Bridesmaids (R)
Mike:
Scott:
Mike:
Tonight we are reviewing Bridesmaids, a film about pretty much everything that can go wrong when one best friend is getting married and the other is her maid of honor.
So Mike what did you think?
Mike I
However everything goes right in this comedy.
Mike:
I agree this movie is hilarious with a capital H.
Mike I
I think most would want to market Bridesmaids as an estrogen-filled Hangover, but I liken this film as more of a 40 Year Old Virgin. It's got tons of heart, warmth and raunch. That's a good recipe for success!
Mike:
When I heard the title Bridesmaids, I thought Uh Oh, chick flick. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, while watching it I was thinking this is like a Judd Apatow movie with female leads.
Turns out Apatow is a producer on this!
Mike I
Exactly. Apatow, the genius behind some of the more successful comedies in recent years, has produced another movie that will probably be known as an instant comedy classic. He's on fire right now.
Mike:
The other great thing is that lead actress Kristen Wiig is the co writer. I think Wiig has been the bright spot on Saturday Night Live for the past few years.
I also hope that this leads to her starring in more comedies. Up til now she has had bit parts in other people’s comedies.
Mike I
Wiig is mostly known for stealing the spotlight on Saturday Night Live with her zaney and obnoxious characters, but thankfully Bridesmaids gives us the best of the actress -- mixing the girl-next door with charismatic charm.
Mike:
Yes. It was my fear that we might be getting Target lady or Gillie, but we get the funny without being over the top.
Mike I
And thankfully there's only one of those over-the-top scenes in the movie.
Mike:
And it is designed that way, so it fits.
Mike I
Bridesmaids isn't just about the big wedding, however.
Mike:
What is it about then, Mike?
Mike I
It follows the planning period, but it's just a plot device for the audience to follow Wiig's character through a tough transition in life.
Mike:
The other high point of the film is the great ensemble cast. This is about a group of bridesmaids after all.
SNL veteran Maya Rudolph is Annie's best friend Lillian, the bride.
Annie and Lillian have been friends their whole lives, but it soon becomes obvious that they are both in very different places in their lives.
Mike I
Right. the absolute best thing about this movie is the unexpected, hilarious performances from the co-stars. Heavy tv watchers will recognize the supporting characters from the Office, Reno 911 and Mike & Molly. Wiig, serving as writer/producer on this gig too, has no issue with letting her costars share the spotlight. It quickly becomes an ensemble film as everyone is given a chance to squeeze laughs out of the audience.
Mike:
The focus for much of the film is the Annies freindship with Lillian, but also her rivalry with Helen (Rose Byrne).
The unexpected thing is that I think Megan, played by Melissa McCarthy of Mike and Molly steals every scene she is in.
Not being a fan of the show, I had no idea, but she had me on the floor.
Mike I
Me too. She's got tremendous talent
I can't not mention John Hamm in this review.
Any lady that has fallen for Hamm's good looks and dashing charm will have it flushed away after watching him as Wiig's jerk-off love interest.
Mike:
I loved seeing Hamm in this. He proved how funny he can be several times on SNL.
I was also thrilled to see Chris ODowd from the IT Crowd in a major role. Irish accents make everything seem funnier.
Mike I
He's got a VERY bright future!
So what are your final thoughts?
Mike:
I think it is great to have a mostly female comedy that is a s crude and rude as many of the male dominated comedies of the last few years.
I don’t know why someone didn’t think of it sooner.
I also want to mention that this was Jill Clayburgh's last movie.
She was a great choice to play Annie's mom, they even look like they might be related.
Mike:
Mike, how do you rate this?
Mike I
It's four stars in my book. Bridesmaids is probably one of the best comedies that I've seen in a while. It's funnier than Date Night and Dinner with Shmucks -- 2 movies that unfortunately didn't live up to the hype. I'd have to got back to last year's The Other Guys and Hot Tub Time Machine to get any comparison to its hilarity. I'm sure the marketers were glad that this is in theaters before Hangover Part 2 opens. It'll give you a good fix until then. It's actually a great date movie and may well mark the beginning of Wiig's successul movie career.
Mike:
Very good. I also give this 4 out of 5 stars. I can’t agree with you on Hot Tub Time machine, but I think it ranks with Knocked Up and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. I think this will be a big hit.
Mike I
Hot Tub Time Machine grew on me after the second viewing ... The music video at the end = #win
Mike:
I don’t know if I could face watching it again...
