The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat (what a mouthful) is mostly formulaic and clunky. Everything tragic that can happen will happen, and they don’t unfold organically, so the film feels like a smushed version of every tearjerker drama produced in movie history. There’s also a surprising amount of death, which the film sadly doesn’t leave enough room to parse through. There is grief, sure, and sorrow, but there are also a whole lot of other things going on that distract from the lessons of those events. But to its credit, The Supremes is headlined by three strong actresses that make the film almost worth watching. The best parts of the movie are when they confront each other. These women are dynamic, passionate, and bursting with so much life, it’s a shame that the film would rather stick to conventions than follow the natural flow of their conversations, outbursts, and celebrations. I know it’s based on a novel of the same name, but it would’ve done well to narrow down the plotlines and tell them in a fresher and more dynamic way—you know, adapt it to film as opposed to just transplanting everything.
"It’s easy to get caught up in the lives and loves of the Supremes, and the warm-hearted spirit of the entire endeavor is contagious. We just wish there was a bit more time to savor it all."
— Kate Erbland
"There’s a lot to enjoy in this adaptation, which Mabry co-wrote with Cee Marcellus (the pseudonym for “The Woman King” director Gina Prince-Bythewood). Still, that doesn’t mean fans of the book won’t be dispirited by some of the film’s choices."
— Lisa Kennedy
Three lifelong best friends known as “The Supremes” share the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood from decades of weathering life’s storms. Through the joys and sorrows of life, marriage and children, happiness and blues, love and loss, new shades of heartbreak and illness threaten to stir up the past when the trio sees their bond put to the test as they face their most challenging times yet.
In the ‘60s, three girls forge a friendship that helps them survive a tough teenhood. Years later, a tragic event forces them to look back, reevaluate their relationship, and plan for a once-thwarted future.
The chemistry between the ladies is enviable.
These women are easy to watch and love—too bad the script isn’t strong enough to match them.
