Florence Foster Jenkins

If there is one thing the British love wallowing in, it is absurd stories. And a story like that is told in this movie about the divine Florence is exactly like that and I must admit that it’s a pleasure to watch. They are really enjoying the absurdity in this one and they get the most of it, which is good. At times, I did ask myself whether Meryl Streep didn’t ruin her voice because of this character because they way she sang was really terrible. Which I think was the purpose and by appreaciating it like this, I actually appreciate the film itself. (13.02.2017)

A lavish story of faith in art, love of music, and goodness of the heart. The actors are pleasant, and it’s humanly strong. It’s very much like that chapter about the opera singer in Citizen Kane. The life story of Florence Foster Jenkins is in many ways instructive even today. (31.10.2019)

The film is edited according to a tired biopic template, so the plot won't surprise even those who knew nothing about Florence Foster Jenkins, but at least it's a pleasantly lightweight spectacle with excellent performances by Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant, with whom a grinning Simon Helberg tries (and mostly succeeds) to keep up. Fortunately, it's neither a rip-roaring mock comedy nor a deeply serious drama with a tragic heroine to pity; it's something in between. And that is good. (15.09.2016)

"People may say I can't sing, but no one can ever say I didn't sing." Florence Foster Jenkins is a film that particularly benefits from the amazing cast and the subject matter itself. Meryl Streep is a great actress and only confirms her qualities as "the most fabulous singer of all time" – the comparison with the musical Mamma Mia! is obvious when it comes to Meryl's singing. Hugh Grant pleasantly surprised me with his performance and proved that he can play a more serious note alongside the womanizing Daniel from Bridget Jones's Diary. Alongside this, I must also mention Simon Helberg, who added to the humour with his dumbed-down grin (in a good way, of course). This brings me to the fact that both the comedic and dramatic aspects of the film worked great. When Florence started singing during her regular rehearsals or in front of an audience, it instantly put a smile on my face, helped by the other actors. In contrast, there is a dramatic line that balances out that lightness – whether it's Florence's illness or her boundless desire to sing or her alternative relationship with her husband. I have to confess that before this film I had no idea Florence Foster Jenkins existed, which is perhaps a bit of a shame. In short, a well-made biopic about an extraordinary woman who made history precisely by standing out from the crowd with her extravagance and unmistakable singing – even if it was awful. (10.09.2016)

Florence Foster Jenkins is a film that I find difficult to review. As long as it stays within the scope of comedy, it works quite well. As soon as it veers into drama, it’s no longer convincing, and the melodramatic scenes are the final nail in its coffin. I liked the performances, especially Simon Helberg, but the singing was grating on my nerves (that is, what was left of them). I'm not banging my head against the wall in disappointment, but I'm not thrilled either, it was average. (09.01.2017)

I'm probably influenced in this case by having seen the play first at the theater, where it seemed absolutely fantastic to me. Definitely one of the best plays of the South Bohemian Theater. Meryl Streep is captivating once again, Hugh Grant is aging but still good, Simon has shed his TV role and they do well, but the film is just ordinary. (03.10.2016)