When promoters hailed Bridesmaids as the female version of The Hangover (2009), it seemed a bit skeptical. Yes, Judd Apatow is attached, and with SNL veterans Kristin Wiig and Maya Rudolph on board as the two female leads, it seemed destined to deliver more than a few laughs.
Wiig plays Annie, a newly appointed Maid of Honor to her childhood friend, Lillian (Rudolph). From the first 10 minutes of the film, the audience realizes that her life has taken a turn for the worse: She’s in a perpetual dating vortex, and living any single girl’s worst nightmare: working in a downtown jewelry store. Fortunately, we don’t get to see her tormented too many times, as the job is not the focal point of the film. The one thing that can be attested to Bridesmaids over any other chick flick is the relatable nature of Wiig’s character. It’s believable that, unlike many other wedding-inspired flicks, sweet, funny Annie just can’t catch a break. In such hard economic times, the progression of the former bakery owner surrounded by well-off bridesmaids hits a sadly realistic undertone. And that’s what makes comedy so funny: when we can see real life amidst the ridiculous happenings.
Her rescuer comes in the form of charmingly goofy Englishman Chris O’Dowd (Pirate Radio, The IT Crowd), who was given more of a substantial character in this film, and one that the crowd just fell in love with (trust me, I heard over a hundred “Aww”s). As much as we get to see the women in Bridesmaids, the groom just doesn’t find a place. For once, the story is not about the bride or the wedding, but the women that get left behind when it happens – and for once, it’s not cheesy or over-the-top. It just is what it is, and what it is, is funny.
Kristen’s skits on SNL always make me laugh along with this movie. I loved Bridesmaids though, and I definitely plan on renting it again very soon. I am a customer and employee of DISH Network, and I know that on October 1, Blockbuster is releasing a Movie Pass that will open thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows on your TV or computer! Plus, since its Blockbuster, you can always rent Blu-rays at no additional cost! Of course, since it is available on October 1, here is where you can get notified! That way, you can see Bridesmaids for yourself!