I just got back from seeing Bridesmaids, the new film by Kristen Wiig. It was, indeed, as funny as everyone says. It does, indeed, prove that women can be righteously funny and carry a movie that isn’t a romantic comedy. And the scene in the bridal boutique, was, indeed, gratuitous.
I got a little nostalgic during the film for the old John Hughes movies of my youth. Funny, relevant, and full of the kind of characters whose counterparts populated my high school. This movie was the same: the good looking asshole, the cute nice guy who isn’t finishing first, the loving crazy mom whose house isn’t perfect, and the really rich chick whose life isn’t as fabulous as you think it is. Even the ending reminded me of 16 Candles.
When my brain was still maturing, I loved seeing movies by Hughes. I felt as if my experience as a teen was validated by an adult who got it. My reaction to Bridesmaids isn’t as heartfelt — perhaps because as a teen, everything feels huge. But it’s one of the first comedies I’ve seen that comes close. Its emotions rang true, the experience of many of the characters had parallels in real life, and aside from the caricature-like characters played by John Hamm and Rose Byrne, they looked like real people.
It passed the most important test, too: totally worth ten bucks a ticket.
I love Hughes films! I just posted about these from a music standpoint at http://depressioncookies.blogspot.com/2011/05/melodies-marketing-music-videos.html. I’m even more excited to see Bridesmaids after your review! My husband said I could even twist his arm (he’s hoping it’s even half as funny as Hangover, which I haven’t even seen yet).
I really want to see this movie! Also I like to have mom/daughter days with my 13 year old, especially since the baby was born. Is it teen-friendly?
No. Raunchy sex scene at the start (that is HI-larious). But if you could keep her from seeing that, the rest is fine! Go with your girlfriends, anyway. It speaks to adults way more than kids. She wouldn’t get half of why it’s funny.
Just saw it this weekend with my husband. The scenes that were funny were hilarious, but there were stretches I wished for more. The scene where they were trying on dresses after Brazilian food was one of the funniest I’ve seen!