Just Saw...Bridesmaids

via Wikipedia

There are so many film review sites out there that I'm trying to keep my film reviews to a small brief paragraph. My movie reviews will probably sound more scathing than the rest of my posts. I guess I'm pretty critical of movies but I have to say that I really enjoy all movies no matter how "bad", "objectionable", "boring" or "cheesy". I just really enjoy watching movies. Everything is worth a watch in my book but hopefully if you don't feel the same way I can save you your time and a couple bucks with my reviews.

BRIDESMAIDS

For it being called Bridesmaids it sure didn't show enough of them. They set-up the wedding party but the bridesmaids' relationships and interactions never came to fruition. After the first act (which ends on the plane ride) they disappear and then everything focuses on the hapless, loser protagonist/maid of honor, Annie, (played by Kristen Wiig) being very self-centered and jealous of her friend's wedding. Her friend/the bride, Lillian, (played by Maya Rudolph) wasn't likeable either because she would occasionally gloat and make quips about her wonderful life-to-be. The first act was funny with a lot of sight gags and cringe-worthy over-the-top pre-wedding shenanigans. And then the second act wallowed in Annie's self-pity for too long. In the end, Annie didn't have a complete transformation which is fine and honestly realistic but it did seem lame that the beginning of her turn around was getting a new boyfriend, Nathan (played by Chris O'Dowd). Nathan reminded me of a guy who was the nice nerdy guy in highschool and at 30 something he ends up with the girl who had been the semi-popular, guys' girl in highschool that back then would have played him like a yo-yo and ended up with the popular jockey/richie but soft spoken, soulful guy (see Pretty in Pink) but is ultimately dumped after her cake business fails (see Bridesmaids) and now at 30 has few options. Lastly, I don't think this broke new ground for women comedies despite the untypical gross-out aspect. I felt it fell into the same trap that too many movies about women always do; getting the guy is all that matters in the end, no matter what degrading, humiliating self-actualizing stuff you have to do to get him.

Pro

Funny first act, noteworthy pre-wedding scenes, protagonist was funny

Con

Slow second act, the movie was put together sloppily, character interactions were disjointed, the protagonist was pitiful



Recommendation

Save this for Netflix or TV


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Also, I enjoy movie discussions so please feel free to rebuttal if you've seen the movie. Like I said, I'll probably watch this again so I'm open to learn another point of view.