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The Fabulous Four (2024)

2024 • 1h 39m • Drama, Comedy • R
On September 28, 2026
#20602▼ 1311
20602nd by Pulse movie online
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Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots on The Fabulous Four

7/10 · Aug 8, 2024

“The Fabulous Four” has a real sense of being two different movies mashed together, struggling to define itself. The initial hour feels unfocused and slow-moving, failing to connect almost entirely, but the latter portion manages to recover with genuine emotion. It's an enjoyable story geared toward older women, who will likely find it appealing. Lou (Susan Sarandon), Kitty (Sheryl Lee Ralph), and Alice (Megan Mullally) share a long history of friendship. They reunite for a trip to Key West to serve as bridesmaids at the surprise wedding of their college friend, Marilyn (Bette Midler). As is often the case with reunions, old issues resurface. However, after several days filled with laughter, tears, and adventures, the women’s bonds become even stronger. The first portion of the film is nearly awful, feeling overly familiar. The writing feels simplified and predictable, its setup blending in with countless other comedies aimed at older audiences. The humor is inconsistent, relying too much on clumsy physical comedy and exaggerated situations that don't always work. This section gives the impression of a director, Jocelyn Moorhouse, simply going through the motions while preparing for the actual story. Once the film shifts to its more serious themes, it finds some stability. The second half offers an honest look at friendship, aging, and acceptance; topics like rekindling bonds and facing past regrets are handled with sincerity, creating moments of real emotional impact. This part demonstrates what could have been if the entire movie had maintained this level of quality. The acting is excellent, and Sarandon delivers a particularly memorable performance. The actresses work well together, displaying natural comedic chemistry. I've mentioned it before and will say it again—it’s always encouraging to see roles for actors over 60, especially women, and these performers make the most of their parts. What’s even better is that everyone seems happy to be involved, which isn't always the case with similar films. There are many other things to appreciate, from the film's casual inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters to the comforting story of friendship that's hard to resist. Of course, there are also drawbacks, such as obvious product placement for TikTok and a strangely awkward appearance by singer Michael Bolton, which is one of the most peculiar cameos I’ve ever seen. (He seems uncomfortable and out of place.) Hollywood still hasn’t quite figured out how to make movies about older women. In that sense, it's encouraging that at least half of “The Fabulous Four” works well.

Source on TMDB