Bridesmaids
2011
****
Director: Paul Feig
Cast: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Chris O'Dowd, Jill Clayburgh
The 30-something Annie is always a bridesmaid, but never a bride. Now that her best friend is about to get married, Annie struggles to put on a brave face when her own life is falling to pieces. This sounds like a horribly formulaic setting for a romantic comedy, but the screenplay by Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig steers clear of clichés. Unlike most films in this genre, this one doesn't feel compelled to fix all of its heroine's financial, professional and romantic problems. By the end, Annie still doesn't quite know what she wants. But most importantly, this comedy is wonderfully acted and laugh-out-loud funny. For the most part, the jokes are smart and poignant, but since it's produced by Judd Apatow, the film cannot avoid the occasional gross-out moment.
