Bridesmaids * * * *

Starring Kristin Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd, Jon Hamm, Jill Clayburgh

Rated R (for some strong sexuality and language throughout)

Directed by Paul Feig

Written by Kristin Wiig and Annie Mumolo

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The topic of weddings, bridezillas and bridesmaids is common fodder for reality tv, film and books today. “Bridesmaids” is one of the best things to hit the genre in a long time.  



The comic genius comes through in every line of the film, in the writing, the dialogue, and the irresistible quirkiness of the characters. 

Kristin Wiig stars as Annie, in her 30s, still driving a crappy car and sharing an apartment with two appallingly bizzare roomates.  She lost her bakery shop in the recession and the guy she’s sleeping with tells her the morning after that the moment is too “awkward” and she has to leave now.

To top things off, Annie’s best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) gets engaged and appoints her maid of honor, in charge of a group of unique women whom Lillian has collected to be in her wedding party.  The hijinks and mishaps that follow are uproariously funny.

The relationship between Lillian and Annie is tangible and real, like you are watching two friends banter at a table next to yours at a restaurant.  Rose Byrne is Annie’s competition, the beautiful, rich friend of Lillian’s who is jostling for her spot as maid of honor and best friend.   Byrne’s Aussie accent is perfectly concealed as she plays the yin to Annie’s yang.  Underneath her impeccable clothing and pretentious attitude is a woman desperately in need of good girl friends.  Melissa McCarthy is Megan, the groom’s sister, uncouth, tough and completely unafraid to be herself. Annie's mother is played by the late Jill Clayburgh, who is the spitting image of an older, more self-assured (and sort of nutty) version of her daughter.

“Bridesmaids” is not a chick flick, not a romantic comedy.  It’s part drama, part comedy.  A dramedy.  It’s kooky and sweet and very nasty in parts, with some over-the-top bathroom humor.  (Let’s just say most of the theatre had their eyes and ears closed during one certain scene.)  But somehow it all works together, in a well-calculated mixture that breaks the mold of the typical movie directed at women everywhere.  Run, don’t walk to the theatre to see this unforgettable film.  Let’s hope it’s the first of many to come from Kristin Wiig!