Fast rising American US comic Kristen Wiig brilliantly anchors this black comedy which puts a sharp focus on the real-life farce which is the lead-up to a wedding, and the extreme stress that can be caused as a result.
Wiig stars as Annie whose sister Lillian (Maya Rudolph) is about to get married, and at the same time as trying to take part in the exciting build up to her big day, Annie has her own personal problems to contend with, including a boyfriend (Jon Hamm) who she only shares a physical relationship with, and who takes Annie for granted. To make matters worse she seems to be losing her sister to her superficial new best friend Helen (Rose Byrne), who totally takes over the wedding plans. Before long Annie has been dragged along, and has to endure all kinds of embarrassment.
Wiig as the outcast of the piece, nails certain dryness, and is spaced out; kind of like the sort of classic comic turn that Bill Murray has made his name out of over the years. In the old tradition of comedy Annie is both someone you have sympathise with, as well as someone you cannot fail to laugh at. There are also some classic physical set pieces, like the scene where Annie destroys a garden made out of cake.
There is a very broad feel to the comedy, along with the observational humour, there is also a psychotic toilet humour at play, which felt like it had a very John Waters style to it, but if that is not quite to your liking, there is a sweeter side to the film also. It is well written, and very well performed film, and how refreshing to see complex female characters who are allowed to get down and dirty in the same fashion as boys in this kind of main stream comedy.
The only slightly off note for me was Annie’s relationship with cop (Chris O’Dowd), it just felt under developed and seemed like it was from a whole different film. I could see the point of the character; however this part didn’t quite come off.
That aside Bridesmaids, is an extremely entertaining, and thought provoking film, with a whole surreal and colourful humour of its own, and more importantly it takes its audience on a journey, and stands out as the comedy of the year so far.
Director: Paul Feig
Writers: Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo
Stars: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolp, Rose Byrne
Runtime: 125 min
Country: USA
Film Rating: 
