Film: Bridesmaids
Cast includes: Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live), Maya Rudolph (Saturday Night Live), Jill Clayburgh (Love & Other Drugs), Melissa McCarthy (Samantha Who?), Chris O’Dowd (Pirate Radio), Rose Byrne (Get Him to the Greek), Jon Hamm (Mad Men)
Director: Paul Feig (Freaks and Geeks)
Writers: Kristen Wiig (Saturday Night Live), Annie Mumolo (In the Motherhood)
Producer: Judd Apatow (Knocked Up)
Genre: Comedy (2011)
Annie needs to put on a “love-is-eternal face” if she ever expects to sell engagement rings as a sales clerk at that ho-hum jewelry store. But Annie’s rather down on love these days. At least she can commiserate with her best friend, Lillian. But when Lillian announces her engagement to Doug, it’s just another reminder that Annie’s over 30 and solo. But of course, Annie’s going to be Lillian’s maid of honor, and the two of them will plan everything together. What fun!
At the engagement party Annie meets the other bridesmaids… among them, Doug’s sister… larger than life, socially incorrect Megan. And then there’s Helen, the wife of Doug’s boss. Helen makes her entrance wearing an over-the-top gorgeous evening dress… oh please… it’s an afternoon party! Annie’s negative reaction to Helen is instantaneous. But when Helen tries to upstage Annie, it’s just too much. Lillian assures Annie that she’ll love Helen, once she gets to know her. Needless to say, Annie does not come to love Helen. And Helen’s “perfection” only makes Annie feel worse about her train wreck of a life. In the beginning of the movie, Annie’s mom suggests that Annie has “hit bottom” and there’s nowhere to go but up. Wow… she couldn’t be more wrong!
Do not make the mistake of seeing Bridesmaids, expecting a charming, sweet chick flick. It has a rude, crude and totally irreverent comic bite that’s in the same league with gross-out films from gross-out greats, such as Judd Apatow… whose actually the film’s producer. Not only are there big HA-HA laughs and amusing he-he moments, there are plenty of uncomfortable, downright embarrassing moments. Kristen Wiig as Annie can make you want to crawl under your seat at times. The cast includes many comic actors, and the material is written specifically for each of them. Yet there’s a heartwarming quality about the characters and situations that rings true. When Annie’s wierd roommate reads Annie's diary, she’s unapologetic. “I just thought it was a very sad handwritten book.” Add hilarious to that, and you begin to understand Annie's life.
4 popped kernels
Absurd and raunchy, yet sweet and true-to-life at the core… it’s very funny
Popcorn Profile
Rated: R
Primary Audience: Young adults
Gender Appeal: Chic flick & date film
Distribution: Mainstream wide release
Mood: Upbeat
Tempo: Zips right along
Visual Style: Nicely varnished realism
Character Development: Engaging
Language: Rude & crude
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
