BRIDESMAIDS (15)
AFTER months if not years of meticulous planning, and agonising decisions about the tiniest details, it’s ironic that abiding memories of a wedding can often be completely out of the control of the bride and groom.
In 2009 cinema audiences shared in the pain of one groom-to-be as he overcame an almighty Hangover to make it to the church on time.
Now, we’re witnesses to the devastation wrought by a blushing bride, her maid of honour and four bridesmaids in Paul Feig’s raucous comedy of errors, which proves that anything the guys can do, the gals can do better.
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s script is an embarrassment of hysterical riches, anchored by winning performances from a talented cast.
Annie (Wiig) used to own her own bakery but she has fallen on hard times and now works as a jewellery saleswoman.
She assuages the pain with occasional no-strings-attached sex with handsome oaf Ted (Jon Hamm), who clearly has no intention of settling down.
Best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) reveals she is getting married and asks a delighted Annie to be maid of honour.
Without two dimes to rub together, organising a bridal shower to remember will be tricky for Annie, especially since one of the bridesmaids is socialite wife Helen (Rose Byrne).
Fellow bridesmaids Megan (Melissa McCarthy), Becca (Ellie Kemper) and Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey) witness the fallout as Annie and Helen vie for Lillian’s affections.
Meanwhile, Annie unexpectedly kindles a tender romance with police officer Nathan Rhodes (Chris O’Dowd).
Bridesmaids is two hours of pure, unadulterated, filthy- minded joy that will have you crying with laughter as it gently tugs our heartstrings.
STAR RATING: ***
