Rating: R
Length: 125 minutes
Release date: May 13, 2011
Directed by: Paul Feig
Genre: Comedy and Romance
Stars: 2.5 out of 5
A story that borders on real life, ‘Bridesmaids’ focuses on Annie (Kristen Wiig) as she becomes a Maid of Honor to her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph) and tries to make the best of a bad time in her own life. A chick flick by many standards, this movie shows how one friend’s love of another can overcome her unraveling life and misfortune.
A humorous take on being in the wedding party, this movie has a simple plot that has a feel-good ending. The character Annie is the main focus, with Kristen Wiig seamlessly taking on the role and giving the audience a good laugh while still maintaining the character’s emotional issues. With both slapstick and long comedic scenes, the movie has a differing level of humor that any audience can appreciate.
The movie starts by focusing on Annie. She is currently working in a jewelry store, dealing with customers, and having casual relations with a male character, Ted. Her bakery had recently closed due to financial problems, so from the start she is set reeling and has a life that is not what she had intended. The plot advances as her best friend Lillian announces her engagement and that she wants Annie to be her Maid of Honor.
Like many real life situations, a group of additional females are there to help the wedding planning along, which causes an outbreak of rivalry and catty situations. Over the course of the film, each character’s relationship is developed, allowing for the usual conflicts and relationship levels that a screenplay needs to succeed.
Kristen Wiig’s character is strongly developed throughout the film. Her story becomes one of personal development and a journey of strength, which is perfect for balance in this comedy. Like all well-made chick flicks, this movie has a range of emotions, from jealousy, insecurity, cat fights, self-pity, self-destruction, and others. After the comedy of the movie is set aside, it leaves an honest and realistic look at the wedding and the days that lead to it.
The film has a good pace, moving from scene to scene without dwelling on drawn-out moments that take away from the movie with awkward timing. Not based on the typical formulas that move films along, this movie has longer scenes that move smoothly from one another, instead of leaving you wanting it to speed up or slow down.
The main role can come off as sad in some parts of the movie, but the character’s goal of being a good friend to her best friend and bride-to-be is endearing and heartfelt. Through the movie there is a romantic storyline as well between Annie and the Nathan, a police officer played by Chris O’Dowd, that is sometimes not the main focus, but helps develop Annie’s character. With the help of the additional bridesmaids, Annie does develop a relationship with Nathan after initially hurting him when he attempts to convince her to open a new bakery.
This movie has many different aspects for an audience member to enjoy, from laughs and slapstick comedy reminiscent of ‘SNL’ to the developing romance of Annie and Nathan. The underlying plot of the bridesmaids working together toward the wedding day is never lost, but certainly isn’t the main focus of the movie at all times.
With an all-female cast, this comedic film is sure to give laughs to its audience. The chick flick is great for a night out on the town and is sure to lighten up an evening with the girls.
