When Does The CD Box Set Come Out?

This weekend's 100 degree temperatures in Los Angeles severely lowered the standards for anybody seeking a movie to go see and escape the scorching heat. Just like back in the 40s and 50s when America sought out movie houses which had the only central air conditioning in house, so did I.  And, as long as it wasn't based on a Marvel comic, I was game for anything.

Both "Trainwreck" and "Ricki and the Flash" popped up on my Moviefone app and I know it got bad reviews.   But, I resorted to my rule of thumb.   

"Don't trust any good reviews for a Judd Apatow comedy and any bad reviews for a Meryl Streep movie."

And my adage bore out.   While I didn't avail myself of the opportunity to see just how awful "Trainwreck' was, I did get to see "Ricki and the Flash" and was pleasantly surprised.   And cooled off as well.

Okay, this may be the first Meryl Streep movie that doesn't get her the annual Oscar nomination for her performance.    That's probably more due to the fact that the film is a comedy and no reflection on her acting chops.  But, once again, Streep shows off some amazing range as an aging hard rock singer and guitarist for a cover band that stars in...of all places...a bar in Tarzana, California.  And, along with fellow band member Rick Springfield (???!!!), their music in this film is exhilerating and light years better than anything you would hear on pop radio today.

Of course, there's a slender thread of a plot that you have seen multiple times before.   Ricki ditched her family years ago to pursue her singing career which resulted in one vinyl album.   But she is called in by the stuffed shirt of an ex-husband Kevin Kline, who, as usual, gives a terrible performance.   Their daughter, played by real-life Meryl daughter Mamie Gummer, has been ditched by her husband and has tried suicide.  Ricki comes to help if she can.   

Of course, there are other obstacles.  Kline is now married to a snooty wife, played to perfection by Broadway's Audra McDonald.  There are two other children that call Ricki "Mom"----a recently out-of-the-closet gay Adam and a soon-to-be-married-to-upper-crust society Josh.   Of course, as soon as we hear there's a wedding being planned, I knew exactly how this film would end.  This is as predictable as cole slaw at a summer picnic.   But, somehow and in some way, it works.  This is not the usual compelling and riveting drama you would expect from Meryl.   But it entertains and that's all you want when it's 101 outside. Plus when you get a visit from Charlotte Rae (???!!!) in the last reel as Grandma, that's the cherry on top of your melting hot fudge sundae.

So, if you're sweating and looking for a cool diversion, there are worse movies you can find at your local multiplex.   Much, much worse, to be sure.

LEN'S RATING:  Three stars.

Dinner last night:  Steak and macaroni salad.