REVIEW: BRIDESMAIDS

3/5

Showering all in reception with laughs.

15, 125 Minutes. Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O'Dowd, Jon Hamm & Jill Clayburgh. Director: Paul Feig Screenplay: Annie Mumolo & Kristen Wiig

If you've always been the bridesmaid but never the bride then this is the film for you. Guys you don't have to worry either, this is one ladies-choice, Friday date night film that isn't a chick flick. 'Bridesmaids' is not only one of the funniest films from this years Summer blockbuster season, it's also the best female-fronted movie in years.

A pleasant surprise of humor and heart this movie is as good as people say it is. Billed as the female version of 'The Hangover' this movie is also something refreshingly different from the similar structure of this seasons 'The Hangover Part II' (still an excellent film mind you). Still these maids take the comedic honors as 'Saturday Night Live' alumni Kristen Wiig leads her band of sisters on a wedding plan they or we will never forget.

From the grossest and most inconvenient case of food poisoning, to the most awkward speeches (and you thought you've heard them all), Wiig crashes these wedding plans as hilariously as Vince Vaughan and Owen Wilson. Just try and stop watching when Wiig tries to get O'Dowd's policeman's attention. She's not alone though as woman of the year Rose Byrne adds to her Summer blockbuster, dominant trilogy (see her in 'X-Men: First Class', 'Insidious' and every trailer when you go see a film too) with a bitchy but brilliant performance.

The bride to be (Maya Rudolph) show us more of her comedic styling after last years 'Grown Ups' , while Melissa McCarthy plays the Zach Galifianakis, 'Hangover' role to a tee (golf-gear included). The iconic Jill Clayburgh is also brilliant in her last movie performance (Rest In Peace). The grooms in this movie look and walk the part too, from British, 'The I.T. Crowd' funny man Chris O'Dowd to 'Mad Men's' Jon Hamm, who quite frankly plays a d#@$ to a fine point, nailing it and giving the movie some of it's funniest moments. BOOM!

All in all from the big problems to the big day, to freaking out on airplanes to taking care of business in front of automobiles this is one hell of a funny film. If you don't think it looks like it is, then go see and prove me wrong. Everyone can enjoy this film, it's not just for hen party invitees. With a matrimony of class, crass comedy and a simple, but sweet story this is one proposal for a film for Friday that won't leave you with cold feet. TIM DAVID HARVEY.