Trailerblazing -- Florence Foster Jenkins

Florence Foster Jenkins -- May 6, 2016 -- directed by Stephen Frears -- starring Meryl Streep, Hugh Grant, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Helberg, Nina Arianda

I am not sure when it became official that Meryl Streep was capable of portraying anyone under the sun, but the legendary actor proves it yet again with this film. A story of a tone-deaf heiress pursuing a singing career seems like an amazing showcase for Streep, who has done numerous comedy-dramas in recent years. The genius trailer does not actually show a performance and capitalizes on the 'how bad can it be' mystery; an ironic question, considering that Streep has a fabulous voice. The rest of the cast is impressive as well. Hugh Grant appears to be playing a different kind of role from the bumbling everyman that he has perfected. For "The Big Bang Theory" fans, yes, that is Simon Helberg playing the piano. The actor gives one of the top three performances on the hit sitcom, so I am happy that he is getting an opportunity to branch out. Mission: Impossible -- Rogue Nation's wonderful Ferguson is pretty busy, what with this May release and The Girl on the Train coming out in October, while Nina Arianda is following up her moving turn in "Hannibal". Frears has a knack for telling unique slice-of-life stories like Dirty Pretty Things and Philomena, so I believe that he is right at home with this piece. I look forward to experiencing this unexpected symphony.