Words by Naomi Jeffreys
As the Summer of 2012 approaches, and the summer blockbusters are waiting to be watched all over the country. I thought it would be appropriate to review one of last years blockbuster films.
Bridesmaids (2011) follows the story of Annie Walker, maid of honor to her best friend Lillian. The film follows Annie realising the incompleteness of her life, with many laughs, tender moments and brilliant comic timing.
The film, co -written and starring Saturday Night Live’s favourite repertory player, Kristin Wiig, is brilliant. The film represents the reality of planning for a wedding. Unlike other ‘wedding films’, such as The Wedding Date, which are incredibly formulaic and dull. Kristen Wiig and her co writer, Annie Mumolo are able to weave clever jokes and the question of, how shit is my life compared to my best friend?
Directed by Paul Feig (Knocked Up, This is 40) and Judd Apatow. Who are reponsible for the garish scenes, (the now infamous Bridal Shop Scene) is handled with well, it is funny but not disgusting. This subtle male influence is interesting in the films overall feel.
It is one of those rare things in a film, it is truely ensemble. Kristen Wiig carries the film, and provides many of the emotional weight and side splitting laughs. But, with an excellent supporting cast, Melissa Mccarthy, Ellie Kemper, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne and Wendi Mclendon-Covey and the late Jill Clayburgh all offer a female point of view and many laughs. What is more, each actor does not create a ‘character’ or is a cliche, the characters are real, with real problems and hang ups. Much like the protagonist Annie.
Bridesmaids was released on May 13th 2011, with a budget of $32.5 million and turned over a staggering $288,383,523 at the box office. The film was nominated for many awards, The Academy Awards, BAFTAs and the Golden Globes to name but a few.
With exams in full swing and the thought of summer so close, but yet so far. Treat yourself. Have a break from revision and indulge in a funny film with funny women and brilliant writing.