Bridesmaids is the opposite of the recent spate of chick flicks. Actually good and involving, it’s a wonder why others haven’t taken the care needed in their scripts as this has. That’s a good thing as it carves its own niche with some finely drawn situations ringing true. Those averse to such films needn’t worry as this group of bridesmaids aren’t too hellish to hang out with.
When Lillian (Maya Rudolph) gets married, she asks her friends Annie (Kristen Wiig) and Helen (Rose Byrne) to be bridesmaids. Although each has their own issues in life, it’s Annie who seems hardest hit. Stuck in a dead-end job and in a doomed relationship, she tries to push these aside for Lillian’s sake. When more problems surface her predilection for self-destruction goes into over-drive threatening to turn Lillian’s special day into a nightmare.
Directed by Paul Feig and produced by current comedy maestro Judd Apatow, Bridesmaids has his stamp all over it. Those who loved Knocked Up and Superbad will like this as its female characters behave very badly. A cross between Desperate Housewives and Sex and the City in tone, its comedy arises from the various dilemmas Annie endures and how she handles them. When she thinks she has hit rock bottom, she goes further with Kristen Wiig - a genuine new talent and wonderful in the role.
Like any good comedies there is more underneath its veneer of gross out gags and outlandish buffoonery. It examines how a woman’s best friends cope with being not the only friend in her life. In Annie’s case her jealousy at Helen’s close friendship with Lillian sinks her further into a pit of despair. The destructive actions which eventuate are more of a reflection of how she copes with her feelings. Although some of the characters aren’t as well utilised in its narrative, these elements are expertly tied into the mix of comedy and drama Bridesmaids attempt to express.
Funny, insightful and more substantial than the usual comedic fluff, Bridesmaids isn’t a chore to endure. It should prove popular with a broad audience, although hopefully one never meets such strange bridesmaids in real life!
Movie Review Rating 7 / 10
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
If you have any comments to make about this Movie Review, then please use the comment box, titling your comments with Movie Review Bridesmaids
Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.
No comments:
Post a Comment