It's a rare film that showcases the hardships of everyday Americans. Hollywood seems to be too busy nowadays with Superhero films, Sci-fi, Historical dramas etc. and seems to have forgotten about the dreams and hardships of average Americans. This film tries to showcase that, and it succeeded without being overly dramatic. Regina Hall delivered an excellent performance in this film.
64 Reviews
Well, I liked it
matdog32130 August 2018
Support The Girls was an odd one. It started off promising as an offbeat comedy drama, then steered completely into drama territory. Regina Hall as an always-positive-strict-and-firm-manager was charming to watch as she desperately tried to weave through multiple problems at once during the early morning, stealing almost every scene she's in, and the supporting characters (mostly the girls employed by Regina's character) carry the film well too, especially during scenes of Regina intereacting with these girls almost like a surrogate. For the most part it was interesting to see the work relations of these characters, becoming more evident as the movie went on that the supposed "sisterhood" of these employees that is mentioned early in the film isn't just work motivation but what feels like an actual family. If you like independent dramas then check this out, but if you are expecting an easy string along plot with a feel good vibe avoid this one. I'm not sure what the complete message of it was, but admittedly in the end I was left wanting more. That's not to discredit the touching ending of how a manager and her employees share a thick as blood bond even after the chaos that ensues, which is what pushed me to write this review because I thought at least that deserved some praise, but the climax leading up to the final scenes just felt very rushed and hard to process exactly what it was all for. Some might say this was a boring film but it worked for me, it kept me interested to see how it would all unfold, eagerly waiting for an either positive or negative outcome for each little problem our protagonist dealt with, if you stumbled across this movie and were intrigued enough to look at the reviews, just see it for yourself. It's by no means terrible.
Uninspired and Flat
AlGranthamMusic6 December 2018
Not sure what to make of this film. It's branded as a comedy, but it's not funny. As a drama, it lacks a compelling plot and character development. The lead performance by Regina Hall - as others have mentioned - is fantastic. I wish she was in a better film.
Reminiscent of The Florida Project, Waiting and Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, but not nearly as self-assured or accomplished as any of those films.
Reminiscent of The Florida Project, Waiting and Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, but not nearly as self-assured or accomplished as any of those films.
True to life movie about the service industry
lisparizzi31 August 2018
I really enjoyed this and was very surprised when I saw the negative reviews here. I worked in the service industry when I was younger and so the movie felt very real - it is hard to explain how close you get to others in the team in that sort of workplace, and this movie did an amazing job at presenting it. The acting was wonderful, and each character brought something interesting to the table. However, the pacing is slow, so will probably not please everybody. Recommend to anyone who's ever worked in the service industry before and is looking for a solid drama movie.
Another solid step for Richardson
TheBigSick1 September 2018
From The Edge of Seventeen, Split, to Columbus and this Support the Girls, Haley Lu Richardson is consistently shining in critically acclaimed features and constantly making progress in acting as a young rising star. In this movie, her role is totally different from her previous ones and she is simply unrecognizable. The performances of Regina Hall are also memorable. This is a hilarious comedy for female audiences.
Window into the Service Industry
ThomasDrufke26 January 2019
If not for anything else, I love movies that give the audience a 'slice of life' glimpse into a certain person's lifestyle. Support the Girls does that in the way of showing what it takes (physically and emotionally) to manage a business/restaurant. It's pretty much all told in one restaurant (Hooters type) as Lisa (Regina Hall) sees her viewpoint change during one fateful day 'in the office'. If it weren't an independent film, with more advertising behind it, I would think that maybe Hall could have gotten some Oscars love for her performance. She's absolutely delightful to watch, as is Haley Lu Richardson, who is quickly jumping up the charts of young stars to watch for. It doesn't have a huge plot or any twists and turns, but it was a consistently enjoyable 90 minutes of a life that I was not previously accustomed to.
7.5/10
7.5/10
And you thought you were having a bad day?
Ed-Shullivan9 February 2023
I really enjoyed this "day in the life" film portrayal about a bunch of young girls dressed in their skimpy halter tops and hot pant shorts working at an independent sports bar named "Double Whammies" but not for the sexy movie cover of the bar maids as you may think.
