The Banger Sisters

The Banger Sisters
by Bob Dolman

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DVD Cover Information

• Condition: New
• Format: DVD
• Closed-captioned; Color; Dolby; DVD; Widescreen; NTSC

Movie Reviews of The Banger Sisters

Movie Review: "Bang" Up Performances by Hawn and Sarandon
Summary: 5 Stars

Suzette (Goldie Hawn) is a bartender, as well as a fixture since the 60s, at the famous Whiskey A-Go-Go on the Sunset Strip, where she once had a memorable encounter with the Lizard King, himself, Jim Morrison. But as the song says, time goes by, and when-- due to circumstances within her control-- Suzette loses her job, she finds herself, in the immortal words of Ulysses Everett McGill, In a tight spot. No savings, no prospects, no job; whats an aging groupie to do?

Look up an old friend, thats what. An old friend she hasnt seen for some twenty years, but with whom Suzette shared the best times of her life, when they cut a swath across the rock scene in L.A., rattling every rock star that came to town, as well as a good number of "roadies. But Vinnie (Susan Sarandon) now lives in Phoenix, Arizona, is married, has a couple of kids and is apparently living the American Dream, having been absorbed, mind and body, into the mores and morals of the textbook dictates of proper society. The truth of the matter, however, is that Vinnie (make that Lavinia now) is living a lie; shes so caught up with trying to be a Donna Stone/Carol Brady that shes forgotten who she really is. All of which is about to change with the arrival of her old friend, who like Marley with his chains, sweeps in unannounced bearing enlightenment.

And enlightening it is for the audience, as well; but more than that, Dolman has crafted and delivered an enterprising, thoroughly infectious, engaging and entertaining film that sweeps you along with it, while making you laugh and think about some things at the same time. Its one that will be most appreciated, though, by those mature enough to be able to identify with Suzette and Vinnie; those with some experience under their belts. There are elements here that will appeal to everyone, but decidedly, the real message of the film will be lost on a youthful audience, in general. Dolman does provide another, and very succinct perspective, however, through Vinnies teenage daughters, Hannah (Erika Christensen) and Ginger (Eva Amurri), whom he places in situations to which everyone in the audience, young and old alike, will be able to relate. So in the end, Dolman has something to say, he says it well, and pretty much covers all the bases in doing so. He sets a good pace, and through his vibrant characters he displays some real insights into human nature. All of which makes his film ring with a zeal for life and for living, and for a greater understanding of the human condition.

With her portrayal of Vinnie in this film, Susan Sarandon once again demonstrates that she can more than hold her own with the best actors in the business. Theres a defining moment in this film, when Vinnie realizes what shes been doing in her life-- not that its bad, or anything she regrets, but that shes been dishonest with her family, and especially with herself, about who she really is-- and you can see it in her eyes when it happens; the awareness, the sudden understanding and the instant acquiescence even before she reacts to it outwardly, and its brilliant. Its one of those rare cinematic moments that are absolutely real and transporting, albeit in their brevity (or maybe even because of it). And it takes a truly gifted actor to create and capture such a moment, which says everything that needs to be said about Sarandons performance here.

Goldie Hawn, meanwhile, is a total delight as Suzette. Entirely convincing, she manages to create a character who is both elegant and trashy at the same time, and to whom she lends a quirky charm and earthiness, wherein lies Suzettes real appeal. Hawn and Sarandon play well off of one another, too, which makes a significant impact on the contrast between the up-tight and edgy person Vinnie has become and the grounded, free spirit Suzette will forever be. Hawn ferrets out the complexities of her character and effectively intersperses moments of restraint amid Suzettes generally exuberant effusiveness, which makes for a complete package. Interestingly enough, Suzette is effectively a look twenty years later at Penny Lane, the character Hawns real life daughter, Kate Hudson, played in Almost Famous. Its as if Hawn and Hudson have struck a vein of gold; Hudson was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Penny, and with Suzette, Goldie Hawn gives one of her best, most mature and memorable performances ever.

Geoffrey Rush also gives a performance of note, as Harry, a twenty year aspiring Hollywood screen writer who has finally thrown in the towel and is heading home to Phoenix to settle some scores and exorcise some personal demons.

Christensen, and especially Amurri (Sarandons real life daughter) give convincing performances, as well, as does Robin Thomas as Raymond, Lavinias husband. Entertaining and insightful, more than anything else, The Banger Sisters points up the importance knowing thyself, understanding who we are as individuals, and living accordingly; a philosophy one would be wise to embrace. And thats the magic of the movies.

Summary of The Banger Sisters