The Banger Sisters (2002) Reviewed by Eugene Novikov http://www.ultimate-movie.com/
Starring Goldie Hawn, Susan Sarandon, Geoffrey Rush, Erika Christensen, Eva Amurri.
Directed by Bob Dolman.
Rated R.
"You're just so... permissive-looking standing there... the way you stand." No one will accuse Bob Dolman's The Banger Sisters of excessive originality: the story, about an uptight suburbanite taught how to live again by her free spirit old friend, is as old as the times. But the movie itself is a delightful showcase for three entertaining actors, and the script, also by Dolman, has its moments as well. It is by no means a great film, full of cliches and too easy on its characters, but it is spirited, and lively, and good.
We begin with Suzette (Goldie Hawn) being fired from a nightclub where she has worked for decades. She's a self-proclaimed legend, mostly for having Jim Morrison pass out in the bathroom with her under him. Her boss tells her that she isn't a legend but a ghost, and Suzette is put out on the street with no money, no family and nowhere to go. She decides to drive to Phoenix to see her old-time groupie buddy Lavinia in the hopes that she, now married to "some rich guy," can offer much-needed financial assistance. On her way, strapped for cash and running out of gas, she picks up Harry (Geoffrey Rush), an obsessive-compulsive writer who is going back to Phoenix for his 50th birthday to kill his father.
Alas, Lavinia (Susan Sarandon) is none too happy that Suzette has traipsed back into her life. She is the epitome of conservative suburban living, with two kids, a golden retriever, a gigantic house, a ridiculous pool and an entirely beige wardrobe. At first, she offers Suzette five thousand dollars to just leave, but later comes to her senses and apologizes, considering that the woman brought her acid-tripping daughter home from the prom the previous morning. Meanwhile, Harry sets up in a hotel room and decides that Suzette is his muse.
Some elements of The Banger Sisters are simplistic caricatures, such as Lavinia's spoiled rotten daughter Ginger. But there are also some interesting things going on here, such as Suzette's precarious relationship with Harry, who gradually begins to loosen up. Lavinia's central transformation, too, was more convincing than I expected.
But if that doesn't convince you -- and it shouldn't -- go see this movie to watch three great comedic forces tackle a smart, quippy script that plays to their strengths. Hawn is downright effervescent as Suzette; casually profane, likably street-smart and very, very funny. This is her best role in years, and appropriate considering her own status as a rapidly aging bombshell. Sarandon is as reliable as she is prolific, with major roles in three movies this year, and she has perfected the art of being a straightwoman, though The Banger Sisters does give her the opportunity to go crazy in its second half.
The real surprise is Geoffrey Rush, who's doing straightforward comedy for the first time (unless you count Mystery Men) and succeeds admirably. His Harry is arguably the most sympathetic character in the movie, if in a sick-puppy way, and his ridiculous obsession with routine is funny despite the same thing having been done by the likes of Jack Nicholson. His blatherings about "creating my environment" are great lines delivered by a wonderfully befuddled actor.
By the end, of course, everything is packaged in shiny wrapping paper and gleaming hope rushes the screen at an unreasonable speed. Repeat: the movie doesn't aspire to greatness. But there's greatness here nonetheless; greatness in the performances of three great thespians, two of whom enjoying the rare chance of acting in something that lacks "significance." It's not a masterpiece, but it's a joy to watch.
Grade: B
©2002 Eugene Novikov
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