Like a fist to the face of the traditionally insipid, female-fronted rom-com, Bridesmaids marks a departure from the oft-derided norm, not by being brassy or crude (OK, there might be a sizeable helping of the latter) but because of its authentic humour, credible character dynamics and the foregrounding of female friendships over romance. It is also wildly funny.
Kristen Wiig (who co-wrote the film with Annie Mumolo, who appears as “Nervous Woman on Plane”) is Annie, a thirtysomething singleton asked by her childhood chum Lillian (Maya Rudolph) to be her maid of honour. Despite her outstanding intentions, Annie is a calamity magnet and spends the lead-up to the nuptials undergoing a spectacular meltdown. Seldom does a film have its audience in stitches within seconds but Bridesmaids starts as it means to go on, with Wiig tangling awkwardly with buffoonish “fuck buddy” Jon Hamm. With this farcical but - let’s be honest – recognisable sex scene, it has us from “Hello”.
Tellingly, the groom isn’t even given a line
This part-improvised comedy, directed by TV comedy helmsman Paul Feig (Arrested Development, Nurse Jackie), is frank without being aggressive or obnoxious and each fresh humiliation only encourages us to love its characters more. The plane sequence is a particular hoot and real-life pals Wiig and Rudolph employ their off-screen repartee to charming effect. In addition, there are stand-out turns from fellow bridesmaids Rose Byrne (as Annie’s irritatingly beautiful and dastardly rival) and Melissa McCarthy as the macho but soft-hearted Megan. Tellingly, the groom isn’t even given a line.
Bridesmaids isn’t without its own missteps: it’s about 20 minutes too long, the final third drags a little and it could do without the baking montage for a start. Despite this, don’t be surprised if, come Oscar time, it squeezes its way into the race. The delightful Wiig, at the very least, deserves the recognition.
Bountiful extras include a riotous but overpopulated commentary and an unrated version of the film that features one sadly excised scene in particular where Annie faces-off against a terrifically creepy child.
Watch the trailer for Bridesmaids
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