Add me to the (huge, never-ending) list of people who love the new comedy film Bridesmaids.
Kristen Wiig is in fine form as Annie, a down-on-her-luck single woman whose lifelong best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) chooses as her maid of honour.
While the marketing set me up for a buddy comedy, the story is a lot more about Annie fighting. Fighting for her friendship with Lillian in the face of rich and way-too-perfect bridesmaid Helen (Rose Byrne); fighting to keep herself afloat after she recently lost all her money opening up a now-bankrupt bakery; and fighting her insecurities long enough to keep hold of an awesome new man in her life.
Wiig's portrayal of Annie combines her signature comedic mannerisms and line-delivery with subtle emotion that makes the character real. So real that after an hour and a half of watching her hit new lows, you just want the girl to catch a break.
For the most part, however, Annie's term as bridesmaid keeps you laughing out loud. With a supporting cast of bridesmaids that includes Melissa McCarthy, Ellie Kemper and Wendi McLendon-Covey, the movie's brimming with crass humour, foul language, physical comedy and (perhaps most importantly) finely-tuned characters with chemistry.
Speaking of fine chemistry, can we take a second to recognize the greatness that is Chris O'Dowd as Annie's patrol officer love interest Rhodes? The tall glass of Irishman was cast so well, I fell in love with him from his first appearance.
He also helped contribute to some of the more charming, quieter scenes focused on character interaction that ebbed and flowed through the movie so effortlessly.
Bridesmaids succeeds in bringing a group of talented actors together to portray characters who are both hilarious and genuine. As Annie pursues both friendship and love throughout the movie, you might even find a moment to feel your heart warming between the laughter.