Review of Bridesmaids (2011) by Amber M — 08 Mar 2014

Summing up 2011's hit Bridesmaid's in one word would be difficult but if I had to choose it'd be...hysterical. With a perfect balance between romance and comedy, this is the funniest straight-up comedy that I have seen on the big screen in a very long time. Kristen Wiig, having written the script and also starring as the lead protagonist has achieved the unflawed trick of being brutal and gentle in the same moment.

Wiig is a comedic genius who has written a side-splitting, yet highly relatable script. Starring as Annie, who has found herself a failure during a mid-life crisis, Wiig does an impeccable job. She is a broken and unhappy woman whose bakery has gone bust and to make matters worse, her best friend is leaving her all alone in the single life to become married. Being a made-of-honour would usually be something to take pride in, however for Annie who is dealing with the bizarre rituals for the duty, her life begins to unravel.

Based on a group of women who become bridesmaids for their friend Lillian and her upcoming wedding, Bridesmaids is made up of an almost entire female cast which reveal to the men of the world the unknown of how ladies can drink, swear and vomit as freely and as funnily as they can. Although the plot may sound pleasant, you must be warned. This is far from the typical rom-com you may expect. It dives deep into presenting the true and full horrors of being an important part of your best friends big day - especially when it is making you more resentful and lonely everyday.

An equally as fantastic and hilarious line of actress's ensemble around Wiig. Maya Rudolph plays Lillian, Annie's best friend who because of the wedding, is beginning to drift away from her lifelong friend. Rose Byrne is comical as Helen, who is trying her hardest to destroy Annie and Lillian's friendship and be the best bridal member. This is a very amusing relationship as realistically, you would never see two women in their thirties acting in the childish and jealous ways they do. However resulting to food throwing, you cannot help but laugh yourself breathless at the complete immaturity.

Wendi McLendon-Covey is hilarious as Rita, a sarcastic relative who is unhappily married and resents her three sons. Rita and Becca (Ellie Kemper), a newlywed who is very excited about being a wife and mother, start to become close also. Melissa McCarthy as Megan is the groom's sister and the rough-around-the-edges oddball of all the ladies. She is most definitely the funniest of the bunch and completely makes the film. Timing is the most important aspect of comedy and the bridesmaids most certainly have this down to a fine art. Being so brilliant together, you miss half of the dialogue trying to recover from laughing at the previous gag.

The complete terror of being a bridesmaid is explored in the film, however Wiig still persuades the audience that there is something genuine and loving to be found at the bottom of this ordeal. This is the best comedy of the past few years, with far more spirit and hilarity than Hollywood's had to offer recently. Considering men who also admit that they loved it write a lot of the reviews, it has done us women proud. Pure gold.