Would like to say something very clear right now. There is absolutely no bias against comedy, actually have a high appreciation for it and have always tried to appreciate all types while liking some more so than others. For example, there has always been the tendency to prefer the witty and sophisticated kind of humour and razor sharp wit seen in many of the screwball comedies and Looney Tunes cartoons respectively, and broad comedy can be funny too though does depend on a good cast to deliver it, over the crude humour seen in many comedies these days.
Saw 'Girls Trip' as someone intrigued by the premise and having heard that the film was absolutely hilarious from close friends and trusted critics. Found myself really not caring for it sadly after seeing it on Netflix, and my sister and her best friend who watched it with me didn't know what to think. You know a comedy is not good or funny when you are more cringing in embarrassment and exchanging shocked glances in alternative to laughing out loud constantly, 'Girls Trip' is one of those examples and really do feel bad for saying this.
'Girls Trip' does have good things. The four leads all give strong performances, whether in the comedy and in the drama. Tiffany Haddish in particular gives it her absolute all and shows great confidence and comic timing. They have good, though it did feel forced at times as well, chemistry together that sparkles in the best moments, their friendship being clearly genuine.
It looks nice enough with lovely locations and the music isn't too over the top, doesn't intrude too much and isn't used too obviously.
However, from personal opinion 'Girls Trip' just wasn't very funny. The script was far too crude for my tastes with too much of the dialogue making me cringe and shocked at how friends can speak like that to each other, plus the gratuitous overuse of profanity was a turn off. Do not have a problem with swearing, it's when it's used too much and especially when it's not necessary when it's a problem and that was what left a bittertaste either. The non-verbal comedy was also not in particularly good taste, the urination from above scene was nearly 'Freddy Got Fingered' level and that is as far away from a good thing as one can go.
The story started off quite well and there is energy, but it became too sentimental and dreary in the more dramatic moments and the slightness of it is evident. Momentum could have been tighter and only Ryan is particularly well developed of the four leads and of the characters overall. And hers is quite cliched (and quite worn out cliches at that), actually found Jada Pinkett Smith's character very underwritten. Any attempts at boundary pushing are laudable but are not that daring, new or tasteful.
On the whole, can see why people will find appeal in 'Girls Trip' but also completely see why others will hate it. Mostly it didn't do it for me, sorry. 4/10
