If you want to start out the new year with a few chuckles, Like a Boss could scratch that itch — but don’t expect side-splitting laughter or anything particularly groundbreaking.
Mia (Tiffany Haddish) and Mel (Rose Byrne) are lifelong besties who built their own cosmetics company together from the ground up. But when a corporate cosmetics empire run by cutthroat powerhouse Claire Luna (Salma Hayek) offers to buy into the brand, their relationship is put to the test as they navigate their different visions for the business.
Like a Boss is a relatively realistic portrayal of female friendship — minus the usual romantic chase plot. For once, the main storyline isn’t about a boy meeting a girl, but the importance of remaining loyal and communicative with your best friend, even after fame and fortune threaten to break the bond.
Although the message is something that I definitely appreciate, I didn’t get the belly-laugh-until-I-cry that I expected, a la Byrne’s breakout film, Bridesmaids. When it comes to chick flicks, I like my humor a little edgier — and, especially given the stellar cast, I think they were capable of more than this fairly safe endeavor.
Ultimately, Like a Boss isn’t likely to leave a lasting impression, nor is it very bold (beyond the welcome normalization of smoking marijuana) or all that different from other girls-night-out movies — but it’s still worth a watch for some lighthearted laugh therapy. Just steer clear of watching the trailer before you go, unless you want all the best parts spoiled.
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