Bridesmaids

Rating: 8/10 (9 July 2011)

I saw the trailer for this film on TV and in the cinema, I didn't think much of it, I thought it would be rated terribly, but I was surprised to see it rated five stars out of five by critics, so I had to know if it was deserved. Basically single mid-thirties woman Annie (Golden Globe nominated Kristen Wiig, also writing) who lives in Milwaukee had her bakery business fail, losing her boyfriend and savings, and is now selling engagement rings at a jewellers. Her Mother (Jill Clayburgh) asks her to come home, but she sticks with renting a bedroom from English siblings Gil (Matt Lucas) and Brynn (Rebel Wilson), having a sexual relationship with self-absorbed Ted (Jon Hamm), and being best friends with Lillian (Grown Ups' Maya Rudolph). Lillian becomes engaged a wealthy Chicago banker, and she wants Annie to be her maid of honour, and at the engagement party she meets her fellow bridesmaids, cynical cousin Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey), optimistic friend Becca (Ellie Kemper), overweight raunchy future sister-in-law Megan (Oscar, BAFTA nominated Melissa McCarthy) and Helen (Rose Byrne), the beautiful but vain husband to the groom's boss. It is obvious that Annie does immediately like Helen, she is jealous of her friendship to Lillian and hates that she is so perfect and snooty, and as they get to know each other this irritation grows. All the bridesmaids go to a Brazilian restaurant, and while Lillian is gone they discuss ideas for the hen party, Paris is suggested by Annie, but Helen talks everyone out of it. Next thing you see is everyone, but Helen who does not eat meat, gaining food poisoning and becoming ill, needing to be sick or use the bathroom desperately, while at the bridal gown studio. Annie does suggest the beach house, but Helen being the big influence drags them all to Las Vegas, but Annie being afraid of flying causes them all to be thrown off the plane after taking sedatives and alcohol. With this Lillian appoints Helen to make all the plans for the shower and wedding, and the only comfort Annie can get is continuing her recent relationship with friendly Irish traffic cop Officer Nathan Rhodes (The IT Crowd's Chris O'Dowd). This though also goes to ruins after she is offended by him about opening her bakery again, she is told by Gil and Brynn to move out, and she goes to live with her Mother, but she still turns up for the bridal shower in Chicago. Annie finally goes bonkers when she finds out Helen is planning to have a trip to Paris, which she originally suggested, she rants and raves about her opinions of the up-herself new friend of Lillian's, and she is told not to come to the wedding. With Nathan ignoring her, and officially breaking any contact with Ted, Annie spends her time doing nothing much but watching television, but Megan comes to find her and help her stop feeling miserable for herself. After baking an apology cake for Nathan, which he appears not to eat, Helen also comes to find Annie, because Lillian has gone missing, and eventually they get the help of Nathan to help find her. Lillian consoles in Annie that Helen does indeed take over pretty much everything, but Annie helps her come round, the bride and groom do get married in an evening with neon lights and fireworks, and an appearance by Wilson Phillips, Annie and Helen put their differences aside, and Nathan comes for Annie saying that he did eat her cake and they make up. Also starring Franklyn Ajaye as Lillian's Dad, Michael Hitchcock as Don Cholodecki, Jessica St. Clair as Whitney and Terry Crews as Boot Camp Instructor. Wiig is really good as the one suffering and enjoying through all the situations, Byrne does really convince that she is an irritating woman who is so nice and can get practically anything, Rudolph makes a nice bride-to-be, McCarthy gets many great moments being the swearing, fat and over the top weirdo, and the other supporting cast members do well also. Wiig has created a very witty script which is not only very funny in many moments, but it is also quite a touching story with the romantic element, and some drama included, they were calling it the female equivalent of The Hangover, I can sort of see what they mean, a great comedy. It was nominated the Oscar for Best Writing, Original Screenplay, it was nominated the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay, and it was nominated the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical. Very good!