by Jesus Ibarra

Special coupon for Dinuba Platinum Theatre at the end of this review.

Seeing the trailer for Bridesmaids you would a expect a super raunchy comedy with female leads instead of male ones, but when you see the film you realize it’s another one of Judd Apatow’s films like 40 Year Old Virgin, Superbad, and Funny People that is hilarious but also sweet and a study of friendships. Only this time the light is on women’s friendships instead of male ones. But don’t let that fool you, this film is still raunchy and earns its R rating.

An all-lead female cast led by Kristin Wiig, who also co-wrote the script, Bridesmaids will have you laughing, cheering, and maybe a little weepy. Annie (Kristin Wiig) who has hit a rough patch in her life after her bakery was a casualty of the recession, suddenly is tasked with being her childhood friend, Lillian’s (Maya Rudolph), maid of honor and has to figure out how to do it successfully all while her personal life begins falling apart. Add to that having to contend with the other four bridesmaids: Helen (Rose Byrne) the wealthy wife of Lillian’s fiancé’s boss and Annie’s new rival; Becca (Ellie Kemper), a newlywed who loves marriage; Megan ( Melissa McCarthy), the unpredictable sister of the groom; and Rita (Wendi McLendon), a relative who is dissatisfied with her marriage and three sons.

Annie struggles throughout the film–competing for Lillian’s friendship with her new frenemy Helen, being kicked out by her roommates, losing her job, and being in a self loathing relationship with a man who only uses her for sex. I went in expecting a raunchy no holds bared film of gags led by a favorite of mine Kristin Wiig, and was pleasantly surprised that a film with a long and thoroughly shown gag about food poisoning had a lot of heart. What’s even more surprising to me is that this film is like many of Judd Apatow’s films, but this time from the perspective of the woman. Instead of a charming chick who kind of redeems the guy character and is perfect for him; we get a charming guy who redeems Wiig’s Annie.

The film does a lot of hit or miss jokes, but the performances and the portrayals of friendships more than make up for it. It is a female driven comedy that can still make guys laugh and it should. I hope this movie starts a trend where others have failed: women can be funny and stars on their own. Towards the end of the film, I was silently wishing “The girl has to get the guy!” and no other movie I have seen, not even rom-coms with female leads, have had me saying that. So if you want to watch a raunchy heartwarming story of friendship, skip the Hangover 2 and go see Bridesmaids. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Bridesmaids is now playing at Dinuba Platinum Theatres 6. Showtimes can be found on their website.

Print this coupon and enjoy a special discount for Kings River Life readers only!

Jesus Ibarra is 18 years old and an ongoing contributor to our Teen Talk section; with a love of all media, he’s always on the lookout for the best finds.