Some things will always seem odd to me, despite the fact that we are exposed to so much American culture here in the UK. The idea of Hooters, for example, a restaurant/bar chain with a very specific USP. I see the obvious appeal, but it just never feels like a winning mix. But what do I know? It’s even stranger when you think of those business models also being open to as wide a variety of customers as possible. A family dinner out at Hooters? Each to their own, I just cannot imagine that ever being a choice I would make.
This is all a precursor to my discussion of Support The Girls, a film based on people working in a premises that isn’t a Hooters, but is very similar to them. Regina Hall plays Lisa, a manager dealing with a variety of problems on a very busy day. Not only are there practical issues needing resolved, Lisa also tries her best to help the staff working for her. And she is struggling to keep her marriage together. It doesn’t help that her boss (Cubby, played by James Le Gros) has no consideration for the people he employs.
Marketed as a comedy drama, there’s really not much to laugh at here in Support The Girls. I am not saying that as a criticism, it’s a great little film with a superb lead role for Hall, but I don’t want people to be disappointed by the preconceptions of a film that doesn’t play out as expected.
Written and directed by Andrew Bujalski, who has an enjoyable little filmography I recommend checking out, Support The Girls is essentially about that human touch that makes the world of difference in every job role, whether in terms of customer service or the morale of the team. We are too often expected to do too much for too little, and the individuals who help us, either practically or with a generally supportive and positive attitude, are the ones who help us get through the day. This is especially true for anyone working for a large business that has a boss prizing numbers ahead of everything else.
I’ve been a fan of Hall for many years now and I cannot stress enough what a great role this is for her. She fits it so well too, with her mix of optimism, strength, and good work ethics, and this is easily one of her best performances. Haley Lu Richardson and Shayna McHayle are both very good as two employees/work colleagues, Le Gros convinces as the kind of boss who won’t be swayed by talk of his workforce being actual humans with actual lives, and Lea DeLaria stands out as a customer, Bobo, who appreciates the female servers without disrespecting or demeaning them (unlike some of the unruly male patrons who frequent the establishment).
Essentially just another “full, stressful, day at work” movie, this is smartly crafted by Bujalski to maximise various points about how workers are treated, by employers and customers. Every cast member is right for their role, no weak links here, and the ending is suitably bittersweet. I recommend this as a film that deserves your support.
8/10
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