Mostly everyone has attended a wedding. Some small, some big, some just…weird. Anyway, although there are several films about weddings, this one exposes the often overlooked comedic gem of Bridesmaids BEFORE the wedding. Annie (Kristin Wiig, Whip It), a maid of honor to newly engaged best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph, Away We Go). She’s now got to manage the bridal party, consisting of four other women in Lillian’s life: Helen (Rose Byrne, Damages), the wannabe best friend; Becca (Ellie Kemper, The Office), the work friend; Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey, Reno 911), the cousin; and Megan (Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly), the groom’s sister.
Annie is single, has a crappy job, a terrible roommate and a junk car. As Annie starts planning some of the aspects of her best friend’s wedding, she realizes she’s over her head and just like in any average female group, there’s someone who thinks they can do it better. Everything she plans goes wrong (duh, it’s a comedy) and she tries to do her best to keep it all together.
Directed by Paul Feig (creator of Freaks & Geeks) and produced by Judd Apatow (Knocked Up) it’s just good fun. Annie Mumolo (The Groundlings) and Kristin Wiig wrote the script, so it’s really funny and totally relatable. It could have totally gone off the rails, but luckily, the characters are well grounded and the story is able to keep you rooting for each one. I really liked how the characters did not overshadow each other, but rather worked together. It felt more like an ensemble. Kristin Wiig was clearly the main character, and the only cardboard characters were men, which was quite refreshing actually. Anyone who’s a fan of Mad Men will love Jon Hamm as the sleazy jerk.
SPOILER One thing that bothered me was the derailed trip to Las Vegas. Such a tease. However, that could have been a movie of its own. END SPOILER
This could have been a femme-fest, and even though it’s about all the crazy stuff you have to do to be a maid of honor and be in a bridal party, I think men will be able to relate and enjoy as well. It’s not perfect, but I really liked Bridesmaids. I enjoyed Kristin Wiig in Extract and Whip It and have since been looking forward to her in a lead role. Once you throw in the supporting cast, it’s really just a good time. Often when you get too many great people together on a film, disaster ensues. (Yes, I’m talking to you, Couples Retreat.) This time around however, the people involved in this film are able to really entertain.
Rating: Oddly enough, a great date movie. 7/10
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