In “The Kitchen,” Tiffany Haddish shows her serious side (Merecedes’ Column Aug. 14)

by Merecedes J. Williams, For New Pittsburgh Courier

Girl power returns to the big screen as Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy, and Elisabeth Moss star as New York City mobster wives in “The Kitchen.”

When their husbands are sent to prison, the trio—Ruby O’Carroll (Haddish), Kathy Brennan (McCarthy), and Claire Walsh (Moss)—are forced to boss up and take over the family business to make ends meet. But, with power comes pressure, and the ladies must do some unthinkable things to survive.

“The Kitchen” is a great first real attempt to a female mobster movie. Capacious amounts of organized crime mixed with a safe dose of estrogen make this film a summer must-see. From the setting to the script, the movie was dark and dangerous just like I would imagine one of New York City’s most popular neighborhoods to be in the 1970s.

TIFFANY HADDISH stars alongside Kevin Hart in “Night School.” (AP PHOTO/FILE)

 

While there were some “wow, that’s crazy” moments, I was looking for a little bit more gruesome mob-like behavior. Especially since the movie was set in New York City in the ‘70s, I just knew there would be scenes filled with some raunchy, bloody action. I am little disappointed that there were not more shootouts and violence.

I feel like I got the watered-down version.

As for the ladies, they weren’t watered down, though. They were actually full of life, fierce, and determined. “The Kitchen” is definitely an upgrade and resume-builder for Haddish, McCarthy, and Moss. They were a sisterhood of destruction and joined forces to create an entertaining piece of work.

Haddish and McCarthy are known for their comedic roles, but both women were nothing to joke about. There were no obnoxious laughs, stiff nae naes, or a loud outburst of “she ready” from Haddish. She is a complete boss in “The Kitchen.” It was Haddish in her most unfiltered, serious role to date.

I appreciate the serious side of Haddish. I actually thought the funny roles were becoming redundant for her. “The Kitchen” presents a different Tiffany Haddish, and you will be happy with her performance. While I enjoyed her in “Girls Trip” and “Night School,” I equally relished her steps out of the funny girl box.

This summer flick empowers the boss lady in every woman. In this movie, and like many women around the world, it takes courage and guts to step out of the shadows of a man.

Shoutout to some Pittsburgh boss ladies that I had the pleasure of sharing a stage with recently: Kecia Lucas, Tenel Dorsey, Aliya Wray, and Charice Hundley.

 

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