Sisters – Film Review by Emily Elphinstone

Director: Jason Moore
Writer: Paula Pell (screenplay)
Stars: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph

The heady concoction of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in the same film is an exciting prospect, particularly in a film which allows them (as the title of the film suggests) to play sisters. The premise is a simple one: on hearing the news that their parents are selling the house in which they grew up, aghast siblings Kate (Fey) and Maura (Poehler) return home determined to halt progress. But when that fails, a last hoorah, in the shape of a final epic party is their only option; and as one may suspect, not everything goes to plan.

With a stunning cast, and crew including director Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect) and writer Paula Pell (30 Rock), Sisters seems destined to be a comedy classic. Unfortunately the final result is more the sort of film perfect for a hungover Sunday afternoon. The juvenile central characters with no wish to face adult life are recognisable from a number of mid-noughties hits, and though they may previously have been presented as men, it doesn’t really add anything new to see the female version. The plot of a party getting out of control is too predictable to hold much suspense and the stock characters of their former high school friends are largely underdeveloped.

However, once this has sunk in, there is something which is hard not to love; as if the audience can relax once the plot points which were so predictable actually start to happen. Kate and Maura may be a deeply frustrating pair, but somehow they are still incredibly likeable. There are some great performances from Maya Rudolph, John Cena, and Ike Barinholtz (as the endlessly patient love interest), and indisputably satisfying moments of inspiration. Sisters may not live up to expectations, but it is hard to deny that this is a party everyone wants to be at.