I thought Regina Hall's portrayal of the mother hen Sports Bar Manager Lisa was so realistic that I wanted to grab a burger and a beer just to support Regina's girls myself. Three other significant contributions were made by actresses Haley Lu Richardson the effervescent EverReady bunny waitress Maci, young mom Danyelle played by Shayna McHayle, and the recently fired waitress Krista played by AJ Michael's who had a foot long image of basketball legend Steph Curry permanently tattooed on her side ribs with an explanation being "I work in a sports bar".
Adding to the mix of realistic characters was James Le Gros who plays Cubby the bar owner who continually threatens to fire his bar manager Lisa.
No spoilers here but suffice to say the three ladies express their true feelings in the closing scene which reminds me of the hit country song "Take this job and shove it!"
Great film in the day in a life of a sports bar and the patrons who visit on this particular day.
I give the film a more than pleasurable 7 out of 10 rating.
I thought Regina Hall's portrayal of the mother hen Sports Bar Manager Lisa was so realistic that I wanted to grab a burger and a beer just to support Regina's girls myself. Three other significant contributions were made by actresses Haley Lu Richardson the effervescent EverReady bunny waitress Maci, young mom Danyelle played by Shayna McHayle, and the recently fired waitress Krista played by AJ Michael's who had a foot long image of basketball legend Steph Curry permanently tattooed on her side ribs with an explanation being "I work in a sports bar".
Adding to the mix of realistic characters was James Le Gros who plays Cubby the bar owner who continually threatens to fire his bar manager Lisa.
No spoilers here but suffice to say the three ladies express their true feelings in the closing scene which reminds me of the hit country song "Take this job and shove it!"
Great film in the day in a life of a sports bar and the patrons who visit on this particular day.
I give the film a more than pleasurable 7 out of 10 rating.
Good actors boring story
twonebody11 February 2022
Regina Hall was engaging but I couldn't get into this lackluster story. The brightest spot in the movie was the performance of Haley Lu Richardson. In this comedy drama Haley provide most of the comedy that was much needed for this dreary movie.
Loved this movie, it made me believe there is greatness in people.
amnikotian1 September 2018
I am a guy, though I can get emotional at times too, but this movie brought out the love in me. It is just beautifully made, my only regret is it did not go on and on. Heartfelt cheers to the cast. And pls pls a request to the producers of this movie pls make many more such movies of lives people live that others take for granted and ignore, every human whatever their profession have a heart and the heart feels and protects the one's beside them, this movie brings those lives into screen.
Sweet tattoo!
donaldricco17 March 2019
Basically, this film shows us a day in the life of a woman who manages a "Hooters" type sports bar named Double Whammies. It's definitely not one of Lisa's better days! Though slow at points, I liked the movie and it's realistic feel. Regina Hall is great, and Haley Lu Richardson and Shayna McHayle are pretty darn good too! (I think I'm in love with Haley!) I also loved Lea DeLaria as Bobo, a very protective, nosy regular! The end of the movie should have been in a different place, but it's a good watch and worth the view!
p.s. - Sweet Steph Curry tattoo!
p.s. - Sweet Steph Curry tattoo!
Just not feeling it ... at all
Aktham_Tashtush2 December 2018
I mean,, the plot seems purposeful an all, but the movie itself was just slow and the script is a kinda disconnected and all over the place,
The cast was okay,, i like Regina Hall she always engage well with the scenes and her facial expressions are just good... but the other girls and guys were all mediocre at best.
Not strongly recommended
The cast was okay,, i like Regina Hall she always engage well with the scenes and her facial expressions are just good... but the other girls and guys were all mediocre at best.
Not strongly recommended
A Workplace Comedy with Heart
jacobwthompson3 September 2018
A Workplace Comedy with Heart
Support the Girls starts as an honest take on the service industry and ends up something a little more. Throughout the film Regina Hall as Lisa continually delivers in a believable performance as the manager of this "breastaurant." Haley Lu Richardson as Maci shares the spotlight well and provides great comic energy to bounce off Hall. Additionally, Lea DeLaria shines in the roll of Bobo, a tough-as-nails favorite patron of the bar. Throughout the course of a single day, Lisa deals with a myriad of problems from patrons, employees, and management. It serves as a great biopic of both a single character and an examination of the industry as a whole. Deeper themes relating to race, sexism, and abuse are intelligently commented on, but the film remains the story of a hard-working woman just trying to make it. A very relatable film with an optimistic outlook and lots of heart.
