Movie Quickie: Bridesmaids (2011)

Many people have been calling this The Hangover for women. On one level I understand the comparison, but really, it is only accurate so much as there is vulgar humor and a group of characters that consistently make audiences laugh. The only way you can really equate them is that they are both unexpectedly successful. No one knew what we had with The Hangover and the same can be said about Bridesmaids, at least from my perspective.


I found Bridesmaids to be funny, well paced, and generally very entertaining. It was certainly better than I had expected it to be. It is a successful blending of the chick flick and the raunchy comedy. It works on both levels and that should be strong enough to attract audiences across a few demographics.

The story goes that Lillian (Maya Rudolph) is getting married and has chosen her childhood best friend, Annie (Kristen Wiig), to be her maid of honor. It looks to be a great match until Annie meets Helen (Rose Byrne) and things all start going south. You see, Helen is, follow me here, Lillian's fiance's boss's trophy wife. She has inserted herself into Lillian's life as a surrogate best friend in the absence of Annie. This does not go well as Annie feels like she is being replaced and fights for her best friend rights.

Directed by sitcom vet Paul Feig (Arrested Development, The Office, Nurse Jackie) and written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, Bridesmaids is raunch with heart (should also be noted that Judd Apatow was involved as a producer, I am sure his guiding hand was involved in this regard). While they explore realms of dirty language and disgusting situations there is also an exploration of friendship and a desire to be relevant.

The cast is quite good with Kristen Wiig really elevating herself as one of film's preeminent funny ladies. There is also Melissa McCarthy as Megan, another one of the bridesmaids, she is hilarious and pretty much steals all the scenes she is in. Really though, the cast is strong and work well together creating plenty of funny situations that remember to drag along some heart.

Recommended.