The Fabulous Four
Short Take: The phrase comes from the film industry, originally, and it means a short bit of recording or “something that only takes a short time,” especially if a longer version may be done later.
Short Take review: A short review of a film with potential discussion points
⭐️ (out of 5)
Summary: Marilyn (Bette Midler) has been friends with Lou (Susan Sarandon), Alice (Megan Mullally) and Kitty (Sheryl Lee Ralph) for decades. They were inseparable for years despite having varied personalities and interests. They failed to connect with one another only when Marilyn made one critical mistake that kept the four estranged for years. When she announces she will remarry, she wants her three friends to come to Key West to be her bridesmaids. As old tensions flair and new romances form, these ‘forever’ friends must put aside their differences to celebrate their past and future.
Review: In the realm of grey cinema, this combination of Academy and Emmy award winners is a guaranteed hit. Especially with Australian director Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker) driving the story, something went wrong. Sarandon, Midler, Ralph and Mullaly all act as if they came along for a different film, and each proves that you can’t force chemistry. All have proven they are exceptional talents in the field, but none show that they were ever friends or can even act like they want to be. The laughs fall short, the situations are more pitiful than humorous, and each seems miscast, except for Midler. Along the way they tackle every social agenda possible from legalisation of marijuana to agism to the treatment of marginalised people groups. The scene with Michael Bolton’s concert epitomises the whole film as a talent being asked to work past its ‘used by date.’
REEL DIALOGUE: Bitterness is vicious thing
"You only have to forgive once. To resent, you have to do it all day, every day."
Where is your limit for forgiveness? One of the key themes of The Fabulous Four is the concept of forgiveness and how the lack of it leads to a life of bitterness. People put into challenging situations that push them to the edge of considering the boundaries of forgiveness may think they are excused from forgiving others. Still, don’t we all need forgiveness?
Two things to consider in this discussion are the limit of forgiveness and why we should forgive at all. It can be said that resentment only hurts the one who holds onto it. The Bible has much to say on this topic; this might be a good place to start when considering some of the concepts from this film. The peace that comes from forgiveness leads to peace and reconciliation throughout life.
Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger… - Ephesians 4:26
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