After watching the previews I had the impression that Bridesmaids was going to be a female The Hangover. You know a group of women of many personalities including an oddball that carries much of the laughter and getting into trouble in Las Vegas. Well after watching the film, I found it’s not the case at all. This quirky little film should be called Dueling Maids of Honor because that’s what the movie really portrays.
The movie centers on Annie (Kristen Wiig) the chosen maid of honor to bride to be Lillian (Maya Rudolph) her best friend since childhood. Even with her life in a downward spiral, this event has put Annie on cloud nine. With her ego rising Annie starts gearing up for the best wedding ever to hit Chicago. Then she meets all the bridesmaids in a get together, one of which is Helen (Rose Byrne) the wife of the groom’s boss who in the past 6 months has become real close to Lillian. When Helen starts nudging for control of Lillian and the wedding, Annie puts on the ‘gloves’.
So, if you are going to Bridesmaids to see a group of wild women that have a female stag party in Las Vegas much like in The Hangover, it’s not going to happen in this film. Actually they never get to Vegas. Bridesmaids is more of an ordinary comedy about Annie vying for friendships, getting her life on track, trying to bring romance into her life and dealing with personal money problems all at the expense of her best friends wedding.
That said, there certainly are a lot of funny scenes, some quite hilarious involving Melissa McCarthy as Megan sister of the groom (now that sounds familiar). The wacky and silly character does in this film what Zach Galifianakis’s role accomplishes in The Hangover, carry the brunt of the mad humor that makes this film work. She’s so funny I would almost say it’s worth the price of seeing the film regardless of the time tested plot.
Oh, the picking out the wedding and bridesmaids dresses scene got so funny I didn’t know whether I was going to hurl or wet my shorts.
The film is rated R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout. There is also a scene of drug use and drinking.
FINAL ANALYSIS: An amusing joy ride. (C+)
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
