Director Stephen Frears has a knack for creating semi-biographical films starring eccentric female leads and their multi-dimensional male counterparts. His Florence Foster Jenkins, a whimsical portrayal of the early-20th-century American socialite, praises its titular character (Meryl Streep) for her devotion to the craft of opera, despite her one major drawback: She can’t carry a tune. Nor can she sing on-pitch, or keep a beat or hold a note. And yet, her bizarre, lavish lifestyle and devoted partner St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant) allow her to perform without that reality setting in. Jenkins’ ambition lends itself to bigger and better crowds, but Bayfield’s ability to shield her from critics is shrouded in deceit. In a cast of veteran faces, Simon Helberg (best known for his recurring role of nerdy Howard Wolowitz on The Big Bang Theory) has a breakout performance as the soft-spoken, unendingly loyal piano accompanist Cosmé McMoon. As Jenkins’ timid cohort, McMoon’s nervous hysterics and developing appreciation of his eccentric muse repeatedly steal scenes. (Now playing) (PG-13) Grade: B
