In the Mouth of Movie Madness - Bridesmaids

The summer movie season trails into its second week so that means another late night of cinema and a pair of bags under my eyes in the morning.  The price cinephiles pay for entertainment can be brutal.  Instead, of subjecting readers to a review of another high-octane 3D action movie that looks far less superior than Thor, I figured let's switch it up a little bit.  This summer alone will have me wearing enough 3D glasses so let us focus our attention to a newly released 2D comedy.  Yes, Hollywood is still actually making films in the traditional 2D format, believe it or not.

From producer Judd Apatow (The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up) comes the appropriately titled wedding comedy Bridesmaids.  Annie (Kristen Wiig who takes on double duty on this film as the co-screenwriter) is selected as maid of honor for her best friend Lillian's (Maya Rudolph) wedding.  Low on cash and longing for love, Annie takes on the task while juggling the madness of her duties with a unique group of fellow bridesmaids.  The supporting cast is rounded out by Rose Bryne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, Matt Lucas, Rebel Wilson and Jill Clayburgh in her final film role.  To be honest, none of the major studio pictures that were being released this week excited me at all including Bridesmaids.  I've had absolutely no interest in seeing Priest 3D since its early days of production and after seeing trailers for Bridesmaids, I quickly dismissed it as The Hangover but with chicks.  I know plenty of people get swept up in the marketing campaigns that state "from the producer of Knocked Up & Superbad" and quickly begin spreading the word that they want to see the new movie from the guy that made The 40 Year Old Virgin.  This tactic can rub me the wrong way sometimes because casual moviegoers confuse the producer and director roles on a movie.  Often times, the director who's the person actually on set everyday and creating their vision get overshadowed in order for more movie tickets to be sold by attaching the better known producer's name.  I understand the financial reasons for doing these things but it's a shame to not see a talented creator receive his due especially when it is well deserved.  In the case of Bridesmaids, although I dismissed the film as not looking really special and not buying into the" Judd Apatow's name is on it so it has to be funny" campaign, I rolled the dice and took a chance on it anyways.  In short, I am beyond pleased that I did!

Bridesmaids was a hysterical adult comedy that had me cracking up from the first frame all the way to the end credits.  I tip my hat off to star and screenwriter Kristen Wiig as well as co-screenwriter Annie Mumolo for delivering a terrific debut comedic effort.  Writing comedy and having it sound funny on paper is hard enough, but being able to turn those ideas into a living, breathing entity by a talented cast is like hitting the jackpot as a creator and especially for an audience.  Bridesmaids manages to offer dialogue between the characters that not only feels natural but also leaves you cracking up every other line.  The film is a crude, foul-mouthed laugh-fest when it needs to be and also brings it together to sprinkle just enough drama without ever getting overly sappy.  This my fellow movie maniacs is how comedies and a nicely packaged story are put together all in one.  The trailers for the film certainly make it out to look like a Hangover knock-off which is too bad because this film stands tall on its own legs.  My initial complaints for not wanting to see Bridesmaids were for what seemed to be an unoriginal take on wedding shenanigan's.  That said, after Wedding Crashers, Bride Wars, The Hangover and The Hangover Part II due in theaters May 26th all within the last few years, one has to question at this point, how unique can you get with the idea of weddings as the backdrop?  We're not going to see films like these in hopes to spot next year's Oscar nominees instead we're hoping to laugh for 90 minutes straight and in the case of Bridesmaids you certainly won't walk away disappointed. 

Director Paul Feig's involvement is another driving force that made Bridesmaids a comedy to not be missed this summer.  Although, not a household name like Judd Apatow, Feig is the creator of arguably one, if not the best, television series made within the last 15 years, Freaks and Geeks.  After, that show's unfortunate short-lived run, Feig has directed episodes of Arrested Development, Nurse Jackie and The Office.  Bridesmaids marks Feig's first feature-film since 2006's Unaccompanied Minors.  Feig has hit a home run with Bridesmaids and his collaborative efforts with Judd Apatow dating back to Freaks & Geeks certainly prove that this duo create comedy magic together that audiences can hope to see continue in the coming years.

In closing, Bridesmaids is a top-notch riot that will leave you laughing to yourself as you walk out of the theater.  The hysterical performances leave you wanting more of these lovely ladies which would be a-okay with this reviewer.  While comparison's to The Hangover will be made and it dissuades you from wanting to see it, think again!  Chalk up another hit for Apatow and Feig as they continue to mark their territory as the best of the best in today's comedy world.  In a summer stacked with comedic competition including The Hangover Part II, Bad Teacher, Horrible Bosses, The Change-Up and more, Bridesmaids is a definitely a grade A comedy to not be missed.  Although, it may make you second guess your choice in being a maid of honor.

Bridesmaids is playing now in theaters