Movie Review: Wiig sparkles in 'Bridesmaids' comedy
"Bridesmaids," a snappy film now playing at the Fandango Galaxy cineplex in Carson City, has been billed as a distant version of "Hangover," but I think that stretches things a bit.
"Bridesmaids" is funny and filled with lots of upchuck scenes and while at times its drags, it is a fine girly romantic comedy, and it introduces Kristen Wiig (Annie), "Saturday Night Live" standout, to a larger audience. She is a fine purveyor of slapstick, mugging and physical tricks and carries an aura of innocence about her, even as she is destroying a pre-nuptial party.
Never mind that she loses her cool completely when in competition with fellow bridesmaid Rose Byrne (Helen Harris) as Wiig is matron of honor who has to resist Byrne's efforts to upstage her. She's bankrupt, works in a jewelry store where she discourages romantic couples from buying rings, is sleeping with a rich sleaze ball where she's No. 3 on his list of makeup gals. And thanks to a faulty taillight she meets and beds a nice Wisconsin cop.
The bridesmaids are an assorted lot with Megan (Melissa McCarthy) the foul-mouthed hefty one of the bunch. Byrne is out to become the bride's best friend, supplanting Annie. Annie and the bride Maya Rudolph (Lillian Donovan, solid in the off-play role) grew up together and are close friends, ergo, maid of honor.
Lots of crude-out scenes mixed in with a lot of one-liners and mugging from Wiig (she's probably she next Tina Fey) and while there are flat spots the laughs win out on the scoreboard.
Pay close attention of a scene between Wiig and McCarthy where a lot of meaningful moments are exchanged; McCarthy is one fine actress and offers advice without being smug.
Judd Apatow is one of the producers and the film bears his stamp, although director Paul Feig runs a tight ship and keeps the helm steady.
Couple of side notes. Wiig co-wrote the script, and in a short but fine cameo Jill Clayburgh makes her final appearance as Annie's artist mother. She died shortly after the film was finished.
The scene of shopping for bridesmaids' gowns will be loved for its pure gross-outed-ness by the kids. Just let it roll by and prepare for the next gag.
— Sam Bauman
Cast
—Kristen Wiig – Annie Walker
— Maya Rudolph – Lillian Donovan
— Rose Byrne – Helen Harris
— Ellie Kemper – Becca
— Melissa McCarthy – Megan
— Wendi McLendon-Covey – Rita
— Jon Hamm - Ted
— Jill Clayburgh - Annie's mother
— Kali Hawk
— Chris O'Dowd - Officer Nathan Rhodes
— Rebel Wilson - Brynn
— Matt Lucas - Gil
— Andy Buckley – Perry Harris
— Nancy Carell – Helen's tennis partner
— Melanie Hutsell – Carol
— Michael Hitchcock – Don
— Tim Heidecker – Dougie
— Matt Bennett - Helen's Stepson
— Terry Crews - Fitness Instructor
Directed by Paul Feig
Produced by Judd Apatow,
Barry Mendel,
Clayton Townsend
Written by Annie Mumolo,
Kristen Wiig, Chris O'Dowd
Music by Michael Andrews
Cinematography Robert D. Yeoman
Editing by William Kerr,
Michael L. Sale
Running time 125 minutes, rated R