Movie Review: Bridesmaids is Lewd, Crude, and Fun.

Guest writer Nikki Cove is back with her two cents on the movie Bridesmaids!

I often debate how I’m going to start pieces. Should I be shocking or even a little bit controversial? After seeing Bridesmaids there’s nothing shocking or controversial to say, except that if you didn’t like it I am fairly certain that there is something wrong with you.

I’m serious. It happens to be one of the funniest films of the year. The Judd Apatow produced and Paul Feig directed comedy feast stars Kristen Wiig as Annie and Maya Rudolph as Lillian. They are two best friends whose worlds are turned upside down when Lillian gets engaged. Annie’s world despite her best intentions continues its already downward path & inserted is the most ragtag bunch of bridesmaids one wedding could ever hold.

 Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph shine but it’s the ensemble cast that truly rounds out the film. Helen played by Rose Byrne gives new meaning to the term snob with a pole stuck up you know where; Rita played by Wendy McLendon-Covey is the frustrated housewife/mother who just needs to get away; Becca played by Ellie Kemper is the goodie two shoes & Megan played by Melissa McCarthy is perhaps the funniest sibling of a wedding party since Zach Galifiniakis’ portrayal of Alan in 2009’s The Hangover.

The thing that stands out other than the cast is the story. Yes, it can be termed a “chick-flick,” but to term it as such would be to diminish all that this is as a film. I argue that the film can be seen, understood and related to by both sexes. At its core it’s a story about friendship, screwing up and finding your way back to each other when it’s most important. And then there’s the comedy.

If there was any doubt that women could do physical or even crude comedy then this film completely dispels those myths. There’s the hilariously gross scene in a bridal shop that includes action in a bathroom that rivals all bathroom scenes before it, as well as an “accident” in the street that defines humiliation. Then there’s the plane scene, which includes alcohol, an air marshal and a football tackle by a woman that any person would feel to their core. Lastly, the break-up scene between Annie and Lillian is probably as over the top as you can get but just so well done by Wiig & Rudolph. Regardless of the exaggerated humor the story still rings true and that’s why it works. There is no point that makes you doubt the characters or the message. 

What I can’t forget to mention are the subtle yet effective performances by the late Jill Clayburgh as Annie’s mom & Chris O’Dowd as Officer Rhodes, Annie’s eventual love interest.  They add to what can appropriately be termed a friendship move – of the most ragtag, dysfunctional, crude, hilarious and lovable group of characters in quite some time.

So yes, if you don’t like Bridesmaids I would walk, no run to the nearest medical facility and get your humor quotient checked out. No, really - I’m serious.