Bridesmaids

Welcome to another episode Lights....Camera....Popcorn!

Today's review is Bridesmaids.

Directed by Paul Feig.

Written by Kristen Wiig & Annie Mumolo. 

Review #120

MPAA Rating: R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout.

Runtime: 125 min

Cast

Kristen Wiig - Annie

Maya Rudolph - Lillian

Rose Byrne - Helen

Melissa McCarthy - Megan

Wendi McLendon-Covey - Rita

Ellie Kemper - Becca

Rebel Wilson - Brynn

Matt Lucas - Gil

Jill Clayburgh - Annie's Mom


Comedy is a very tough film genre to get right. That goes double for the now en vogue R rated comedies. Since the invasion of films like 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up and Superbad, R rated comedies became the norm in Hollywood and the way to go. This became even more of a challenge when The Hangover graced our presence. That film had all the dick jokes you could handle wrapped around a very tight and cleverly written story. As is the case with all hits like The Hangover, many studios tried to copy the formula with very little to no success.

Bridesmaids comes pretty close to what The Hangover had to offer.



Plot


Annie is a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian and a group of colorful bridesmaids on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. 

At first glance this picture felt like it was going to be another road trip disaster type film with the theme of a bachelorette party in the forefront. Thankfully that was not the case. In fact this movie played much differently. And that was a good thing. Kristen Wiig once again shows her ability to carry a scene with her trademark dry humor. However, the star of the show here is Melissa McCarthy.

HANDS DOWN!

Her performance as Megan was absolutely HYSTERICAL! Her tomboy, asexual look combined with her tough guy/gal persona was way too much for me to handle. There were times that the movie just went to a cutaway of her for a reaction shot and I started laughing. She didn't even say anything. That is the mark of a terrific character and performance. Another standout performance was Rose Byrne as Helen. She really does a great job playing the misunderstood villain. You REALLY REALLY hate her in this movie. She is the perfect yin to Kristen Wiig's Yang.

According to who you listen to, a lot of the funny moments were improvised and ad libbed. That's pretty common in comedies but the over the top comedic gags were paced very well by cleverly written dialogue. You will get that sense right off the bat during the first scene. Jon Hamm utters a line that's so subtle yet so funny that you have to take a second and digest it. Once you do it hits you right in the gut.

If I have a bone to pick with this movie (and it's a small one) is that it falls into the Judd Apatow pitfall. Which is a long run time. At just over 2 hours, Bridesmaids makes a concerted effort to wrap up all storylines and plot arcs that are introduced. As a result the film starts to lag a bit. I think it could have used a 10-15 min trim. Otherwise this was a really fun film and a pleasant surprise. I expected a lot of fluff and lame jokes and instead I was treated to a pretty funny and smart film that has some heart.

On the 5 star scale. Bridesmaids gets 3.5 stars with a "Go See It!" recommendation.

That's a wrap for today. Up next is Kung Fu Panda II to be followed by The Hangover Part II.

Until Next Episode...."I'll Save You A Seat!"

"D"