Support the Girls: SXSW Movie Review

“Support the Girls” marks "SXSW-veteran”, Andrew Bujalski’s return to the fest after 2015’s “Results”. The film stars Regina Hall as Lisa, the general manager of Double Whammies, a highway-side sports bar, where she nurtures and protects her girls (Haley Lu Richardson, Dylan Gelula, Shayna McHayle, AJ Michalka). But over the course of one day, her optimism is questioned as she balances the girls, eccentric customers, and keeping the restaurant running. 

While any other writer/director would use this premise as an excuse for cheap and raunchy gags, Bujalski crafts a really restrained and heartfelt comedy that remains one of the most memorable films of the festival. The idea of juxtaposing a sleazy, Hooters-esque restaurant with these well-developed and interesting characters feels like a fresh change of pace. The stand-outs are Regina Hall, who is able to express her assertive and tough position as a manager while also remaining an empathetic and honest “den mother” to these girls. But the film’s funniest moments come from Haley Lu Richardson as the loveably ditzy Maci, who manages to be both uplifting and sincere in her scene-stealing moments.
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This is the kind of film America needs right now. It’s well-intended, wholesome and genuine fun to watch. Rather than impose some sort of feminist message, Bujalski and co. lets the empowerment come organically through the more subtle moments. 

Check out "Support the Girls", coming soon to theaters and on demand from Magnolia Pictures.

Jordan Figueredo

Cigar City Magazine Staff Writer and Movie Critic
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