Directed By: Paul Feig
Written By: Kristen Wiig & Annie Mumolo
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellen Kemper
Rated: R
MY RATING: B +
A hysterical new comedy from the female perspective that can rumble with the big boys!
Bridesmaids is about two childhood best friends, Annie (Kristen Wiig) and Lillian (Maya Rudolph) who have been through everything together. However, Annie is struggling with her love life and life in general while things seem to be running smoothly for Lillian. Just as Annie relies on the fact that she'll always have her best friend, Lillian breaks the news that her boyfriend has proposed and they're now going to be planning her wedding. Naturally Annie is asked to be the Maid of Honor and she's then introduced to an interesting bunch of ladies who will serve as the bridesmaids. One in particular - the beautiful, well-off Helen (Rose Byrne), is trying to steal the spotlight and make Annie's life miserable. Though way out of her league, Annie is determined to show Lillian just how much her friendship and wedding mean to her.
Let me say I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard during a movie. At one point I was in tears thanks to the talented Melissa McCarthy who did a splendid job as the rough around the edges, brash, soon-to-be sister-in-law, Megan. I know this was supposed to be Kristen Wiig's film, serving as writer, co-producer and main character but I'm sorry Melissa McCarthy stole the show. Every time she was on screen she dominated but that is also a credit to the script. She could not have accomplished the humor without the lines on the page. For the most part I thought the script was pretty darn good. Loved the dialogue! What grabbed me the most was the realism. When you wished a character would say something in a scene, they actually did. That was gratifying. They also tackled vulgar humor in a tasteful way. Of course there were things added in for comic value that I felt could've been eliminated and the story got off to a slow start. This is one of those films where you know the premise ahead of time so you're ready to just get to it and it takes a tick to get there. I also wasn't quite in love with the pacing. Scenes of absolute hilarity are followed by more serious, heartfelt moments and it didn't always make for a smooth ride. The jokes outweigh anything else though and if laughter is what you're looking for then this is the film to see. All in all I was pleased and it lived up to the hype.
So I say this one is definitely worth seeing for some good laughs!