Support the Girls starts as an honest take on the service industry and ends up something a little more. Throughout the film Regina Hall as Lisa continually delivers in a believable performance as the manager of this "breastaurant." Haley Lu Richardson as Maci shares the spotlight well and provides great comic energy to bounce off Hall. Additionally, Lea DeLaria shines in the roll of Bobo, a tough-as-nails favorite patron of the bar. Throughout the course of a single day, Lisa deals with a myriad of problems from patrons, employees, and management. It serves as a great biopic of both a single character and an examination of the industry as a whole. Deeper themes relating to race, sexism, and abuse are intelligently commented on, but the film remains the story of a hard-working woman just trying to make it. A very relatable film with an optimistic outlook and lots of heart.
Not bad and Haley Lu is the most beautiful girl ever
trenmast2 September 2018
Very real portrayal of how chaotic a day can be on the food industry. A few heart warming moments and seeing Haley Lu is worth your time watching this. This girl oozes sexiness thru every pore. It's a good watch overall, just don't expect anything more than the daily life of a boob bar and its employees.
No emotions
mureampikebabliha31 August 2018
Well, what can i say...
This film did not wake up any emotions. I did not smile even once during the whole movie and this was supposed to be a comedy. There was no excitement in the movie and I looked at the movie when my face was completely neutral.
Acting was at good level, but the characters could not be cared at all
When movie ended i was just like "That's it?"
That's why 3/10
Acting was at good level, but the characters could not be cared at all
When movie ended i was just like "That's it?"
That's why 3/10
Fantastic film with a lot of nuance
Red_Identity11 November 2018
downbeat slice-of-life drama doesn't have much point to it.
cherold9 September 2020
This movie starts pretty well as a mildly comedic indie movie about Hooters-style restaurant manager Regina Hall (excellent) dealing with her job and her messy personal life. But in spite of bright spots, like Haley Lu Richardson as a sweet, somewhat dim waitress seemingly born for the job, the movie becomes increasingly dour.
The closest thing to a message this movie has is, "good managers are rare and necessary," but really, it just goes on and on without getting anywhere.
The closest thing to a message this movie has is, "good managers are rare and necessary," but really, it just goes on and on without getting anywhere.
Better than I expected.
apjc28 August 2018
It's one of those offbeat films you can just watch and enjoy without anything special to recommend it. A day in the life of a sports bar manager, under stress and personal problems, with some laughs along the way. Only real message it gives is man or I should say women management is the true measure of how good a manager and business is.
Low-key but enjoyable.
Pjtaylor-96-13804410 January 2020
'Support The Girls (2018)' is, essentially, a slice of life drama surrounding the underappreciated manager of a "sports bar with curves". It's a rather nuanced affair with moments of both humour and heart subtly slipped into its otherwise straightforward proceedings. The performances are understated but great, giving each character a palpably 'real' feel. The story as a whole achieves this, too, as it feels markedly grounded throughout. Its drama never feels heightened or 'Hollywood' and the experience is all the better for it. When it comes down to it, though, the piece just isn't all that memorable. It's entertaining enough in the moment but it doesn't really have a lasting impact. It also isn't massively compelling, despite being engaging and enjoyable on the whole. It's a solid piece of work, with a good theme and a distinct setting. Its message is low-key but commendable, always there even if it isn't directly stated. Like, I said, it's entertaining enough. 6/10
Another Feminist Movie That Focuses More On The Message Than The Actual Film
dommercaldi18 January 2021
Pros:
1. Regina Hall (Lisa) gives as good as a performance as the script allows.
2. Regina Hall, Haley Lu Richardson (Maci) and Shayna McHayle (Danyelle) all have really good chemistry together.
Cons: 1. Every male character is presented as either sleazy, obtuse, or pathetic. 2. The pacing is horrendous as a lot of the scenes could have easily been cut out. The run-time should have been no longer than 45 minutes. 3. Most of the performances are incredibly stale and uninspiring. 4. The plot is all over the place, with plot points being raised with little coherency only to be dropped abruptly and never raised again. 5. Most of the characters are one-dimensional and are given nothing to do. 6. The framing of the shots is distracting bad in their aesthetic, in addition to making no sense as to why they're framed the way they're framed. 7. The comedy falls unbelievably flat, and is even hard to distinguish at certain times from the serious moments.
