Bridesmaids

Review:

Produced by Judd Apatow (of Knocked Up, Anchorman and Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Bridesmaids is a critically acclaimed, and audience successful comedy.

The film tells the story of Annie (Kristen Wig), who takes on the role of maid of honour for her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph)’s wedding. Though she is determined to fulfil the role successfully, Annie finds herself up against Helen (Rose Byrne), Lillian’s seemingly perfect new friend, who seems intent upon stealing the role of maid of honour for herself. The battle between the two women commences as to who Lillian’s true best friend is, with hilarious consequences.

Unusually for a romantic comedy of this type, Bridesmaids appealed to both male and female audiences – and this is perhaps due to the constant comic turns throughout. The realistic nature of the worries Annie seems to have regarding the changes her friendship will go through adds a touching poignancy, whilst the ongoing battle between her and Helen provide regular laughs throughout. The supporting bridesmaids Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey), Becca (Ellie Kemper) and Megan (Melissa McCarthy) provide both excellent comic and affectionate moments, as do the men in Annie’s life Ted (Jon Hamm) and Nathan (Chris O’Dowd).

Bridesmaids is a surprising and entertaining film which is well deserved of its success, and an excellent example of the current crop of emerging comedy films which appeal universally to audiences.

Catherine Gowers