Review of Bridesmaids (2011) by Claire P — 21 Sep 2013

After wading through several unsatisfying comedies that left me feeling anything but tickled, it was a rare treat to find such hilarity in the new comedy "Bridesmaids." A modern- age film set in the urban streets of Milwaukee, WI. Director Paul Feig, and writers Kristen Wiig and Annie Momolo, did a fantastic job of constructing a plot that demonstrated a realistic, yet comical portrayal of the tendencies of women. Through this dynamic powerhouse of actresses, these women become close friends of ours throughout the movie and by the end we felt like we could sit right down and have a drink with them.

While the film plays off the storyline of lifelong best friends, Annie and Lillian, the sexual innuendos and vulgar language are anything but storybook. The happy-go-lucky routine of comfort ability is broken in the start of the film when Lillian (Maya Rudolph), announces that she will be moving in honor of her new engagement to fiancé Dougie (Tim Heidecker). While Annie (Kristen Wiig) desperately scrambles to rearrange her life in order to be a best friend, maid of honor, and a working adult, we are able to glimpse a very human side to this character. Whether it be the witty remarks, or a dramatic outburst, Kristen Wiig's personality radiated through the screen made you connect to her situation whether you wanted to or not.

Wiig was not the only one capturing our attention however, with a cast so different from one another that it made for a wild ride of personalities and humor; this misfit crew of bridesmaids, ranging from the blunt and masculine Megan (Melissa McCarthy), the desperate to get out of her "stay at home mom life" (Wendi McLenon-Covey), and the newly wed and extremely conservative Becca (Ellie Kemper) made for a symphony of wild dilemmas and opposing viewpoints. These women join forces and take us on a hilarious roller coaster ride of the processes of getting married and the difficulties that take place in the search for love. From the stresses of best woman speeches, to the embarrassment of a sobriety test, these bridesmaids can't help but leave a trail of destruction in their wake.

The plot of "Bridesmaids" gains tension when new incomer and want-to-be maid of honor, Helen (Rose Byrne), tries to compete with Annie's "best friend status". In a scene capturing the initial engagement party, Annie gives a thoughtful and brief speech which is immediately one-upped by a very emotional speech done by Helen. The two proceed to compete nonchalantly until they face off in a final showdown of karaoke. The script is non-stop humor and although it is crude in parts, that's life and this is a new and modern look of comedy.

Overall, Feig does a convincing job of replicating the chemistry of a group of women by focusing on several key scenes of humanity and jealousy in the real world. While satisfying the comedy niche, the movie also portrayed a moralistic lesson, that sometimes in life all you need is a bite in the ass to get you to fight for whatever life you are living. A must see in my eyes and a clear conscious recommendation for anyone looking for a laugh.