Cara Nash
Straight off the bat, there was a lot about Bridesmaids for comedy fans to get excited about. For one thing, it was the first collaboration between director, Paul Feig, and producer, Judd Apatow, since the short-lived but much loved TV series, Freaks And Geeks and Undeclared. Secondly, it was co-written by and starred Saturday Night Live superstar, Kristen Wiig, who landed her first leading role. True to its pedigree, the film is terrific, and it scored instant classic status. Essentially, while hilariously raunchy, the laughs are always matched by heart and honesty.
Kristen 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). Though filled with funny ladies, it was Melissa McCarthy who proved to be the film’s breakout, scene stealing star. As Megan, the big talking, no-nonsense sister of the groom – who doesn’t quite click with the rest of the bridal party – McCarthy is outrageous but also wonderfully warm, and the film quickly propelled her into leading lady land.
While it’s got the gross-out gags and witty banter, this isn’t merely a Judd Apatow flick recast with women. Bridesmaids 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. Bridesmaids 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.
