Bridesmaids (2011) Directed by Paul Feig. With Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy and Chris O Dowd.
After the extraordinarily successful comedy/farce of The Hangover, it seemed inevitable that a rash of similarly themed misadventures would stagger their way into our multiplexes in it’s wake. And yes, such has been the case. The good news is, there’s a film that goes one better. It’s name? Bridesmaids.
Starring and co-written by Saturday Night Live regular Kristen Wiig, Bridesmaids beats it’s hungover brother on every level. The central performance by Wiig blends in a mix of pitch perfect comic performance and timing, generating laughs and smiles for a character you really can’t help but wish the best for.
The script is a real winner, with gags and charm in abundance that are brought to the screen by an astutely selected cast. Chris O’ Dowd omits warmth as Wiig’s potential suitor, while Rose Byrne and Melissa McCarthy each provide memorable displays in supporting parts.
It’s impossible not to feel the influence of television’s Sex and the City, as Wiig’s character, Annie Walker, like Carrie Bradshaw, goes through similar ditzy states of blunt trauma embarrassment, while always falling for the wrong guy.
There’s a lot to enjoy about Bridesmaids. Sure, it’s fairly obvious, with some over extended gags, but it’s glued together well by an array of fine comedic turns and the right dosage of foul mouthed, feel-good frolics to keep us entertained and amused. 4/5
Gareth Rhodes Film Reviews 