More Bridget Jones than Hangover

Rating: 7/10 (2 June 2013)

I watched Bridesmaids last night on TV. Never really planned on watching it, but there wasn't much else on. When Bridesmaids first came out in theaters the trailer and reviews gave me the impression that it was a female version of the Hangover (as it did to many others, according to user reviews here on IMDb). Well, it's definitely not. But I kind of liked it anyway.
To give you an indication of how different Bridesmaids is from the Hangover: in this movie, the girls are on their way to Las Vegas for the bachelorette party. Cut to next scene: the protagonist (Annie, played by Kristen Wiig) is back in her car in Milwaukee. I guess what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Bridesmaids is actually more of a romantic comedy that's also about some issues that 30-something women have to deal with. The romantic part is nicely played out and didn't feel too contrived. Chris O'Dowd is perfect in his role as Annie's love interest and really grows on you as the story progresses.
Then there's the part of Annie and her bridesmaids dealings. Most situations, although exaggerated for the sake of comedy, are quite recognizable. The feeling of having to compete with someone for the position of best friend: yes, very sad and childish, but who hasn't been there at some point? Every party guest confronting you with the fact that you're the only one who didn't bring a plus one... Walking out on a perfect guy because he just seems TOO nice... it happens.
Basically, it's Bridget Jones's Diary with some over-the-top scenes thrown in. But what makes Bridget Jones so much better is its sense of realism. And I'm not complaining about the getting-kicked-off-the-plane scene or the food-poisoning-in-the-bridal-store scene. I can handle bodily fluids. What I'm talking about is the nearly constant perfect state of Annie's hair, make-up and wardrobe. Just got up in the middle of the night after some bad sex to go to a convenience store: perfect face. Getting up after a one night stand that was preceded by some heavy drinking: not a Guinness stain on that shirt. And if you've spent a week on the couch watching Tom Hanks DVDs and someone tells you to go wash your hair, I would expect it to be at least kind of greasy. I'm not saying that Kristen Wiig should have done a Renee Zellweger and gained 40 pounds, but then don't let her complain about how skinny her 'competitor' is when Annie's clearly a size zero herself. Whose decision was it to keep it glam? Did Kristen Wiig's vanity get in the way? I guess we'll never know. But I thought it was a definite flaw in the story.
Overall: Nice romantic story with good acting. Some over the top scenes, but a lot of funny moments too. Probably not for guys, but most women will enjoy it. Just don't expect to be able to identify with Annie; despite all her character flaws she's just too perfect.