Toronto film fest: Musical comedy 'Girl Group' slammed

Rebel Wilson's new film, 'Girl Group,' has been met with overwhelmingly negative reactions following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. Critics have described the pop comedy as a "shoddily made and embarrassingly unfunny catastrophe," a sentiment echoed by audience members who reportedly left the screening early.

The film, intended as an ode to 90s girl groups like the Spice Girls, features former members such as Mel C, Shaznay Lewis, Ashley Roberts, and Nicole Scherzinger. However, despite its star-studded cast and a soundtrack filled with Glee-style covers of popular hits, the movie has been criticized for its lack of genuine affection and compelling content.

Wilson, who takes on both writing and directing duties, has been accused of indulging her worst comedic impulses. Reviewers point to tiresomely one-note jokes, unearned sentimentality, and a reliance on past glories. The plot follows Tassie, an ex-member of the fictional group Gurlfriends, who discovers she has been replaced by a ruthless fan.

Visually, the film is also a point of contention, with its sterile, "plasticky" aesthetic and haphazard assembly contributing to its poor reception. The narrative attempts to address generational gaps and the sexualization of young women but is critiqued for a lack of depth. Ultimately, 'Girl Group' is seen as a misstep for Wilson, failing to capture the wit and emotional resonance of her more successful past projects.