Sisters

Universal Pictures

It's been a long time since "Baby Mama" was released in 2008, and even longer since "Mean Girls" in 2004, which means it's time for yet another Fey/Poehler film. Directed by "Pitch Perfect" director Jason Moore, and written by SNL alum Paula Pell, this film is the perfect balance between self-aware and overly crass. Poehler and Fey give amazing comedic performances as sisters Maura and Kate, who find out their parents are selling their childhood home. Middle aged and nostalgic for the late eighties, early nineties, they hold a house party and calamity ensues.

 Fey works well outside of her comfort zone as a formerly popular, wayward nincompoop who gets bailed out by everyone from her parents to her sister. She can't put her feet on the ground, she gets fired for being a hot head, and she makes thoughtless decisions. Her sister, Maura (Poehler) is a boring, middle of the road nurse who is recently divorced and doesn't enjoy life in the slightest. Both come home to Florida and find that they need to move on from the self-imposed obstacles they have put in place. The story is a mix of timeless party humor, middle aged shenanigans, and the always crude yet intelligent humor of Fey and Poehler.

 Though the plot is not new, the humor is fresh. Female based comedies with male directors have become a new trend, with the films "Bridesmaids," "Pitch Perfect," and the new "Ghostbusters." Though I think all of us would prefer a female director telling female stories, since there's such a disparity in the industry, the material was handled well by Moore. The stuff that works often has to do with the characters coming to grips with their age, situation, and their lack of growth. The party scene is a return to youth by the adults, but it's also a way for them to understand their stupidity back then. The supporting performances come from SNL alums Rudolph and Dratch, as well as Samantha Bee and parents Dianne Weist and James Brolin. The laughs are big, the material is crass, and everything else is inappropriate, but the characters feel more than real.  In short, if you love any of these ladies’ TV shows, films, etc. you will love this comedic triumph. Fey and Poehler are comedy giants and though this isn’t a huge film for them it’s a rousing good time.