Bridesmaids

Director: Paul Feig
Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudoplh, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Cover and Ellie Kemper
DVD release: 3 November 2011
Rated: MA 15+

Bridesmaids is a raunchy, funny, even sweet-natured chick-flick romp, with Kristen Wiig proving her worth as an outstanding comedian. Full of smart gags, and equally gross ones (often at the same time), it has that stamp of Judd Apotow clearly on the label. Wiig, a winning combination of mischief, cheeky eyes and an expressive face resembling Elizabeth Montgomery, has a delivery style reminiscent of Tina Fey. Now that’s a hard combination to beat.

When Lillian (Maya Randolph) announces her engagement, she picks best friend Annie (Wiig) to be her maid of honour. Annie just went broke in a cake business, so she’s feeling pretty down-and-out. She’s in a desultory affair with hulky Jon Hamm, who’s more wrapped in his sexual prowess than romance. Annie shares an apartment with a couple of obnoxious Brits, and has a wreck of a car. The chosen bridesmaids for the wedding are Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Cover and Ellie Kemper.

Poor Annie stuffs up badly, arranging a lunch at a dodgy restaurant that inflicts the whole team of bridesmaids with food poisoning, with predictably unfortunate results when the girls go to try on expensive dresses. Later they decide to do a Hangover-style trip to Las Vegas, and in an hilarious scene, Annie almost manages to destroy the aircraft. Annie’s misjudged attempts result in the jealous and wealthy Helen (Rose Byrne) being put in her place to handle the wedding arrangements. The big day draws near amid much confusion. The movie comes to a lively final act.

While Kristen Wiig (Paul) dominates this one, good support comes from Maya Randolph (Away We Go) as Lillian, with warmth in her pleasant portrayal. Rose Byrne (Insidious) gives a nice edge to the haughty Helen; while rowdy Melissa McCarthy (Life As We Know It) wins screen time by providing the cruder gags with a knowing smile. In the background we have affable policeman Rhodes (Chris O’Dowd) trying to sort out Annie’s tattered life; while notable cameos come from Matt Lucas and the late Jill Clayburgh.

The film is produced by the indomitable Judd Apatow (The 40 Year Old Virgin), who’s clearly seeking to prove raunchy comedies don’t have to be exclusively male buddy outings. Females can do it just as well, and handle the R rated jokes with a certain aplomb. The chick-flick comes of age, and may never be the same.

In the director’s chair we have Paul Feig (Knocked Up) who’s well-versed in comedy with oddball characters, putting a zing into the craziest scenes. The effective script is by Kristen Wiig and colleague Annie Mumolo - who has a small part as the woman in the seat beside Annie in the plane. They don’t miss too many tricks - some good, some naughty - and keep the laughs bubbling along with language best described as fruity.

Admittedly it’s not all beer and skittles. It’s a tad too long, with a couple dull patches, and the food poisoning scene in the high fashion showroom leaves little to the imagination in the gross stakes. What males might get away with in flicks like The Hangover, is less user-friendly when ladies take to up-throwing in unison. Certain touches of Saturday Night Live come through, with Wiig and Randolph being from that series.

Bridesmaids shows a more realistic side of female friendships. With its robust humour, convincing if extroverted characters and wildly funny situations, it should have considerable appeal.

John Bale