Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids is a film considered by many to a sort of female version of The Hangover with both being rude, crude and set around weddings. Yet the differences are more fundamental; whereas The Hangover is simply an amusing ode to the joys of being unbelievably pissed in Vegas (or Bangkok in the case of its dire sequel), here is a film that works as hard at creating character.

The central thread of Bridesmaids is that as life rapidly goes down the plughole, Annie (Kristen Wiig) is asked to be maid of honour at her best friend Lillian’s wedding (Maya Rudolph) who she soon begins to fear is being stolen away by the seemingly perfect Helen (Rose Bryne). The plot may seem simple or contrived, but actually works rather well as the challenges to the central friendship and her fears for the lack of direction in her life seem real, and are genuinely interesting. Whilst the conflict with Helen may go to extremes, yet remains sort of believable as Rose Bryne plays her part very well, masterfully tearing loose with back handed compliments and ‘helpful’ suggestions to our protagonist with her tasks. It is worth noting that the very fact Kristen Wiig’s thunder is not stolen says something about how good she is in the film, excelling in her role and meaning that for all the flights and dress fittings from hell we maintain our interest in her character.

Throughout, the film’s plot is undermined neither by some of the big comic set pieces nor makes the characters seem less believable, which shows quality of the whole cast, and also says something about Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumulo’s screenplay. It contains enormous wit and humour whilst never forgetting where the heart of the film lies. That said the story they came up with is rather predictable, though we find it done with so much ingenuity, humour and verve that it does not really matter. Events that would normally get in the way of such a film, like the seemingly obligatory love interest subplot, here are actually handled well as they do not slow the film down too much. It is also worth noting though the crude humour, such as the use of the occasional fart jokes and sex jokes, does begin to get just a little bit tiresome after a while and perhaps overstays its welcome. Yet this said though the rest of the humour remains extremely funny and you certainly don’t get bored.

Bridesmaids therefore is a real success a film that’s both laugh out loud funny and has characters that we can really root for, and all the while not only passes the Bechdel test with flying colours but completely failing it in reverse which marks a really nice change for once. Overall, Bridesmaids is a strong, intelligent comedy that should leave both men and women thoroughly amused.

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.