Laugh-out-loud, surprisingly sweet and well-rounded

Rating: Null/10 (20 April 2012)

Set the scene:
Annie and Lillian have been best friends since they were kids. They do everything together. While Annie's life has hit rock bottom, Lillian's just gained a huge rockshe's engaged, and happily asks an increasingly desperate Annie to be her Maid of Honour. There's just one problem. Lillian's got a new best friend, Helen, who is beautiful, rich, saccharine sweet and a massive, perfectly pedicured thorn in Annie's side. Cue - battle of the Bridesmaids.
So, what did you think?:
OK, so it's pretty hard to give an unbiased review on a movie I already have a soft spot for. It's been said that 'Bridesmaids' is the female equivalent of 'The Hangover', a movie that has some frickin' hilarious, belly-laugh-inducing moments. However, this opinion is not one I subscribe to. Between the moments of hilarity that vaguely echo the chaotic humour of the Hangover are sweet moments full of heart, particularly in a scene in the second half between a scene-stealing Melissa McCarthy as Megan and the effortlessly funny Kristen Wiig as Annie. It's a breakthrough moment for Annie.
In fact, it's the female actresses that elevate this movie from an in- your-face comedy to a well-rounded film. It's great to see female actresses delivering punchy, funny lines that aren't just about their respective sexual partners. It nicely portrays the best-friendship between Annie and Lillian, and an budding romantic subplot, with an unusually cast Chris O'Dowd as a honest and frankly adorable police-man as Annie's love-interest. Kristen Wiig, of Saturday Night Live fame is refreshing as Annie, and has become one of my favourite female comic actresses following 'Bridesmaids'. Melissa McCarthy is the icing on the wedding cake for this film. 90% of her lines are hugely funny and slightly gross, the other 10% the voice of reason for Annie.
Still, as good as this film is, it's not perfect by any means. While Chris O'Dowd makes a sincere, puppy-dog-like romantic lead as Rhodes, I just don't buy the chemistry between Rhodes and Annie. Matt Lucas, of 'Litte Britain' fame and Rebel Wilson appear as Annie's housemates, a clue-less British brother and sister duo. I just can't get to grips with their scenes. They feel jarring and out of sync with the rest of the film, although I can't quite put my finger on why.
Still, nice film, not breaking any boundaries, but a good film to watch with your mates on a movie night in and have a giggle.
Roll the credits
Megan: 'You're your problem Annieand you're also your solution'