Sisters DVD Review

Sisters DVD Review by Dan Bullock

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are two of a very unique kind on the comedy circuit: original, funny and effortless in their work. Sisters seems like a perfect platform for their talents and, happily, it’s rather excellent. Written by Paula Pell (a long-time writer on SNL) and directed by Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect), there’s a fine ensemble cast and crew who are moulded together to create something unpredictably refreshing.

Fey and Poehler play two sisters who, in character, are poles apart with Fey particularly taking on a very different role to the one we know in 30 Rock. She plays Kate Ellis, a single Mum who’s the outlandish sibling taking on life with little thought about consequence and lives place-to-place i.e. wherever someone will offer her a sofa. Poehler is Maura, more organised, tidy and you get the drift. There’s a little twist as well because while she’s the steady sister, she’s also secretly looking after Kate’s daughter Haley (Madison Davenport) and many revelations and altercations rear their heard later on.

The plot narrative that lingers along in the background is one of rediscovery as they take over their old family home for ‘one last party’ because their parents are selling up. It’s a journey of discovery through comedy, holds a lot of surprises along a really decent amount of genuine heart. It’s also got an essence of homage that’s maybe inspired by the likes of those great American dorm comedies but with adults in the lead roles, with all added debauchery, alcohol, drugs and laugh out loud moments. Basically, it’s all about hitting your late 30’s or 40’s and letting go of all the usual stress and strain – If you’re a fan of Judd Apatow’s work and particularly the underrated This Is 40, then this one will be right up your street,.

With a co-starring cast of the likes of Maya Rudolph, John Leguizamo, Dianne Wiest, and James Brolin, Sisters brings forth the clever cameos alongside familiar faces from Saturday Night Live and other American comedies. There’s even a great party role for John Cena, a mountain of a man, who hits some great, natural chemistry with Fey. If you’re looking for that classic, tongue-in-cheek, weekend entertainment for adults then you’re in the right place. Oh, you’ll also never look at a music box ballerina in the same way again…

Sisters is available on DVD now in the UK.