Cons: 1. Every male character is presented as either sleazy, obtuse, or pathetic. 2. The pacing is horrendous as a lot of the scenes could have easily been cut out. The run-time should have been no longer than 45 minutes. 3. Most of the performances are incredibly stale and uninspiring. 4. The plot is all over the place, with plot points being raised with little coherency only to be dropped abruptly and never raised again. 5. Most of the characters are one-dimensional and are given nothing to do. 6. The framing of the shots is distracting bad in their aesthetic, in addition to making no sense as to why they're framed the way they're framed. 7. The comedy falls unbelievably flat, and is even hard to distinguish at certain times from the serious moments.
Edgy but tender movie, not exactly a comedy
dmonroe-190319 January 2019
Small premise, huge impact. It's an indie film, OK? Don't expect blockbuster. The characters are winning, the acting great. It felt so working-class real. The lead is luminous in every scene in a way that's not obvious until there's a scene without her, and you find yourself just missing her face. The ending is pure genius.
Good Enough to Make Me Wish It Was Better
evanston_dad14 March 2019
"Support the Girls" is just good enough to make me wish it was better.
Regina Hall shines as the manager of a Hooters-type sports bar. Condescended to by the bar's owner for being a black woman while serving as den mother to the young ladies (some more on the ball than others) who make up the waitress staff, she creates a portrait of a woman who's kept acutely aware of the ways (some major, some minor) in which women and minorities have to deal with a constant flow of disrespect and dismissal.
The film goes off the rails a bit toward the end, when frustrations come to a head and the film lurches awkwardly into female empowerment territory. I didn't have a problem with the message but rather with the clunky execution. It's one of those movies that feels like a man's best guess at what female empowerment feels like rather than the real thing.
Grade: B
Regina Hall shines as the manager of a Hooters-type sports bar. Condescended to by the bar's owner for being a black woman while serving as den mother to the young ladies (some more on the ball than others) who make up the waitress staff, she creates a portrait of a woman who's kept acutely aware of the ways (some major, some minor) in which women and minorities have to deal with a constant flow of disrespect and dismissal.
The film goes off the rails a bit toward the end, when frustrations come to a head and the film lurches awkwardly into female empowerment territory. I didn't have a problem with the message but rather with the clunky execution. It's one of those movies that feels like a man's best guess at what female empowerment feels like rather than the real thing.
Grade: B
Lackluster film, at best
skfan5013 September 2018
Coming off of seeing Regina Hall in Girls Trip, I thought this had potential to be a decent flick. Unfortunately, it comes across as a poor-mans "Waiting..." without any of the comedy.
This film is one of the rare instances in which a comedy doesn't even bring out a smile. It never reaches a pinnacle and the story has many holes. All in all, disappointed with this flick as a whole.
This film is one of the rare instances in which a comedy doesn't even bring out a smile. It never reaches a pinnacle and the story has many holes. All in all, disappointed with this flick as a whole.
Great film.
guilherm-140301 September 2018
leave a tip
kevin c24 November 2019
Bittersweet sisterhood tale. A comedy drama, well-acted and with it's heart in the right place. I just felt it lacked many comic moments, and or any real narrative.
Regina Hall is fantastic, and the heart and soul throughout. With what is a compassionate portrait of womanhood that inspires hope without denying reality.
Regina Hall is fantastic, and the heart and soul throughout. With what is a compassionate portrait of womanhood that inspires hope without denying reality.
Rule 1. No Drama
nogodnomasters23 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The film is billed as a comedy but turned out to be all drama. The only irony was rule one was "No Drama." Lisa (Regina Hall) is the manager of a Texas restaurant called "Double Whammies" because all the good large breast synonyms are taken. She has issues with the boss and some of the girls. Oh...and the cable is out!
I kept waiting for the plot to pick up and have some sort of twist or meaning. It did not. The script didn't give the actors a chance.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
I kept waiting for the plot to pick up and have some sort of twist or meaning. It did not. The script didn't give the actors a chance.
Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
