Bridesmaids

Judd Apatow has done it again, but this time from a distance as the producer with long time friend Paul Feig taking the shot at the big screen. Paul Feig is better known as a writer going back to his days with "Freaks and Geeks". With a cast that includes Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph from "Saturday Night Live"; Ellie Kemper from "the Office"; Melissa McCarthy from "Mike & Molly" and "Gilmore Girls"; and Wendi McLendon-Covey from "Rules of Engagement" you know it is going to be funny. You knew what you were going to get from the comedians in the cast, but the wild card was Rose Byrn who was most recently seen in the horror film "Insidious".

The film is being hyped as a female version of "the Hangover" and that could not be further from the truth. "Bridesmaids" is a chick-flick that guys will want to see. The jokes are not from a guy's locker room, but instead the ladies locker room. You wouldn't hear a joke about watching tennis compared to a tampon commercial in "the Hangover", but in "Bridesmaids" it fits perfectly and gets the response intended. However, the signature from Judd Apatow and Paul Feig isn't being forgotten with the food poisoning scene that leads to a lot of gross-out humor.

I think my one big complaint about the movie is the casting, which is awesome. My problem is that I find it a little less believable to see the more mature ladies in their mid/late-30's in these roles. The story is more fitting of a character in their mid/late-20's (e.g. "Something Borrowed"). However, the younger actors couldn't deliver the comedy the way that Kristen Wiig does. In the end it works, but just a small complaint.

Anytime a movie like this is put together with a large ensemble cast, the cameo appearances from friends of the cast are almost as fun to spot. The scenes involving Matt Lucas are hilarious, while everyone will hate the character created by John Hamm. I cannot wait for more of America to know who Matt Lucas is, because he is extremely funny. However, not to be outdone the scene stealer has to go to Melissa McCarthy. I have never watched an episode of "Mike & Molly", but I may have to check it out now.

The story is predictable and at times runs a bit long. Overall the film delivers where it needs to and is my favorite comedy of the year. Even though I will over give it 3 Quacks, I still hope that everyone will go see this one and stick around into the credits for yet another bonus scene (that is entirely not necessary).

(screening date 5/10/11, release date 5/13/11, location AMC Mazza Gallerie)

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