All the buzz about “Bridesmaids” has focused on the chromosomes of its cast. Though it’s produced by Judd Apatow, Hollywood’s reigning king of comedy, questions remain: Will men go to see a film focused on women? And will it actually be funny? That these questions are even being asked, let alone asked by just about everyone writing about the film, says something about the current place of women in Hollywood. They’re also silly questions: Kristen Wiig is an exceedingly attractive woman and arguably the most talented cast member on “Saturday Night Live.”
She co-wrote the script and stars as Annie, a thirtysomething woman who becomes maid of honor when her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph, an “SNL” alum), gets engaged. Annie doesn’t seem to mind too much that Lillian’s life is charmed, while her own seems cursed: She’s been working retail since the bakery she founded went out of business and her only romantic attachment is with a man (Jon Hamm) who doesn’t know the meaning of the word “attachment.” Then the only good thing in her life — her friendship with Lillian — becomes endangered thanks to one of the bridesmaids. Helen (the deliciously destructive Rose Byrne) is everything Annie is not, successful in any endeavor she pursues. And it seems she’s now aiming to be Lillian’s best friend.
| On screen |
| ‘Bridesmaids’ |
| 4 out of 5 stars |
| Stars: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne |
| Director: Paul Feig |
| Rated: R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout |
| Running time: 125 minutes |
Annie is her own worst enemy, though. “Bridesmaids” is a raunchy R-rated comedy — it is Apatow after all — but it’s a rare one that hits close to home. Like all too many women, Annie is self-destructive, too battered by life to risk any more of her heart. It’s a shame, because a cute cop (Chris O’Dowd, a star of the hilarious British comedy “The IT Crowd”) is rather attracted to this lovely woman who doesn’t realize she’s attractive.
I’ve given the details of the plot, but it all comes off much funnier in the film than it does on the page. This isn’t a touching drama about female friendship. It’s a laugh-out-loud funny film about love, sex, envy, anxiety, and, yes, female friendship. The movies Apatow writes feel like a happy ending has been slapped on, as a way to leaven their coarseness.
“Bridesmaids” is, in equal parts, bawdy and authentic, all the way through.
