Hailed as 'the female Hangover' I was really up for seeing this after watching a trailer, so on a whim one day my friend and I went to see it.
It tells the story of a middle-aged woman, who is called upon by her best friend to be her maid of honour when she becomes engaged. She agrees to the role straight away, only to be hit with constant hurdles due to the other 4 bridesmaids and their differing opinions. Though the characters are slightly stereotyped (there is a tomboy, a religious newlywed, a controlling rich wife and a wild child stuck with a soccer mum's life) the scenarios that come about as a result do all have a certain amount of believability to them, which make it all the more funny.
What I love most about this film is its honesty. It portrays women in a way that isn't mocking, yet is true to real life, a warts and all depiction if you will. The relationships between the characters are highly authentic, and at times I was laughing because what was shown reminded me of a similar situation with my friends, and I think a film that can emote like that is well worth a watch.
The vast majority of characters are played by actors that I am not familiar with, which I think is refreshing in a Hollywood film nowadays. I had seen Rose Byrne (who is superbitch Helen) in a few things (in fact, she is in the latest X-Men film) but the lead character Annie is portrayed brilliantly by Kristen Wiig, who seems to have broken onto the blockbuster scene after numerous appearances on Saturday Night Live, as she was also the leading lady in comedy Paul earlier this year. A particular mention must also go to Melissa McCarthy, who is absolutely hilarious as the groom's sister Megan. There are also some funny faces from the British comedy set, in particular Matt Lucas, and Chris O'Dowd, of The IT Crowd fame. The entire cast slot perfectly together, and there isn't a weak link amongst them.
The way this film differs from other generic female based comedies, is that it isn't afraid to be crude and to-the-point. Like The Hangover, it focuses on showing realistic relationships, rather than ideals. When Annie gets kicked out of her apartment, loses her job and can't get the man she is sleeping with to love her, she isn't sympathised with. A new job doesn't just fall into her lap, and a new house materialise for half the rent. She gets told to man up by her friends, and has to apologise for being such an idiot to the man who truly cares about her. That folks, is much more like real life than any Bridget Jones, and why this film is definitely worth taking the time to view.
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