Bridesmaids (2011)

directed by Paul Feig

starring Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne

I was really excited to see this movie. It was written by Kristen Wiig, getting glowing reviews, and had started a discussion about women in comedy. In fact, I read quite a bit of feminist analysis of Bridesmaids before seeing it - including one or two articles that weren't quite so ecstatic. I was anxious to weigh in on the debate, and see what was happening for myself.

But honestly, I don't feel like talking about feminism after watching this. I wasn't thinking 'What a Great Movie About Women' while watching Bridesmaids. I was thinking: What a Great Movie. Period. It hardly crossed my mind that this movie was somehow different or special because the main characters were all female. It was just...funny. They were just people.

But I know women aren't 'just people' in Hollywood yet - they're a vast minority among protagonists and, even as supporting characters, often only serve as accessories in the men's lives. The Bechdel Test shows that much. (Caution: TV Tropes ahead.) But for once, I'd like to talk about a movie outside of the context of gender - because that's how Bridesmaids presented itself. And that is a great accomplishment.

Okay, we're going to try out bullets again:

• I already mentioned how funny and well-written this movie was. Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo (writers) did an excellent job of developing the relationships between the main characters. All of them were clearly thought out - I found myself wanting more time with Rita and Becca, two supporting bridesmaids who didn't get the same screen time but who remained developed and hilarious. Rhodes was adorable and slightly awkward as the love interest, and they nailed the chemistry.
• Annie was thoroughly messed up and had a messed up life to match; her decisions didn't make any more sense than the way her world crumbled around her. I loved that she did stupid things, confused by her past experiences and trained not to trust anything that appeared genuine. It was interesting and honest in a movie also populated by diarrhea jokes.
• The story of new friend/old friend drama might be labeled stereotypically feminine, but it also ached of reality. I'm probably appreciating theme way more than I should in this movie, but its exploration of change and growth in adult life - both toward unfamiliar privelege and unexpected brokenness - won't hurt its appeal.

This movie probably isn't in the running for Instant Classic, but it's an excellent entry of R-rated Apatow-brand comedy. The fact that I saw this movie in a packed theater on a Thursday night is a testament to that.

I can't end before mentioning: The Break-Every-Driving-Law-Possible scene is my personal submission for Crowning Moment of Funny. Still laughing.

Coming Soon: Hamlet, Notorious, Vertigo, Pulp Fiction