Annie Walker (Wiig) is a mess. Her bakery closed, lost all of her savings, dates horrible men, and has worthless roommates (Rebel Wilson and Matt Lucas). The one bright spot in her life, is her best friend Lillian (Rudolph). When Lillian gets engaged to Dougie (Tim Heidecker), she asks Annie to be the maid of honor. At the engagement party, Annie meets the rest of the bridal party: perfect Helen (Byrne) who is married to to Dougie's boss, Lillian's cynical cousin Rita (McLendon-Covey), Lillian's newly married naive co-worker Becca (Kemper), and Dougie's raunchy sister Megan (McCarthy).
Every wedding event is a power struggle between Annie and Helen, constantly trying to out-do each other. Amid the chaos, Annie meets and charms police officer Nathan Rhoads (O'Dowd). Can Annie get her life together enough to support her friend, or will she destroy everything?
Seen as the female answer to The Hangover, this film was the R rated film of the year. It had everyone talking and proved that women can successfully headline a comedy that is not a rom com.
I was cautiously optimistic about this film... I read positive reviews, but also heard it was very raunchy. I put it in my Netflix queue, but ultimately planned to rent it from Redbox (the next time I had a free or discounted rental). Over the last few months, it has received significant awards show buzz, and my friends and roommate sang it's praises. To get a head start on my "Oscar Watch 2012" I decided to take a chance (right before the 2012 Golden Globes). I was pleasantly surprised.
It was a funny, without being insulting ... which I attribute to the writing by Groundlings alum Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig, of Saturday Night Live fame. The Academy Awards have honored these women with a nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The women are funny, without being completely clueless or ditzy, and unapologetic. The cast is incredible... Featuring Wiig, SNL alum Maya Rudolph (now on Up All Night), Reno 911's Wendi McLendon-Covey, The Office's Ellie Kemper, Mike & Molly's Melissa McCarthy (also known for Gilmore Girls), and Rose Byrne. The women shine and are willing to embrace physical comedy and raunchy jokes for the good of the film. The cast is great, but McCarthy steals the show, playing against type. And now she is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Wiig proves she can carry a film, without crazy over-the-top characters. While I enjoy her on 30 Rock, I prefer her toned-down roles on TV. She has proven to be a talented comedian, actress, and writer. I look forward to seeing more of her writing.
Also, the film earns it's 'R' rating, but doesn't push it to unnecessary / uncomfortable depths. A truly funny, female-driven comedy that appeals to both men and women. Check it out!
Bridesmaids (2011) 125 minutes
Rating: R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout.
Director: Paul Feig
Starring: Kristen Wiig as Annie Walker
Maya Rudolph as Lillian
Rose Byrne as Helen
Melissa McCarthy as Megan
Wendi McLendon-Covey as Rita
Ellie Kemper as Becca
Chris O'Dowd as Nathan Rhoads
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