Bridesmaids

Alternatingly bawdy and sweet-tempered comedy regarding a maid of honor who feels like she’s losing her lifelong friend as the wedding approaches. Despite the large ensemble, this is without a doubt, the Kristen Wiig show. She has always been a valuable addition to the supporting cast in her previous films.  Here, it’s nice to see her in a starring role. She is also the co-writer of this Judd Apatow produced script and (perhaps not surprisingly) the focus of the entire movie.

Annie Walker‘s life begins to spiral out of control as she helps the bride-to-be plan for the big day. Much of the humor concerns the new closeness her bestie has made with the wife of her fiancée’s boss. Helen Harris is an aristocratic beauty, memorably played by Australian actress Rose Byrne. Annie is rather eccentric and it’s the type of part where a lesser thespian might have come off as obnoxious. It isn’t easy to play an individual that is graceless, pathetic and awkward, but also sweet, likable and sympathetic. Don’t ask me how she does it, but Kristen Wiig imbues her character with all of these qualities. We side with her even when she’s acting unreasonable. Witness the brilliant early scene where Annie toasts her best friend at the engagement party only to keep returning to the stage to top Helen’s toast. Their back and forth one-upmanship  is one of the most hilarious things I’ve seen in a long time. When they start singing, you’ll be on the floor.

In addition to Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig is surrounded by a stellar cast of comparative unknowns as the motley bridesmaids. Each one a distinct, albeit bizarre, personality. Actress Melissa McCarthy, as less than refined Megan, is an absolute scene stealer. From the marketing, this would appear to be a chick flick version of  The Hangover.  Like that successful hit, it’s definitely raunchy in parts, but the plot isn‘t at all similar. I mean these girls never even make it to Vegas. It’s a funny comedy that stands on its own, a perceptive observation on friendship. I think anyone who has ever been envious of a rival can easily identify with, and actually love this witty and intelligent farce.