Flick of The Day: Bridesmaids

Producer Judd Apatow and his various disciples have for better or worse dominated the Hollywood comedy genre for the past decade. On the one hand they have produced some of the most original and funny comedic films for years like Superbad, Knocked Up and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy but then they have also fostered the misbegotten trash that was Year One, Drillbit Taylor and Get Him to the Greek. The hits just about outweigh the misses, thankfully then the latest film to hit the screens is a return to form. Today's flick of the day is Bridesmaids.

Bridesmaids

Written by and starring the always brilliant Kristen Wiig as Annie, a single woman on the wrong side of 30. As the film opens Annie is attempting to exit a one night stand with the truly horrid Ted, played by Jon Hamm of Mad Men fame by climbing over a fence. Of course, nothing goes to plan because nothing in this film ever does and its always hilarious. The plot is just something to hang gags around but such as it is involves Annie's best friend Lillian played by Maya Rudolph getting married. Once Annie meets her fellow bridesmaids, the gags start and just keep on coming. Its a great ensemble piece, with particularly fine turns from rich but vain Helen played with vigour by Rose Byrne and perfectly comic Megan played by a wonderful Melissa McCarthy who steals all the best lines. The film moves from one set piece to another at a steady pace and along the way Annie falls apart, hits rock bottom and meets somebody new, a highway patrol officer played by Chris O'Dowd, perhaps best known for The IT Crowd.

At just over two hours running time, it doesn't feel over long and like all the best weddings, it's a pleasant experience that doesn't live too long in the memory. It derives great humour from the awkwardness of personal embarassments. A particular highlight is the wedding dress fitting where all involved get food poisoning. It's that kind of film and while that may not be to everyone's taste, it certainly seems to go down well at the cineplex.

13-Year-Old Girl in Jewelry Store: You're weird. 

Annie: I'm not weird. OK? 

13-Year-Old Girl in Jewelry Store: Yes, you are. 

Annie: No, I'm not! And you started it. 

13-Year-Old Girl in Jewelry Store: No, you started it! Did you forget to take your Zanax this morning? Annie: Oh, I feel bad for your parents.

13-Year-Old Girl in Jewelry Store: I feel bad for your face. 

Annie: OK... well, call me when your boobs come in. 

13-Year-Old Girl in Jewelry Store: You call me when yours come in. 

Annie: What do you have, four boyfriends? 

13-Year-Old Girl in Jewelry Store: Exactly. 

Annie: OK... yeah, have fun having a baby at your prom. 

13-Year-Old Girl in Jewelry Store: You look like an old mop. 

Annie: You know, you're not as popular as you think you are. 

13-Year-Old Girl in Jewelry Store: I am very popular.

 Annie: [sticks tongue in cheek and mimics fellatio] Oh, I'm sure you are... very... popular. 

13-Year-Old Girl in Jewelry Store: Well, you're an old, single loser who's never going to have any friends.

Annie: You're a little cunt!

Perhaps the best humour is derived from little throw away exchanges and like all Apatow films marries heartfelt sentiment with raunchy comedy and no punches are pulled.

All in all, an enjoyable way to while away a couple of hours and laugh heartily and indeed for 10 quid, who could ask more? Kristen Wiig has a bright future ahead of her I'm sure.