Film reviews
Men In Black 3
It’s not a sequel that needed to be made, but thanks to the charm of its leads and a tone that harks back to the wit and humour of the original, it’s a pretty enjoyable trip.
Bel Ami
The excellent female support cast saves this patchy effort, which is let down by its leading man and a flat screenplay.
The Dictator
A disappointing, often repulsive and mean-spirited mess of a film with seemingly only one real criterion on its agenda: to shock and offend.
The Woman In Black
Packed with atmosphere, this old-fashioned but deftly told ghost story delivers ample chills and thrills.
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Bridesmaids (Film)
Rating: M
Running Time: 125
Country: USA
Director: Paul Feig
Cast: Rose Byrne, Jon Hamm, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig
Distributor: Universal
Release Date: June 16, 2011
Film Worth: $17.50
FILMINK rates movies out of $20 - the score indicates the amount we believe a ticket to the movie to be worthWhile packed with hilarity, the laughs are always grounded in Kristen Wiig’s heartfelt and utterly relatable performance.
On paper, there's a lot to Bridesmaids for comedy fans to get excited about. For one thing, it's the first collaboration between director Paul Feig and producer Judd Apatow since the short-lived but much loved Freaks And Geeks and Undeclared. Second, it's co-written by and stars Saturday Night Live superstar Kristen Wiig, who lands her first leading role. And here's the good news: it's terrific. While hilariously raunchy, the laughs are always matched by heart and honesty.
Wiig stars as single thirty-something Annie, whose life is stuck in limbo. She's playing sex buddy to her sleazy non-committal co-worker (a scene-stealing Jon Hamm) and barely hanging on to her dead-end job at a jewellery store. When her recently engaged best pal, Lillian (the always terrific Maya Rudolph, whose real life friendship with Wiig translates wonderfully on screen), asks her to be Maid Of Honour, Annie finds herself having to face off against snooty rich girl and fellow bridesmaid, Helen (Rose Byrne in a pitch-perfect comedic performance).
While it's got the gross-out gags and witty banter, this isn't merely an Apatow flick recast with women. This actually represents the female experience for many, with Wiig and writing partner Annie Mumolo finding the tragic humour in women's pre-wedding rituals while also nailing the awkwardness, jealousies and laughs that underpin real female relationships.
As with other Apatow productions, Feig seems content to let scenes roll as long as they're still funny. It's a film that feels loosely structured, but in a very smart way, with a number of scenarios playing out with uncomfortable honesty. Occasionally the comedy threatens to derail, but it never does, because it's always grounded in Wiig's heartfelt and utterly relatable performance, which sees the actress burying Annie's insecurities and disappointments beneath a goofy laugh and brave face. She's absolutely a woman to get behind and root for - just like this film.
