Bridesmaids

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride. Somehow not a single person said this line in a movie titled Bridesmaids. That's okay though, because Kristen Wiig's latest comedy has enough originality and spark that it doesn't need to rely on old cliches.

Annie's (Kristen Wiig) life sucks. She is on the wrong end of middle age with no boyfriend, a job she hates, and twin-British roommates who don't understand the meaning of privacy. Her childhood best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) would probably be in the same position if she weren't marrying rich. But she is, and she asks Annie to be her maid of honor. Annie of course accepts, or else we wouldn't have much of a movie. When Annies meets the rest of the bridesmaids, it is very apparent that Annie is the poor-unhappy one out. One of whom turns into Annie's nemesis. Helen (Rose Byrne) is the wife of Lillian's fiance's boss. She is loaded beyond belief and is doing everything in her power to make Lillian's wedding the best ever. Helen and Annie repeatedly clash over what to do for Lillian's wedding. When Annie's crumbling social life and self esteem start to get in the way of Lillian's happiness, Helen moves in to take over.

Before going to the film I was told Bridesmaids was the female version of The Hangover. That worried me. After seeing it, I think that is an insult to Bridesmaids. Bridesmaids succeeds on every level without traveling to unbelievable land.

Character development is the most important factor of Bridesmaids. The audience spends a considerable amount of time with Kristen Wiig. And even though I hated her in Paul she is wonderful here. She carries the film with subtle, real humor that doesn't require overacting like her many characters on Saturday Night Live. Watching her try to start a relationship with her pig of a bangbuddy (Jon Hamm) is as depressing as a cancer ward. But she does everything with a quirkiness that never lets it get too sad. She weaves her way through relationships, trying to make light of terrible situations and becomes a genuine main character to root for. Only Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph could discuss sex and make it funny for every gender in the audience.

Kristen Wiig is great but Bridesmaids has a whole host of supporting characters that really make the movie enjoyable. Maya Rudolph is always great and I love to pretend that she and Kristen Wiig are best friends in real life just like they are in the movies. They play off each other perfectly, Kristen Wiig: "I bet Helen took you out to get your ***holes bleached!" Rudolph: "She did! AND I LOVE MY NEW ***HOLE." I laughed harder than I'd like to admit.

But Melissa McCarthy steals every single scene she is in. Combining physical comedy and perfect timing make her a female Chris Farley. When the girls get food poisoning inside a really nice wedding dress store (because Annie brought them to a bad restaurant) Melissa runs to the bathroom and finding the toilet taken jumps onto the sink, "It's coming out of me like lava!" It was disgusting but strangely hilarious.

Bridesmaids is incredibly rude and crude. Apatow comedy isn't scared to bend the limits of good taste, but thanks to wonderful performances and character depth in every scene, Bridesmaids distinguishes itself as a great comedy. And after seeing Hangover 2 reviews, I would suggest seeing Bridesmaids instead.

3 1/2 out of 4 stars

-Christopher O'Connell