This week in New York City, Instinct Magazine attended the red carpet (in this case – pink carpet) premiere of the new comedy, Like a Boss. The film stars Selma Hayek, Tiffany Haddish, Jennifer Coolidge, Rose Byrne, and Billy Porter. It opened nationwide in theaters on January 10th, and so far from what I hear, critics and fans are loving it.
The essential element of an ensemble cast has to be chemistry between them, and this team exudes lots of it. In some aspects, the plot is one that we’ve seen before in some iteration or another, whereas an evil boss sets out to take over a company and faces opposition from the people who dare stand in his way. However, in this instance, that larger-than-life villain is a female named Claire, played vibrantly by Selma Hyak. Ultimately, she becomes the nemesis of Mia, Mel, and Barret, played by Haddish, Byrne, and Porter.
Whether intentional or not, Like A Boss feels a little familiar to the classic comedy Romy and Michelle’s Highschool Reunion. Haddish and Byrne play two childhood best friends, who form a cosmetics business that becomes successful – on the surface. However, a closer look at their financials reveals the company is not doing so well. It’s Claire to the rescue with a significant buyout offer, but is it the answer to their prayers …or a deal with the devil?
Along the way, there are lots of high-jinx from support players like hilarious Jennifer Coolidge, who always reminds me of Karen Black on Xanax, and of course, the incomparable Billy Porter bringing the slayage as only he can. Head-turning hunk Ryan Hansen adds some sexy man-candy to the movie and though he’s gorgeous, it’s his sense of humor that really seals the deal – both on-screen and off.
https://youtu.be/rFFNelZdvC0
Like A Boss looks fantastic, and it’s rich with diversity and inclusion –both cast crew. Getting to meet the stars on the pink carpet at the premiere gave us a preview of how wonderfully the group plays off of and compliments each other as a unified force.
I have attended many red carpet events; there was something special about this cast though. This cast in totality was not only engaging but for lack of a better term –lovable, like friends we’ve always known or new ones we would love to hang out with.
Stunning Selma Hayek was the last to arrive, and she was lovely and gracious to everyone, conducting interviews in both Spanish and English for American and Latin outlets. Before Hayek’s arrival, though, Haddish, Byrne, Porter, Coolidge, and other castmates held court and riled up the excitement.
All eyes were on Billy Porter, of course, as we had all be anticipating what his look would be. He did disappoint as he seemed to almost hover onto the carpet in an embroidered Komono style wrap and $2000 oversized white Gucci Fedora.
Haddish and Coolidge were like bright spots of joy as they playfully stopped to take all the paparazzi shots, laughing, joking with the press, and co-stars Jimmy O. Yang and Ryan Hansen gave me their best ‘Blue Steel’ look and told me their “worst boss” stories from before they were famous.
Two of the most memorable moments with brilliant takeaways were when I shared with Porter how so many people think he’s an overnight sensation. I asked him to share his rise to success, so people understand the work leading up to it. As for Haddish, her pearls of wisdom were Oprah-esque, sharing the very real dichotomy of her life from homelessness and illiteracy – to, today being one of the top rising stars in Hollywood and notably, listed as Executive Producer of Like A Boss. The term Rags to Riches is cliché in many aspects, but for Tiffany Haddish, it’s real, and just like her famous catchphrase would indicate, yes #sheready to take her place among the greats in Hollywood!
Like A Boss is in theaters now, nationwide. Check your local theaters for showtimes.
