48 years of not speaking to Marilyn (Bette Midler), Lou (Susan Sarandon) is dragged to Key West by best friends Kitty (Sheryl Lee Ralph) and Alice (Megan Mullally). Lou is convinced she’s won one of Ernest Hemingway’s cats, but she’s actually there to attend Marilyn’s wedding. Lou is displeased by the trickery to get her to speak to her former best friend, and the two attempt to reconnect while poking at old wounds. Director Jocelyn Moorhouse maintains the film’s lighthearted tone, but unlike a movie like Book Club,The Fabulous Four is more grounded in its assessment of friendship.

It would’ve been easy for a film like this one to phone in the story. But it actually blends some of its ridiculous elements with its more heartfelt ones quite well. Much of the story beats and reveals I saw coming from a mile away, but damn it if it wasn’t at least engaging and fun to watch. Thanks to the cast’s chemistry — and what a powerhouse cast it is — and the clear enjoyment they had while filming, I became invested in their characters and wanted Lou and Marilyn to patch up their friendship as soon as possible.

The Fabulous Four isn’t so quick to forget Lou’s pain, even if Marilyn wants to completely ignore it and believe she did nothing wrong (and she’s called out about that, too). In fact, the majority of the film is focused on it, especially as it makes Lou feel like she doesn’t belong there, which is a running theme throughout. A friend’s betrayal isn’t something that can be glossed over without closure, and Moorhouse’s film understands that. When the two finally confront each other, in a chaotic final act, the sincerity behind their words rings true rather than hollow.

The Fabulous Four Has Too Many Subplots

It could’ve also been funnier

While the comedy’s central story has some heft and balances levity and dramatic tension, the film’s subplots are half-baked. Kitty’s religious daughter encourages her to look into assisted living, which annoys Kitty, a successful cannabis farmer. There’s also the storyline involving Kitty’s grandson and tensions with his mother. These are interesting subplots on their own, but the film underwrites them. Aspects of the story are unnecessary considering how little they affect the A-plot, and the lack of attention they receive leaves their resolutions severely lacking. Ralph does a fantastic job with the material, but I needed more from her story.

Mullaly is fun as Alice, but she gets the least to do. Smoking weed and sleeping with younger men seems to be her entire personality. It’s only fun for a while. The Fabulous Four also needed an additional injection of humor. I’ll admit I laughed a few times at the women’s shenanigans and overall interactions, but with such a star-studded cast, the film was underwhelming on the comedy front. There’s certainly a lot of charm, and it’s a big part of what kept me watching.

There’s a sense of absurdity wrapped in realness, too, which anchors the film. When the truth is out in the open, it builds on all that came before. I only wish it’d come a bit earlier, so there was more time spent on healing. But it’s a fun, zippy movie about friends reuniting despite the past, and on that note it succeeds. It’s not too flashy, nor does it attempt to be anything but what it is. And while certain storylines could’ve been more fleshed out, Sarandon and the rest of the cast fill the film with heart and joy.

The Fabulous Four is now playing in theaters. The film is 99 minutes long and rated R for some sexual material, druge use and language.

The Fabulous Four is an uproarious comedy about a group of life-long friends who travel to Key West, Florida, to be bridesmaids in the surprise wedding of their best college girlfriend Marilyn. Over the course of one outrageous trip, sisterhoods are rekindled, the past resurfaces, and there are enough sparks, raunch, and romance to change all their lives in unexpected ways.

Pros

• The movie’s cast has great chemistry together
• The film doesn’t gloss over its main story of friendship

Cons

• Certain subplots and characters aren’t given enough attention
• The film could’ve been more funny