Bridesmaids is a 2011 American comedy film directed by Paul Feig, written by Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig, and produced by Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel, and Clayton Townsend. The story centers around Annie (played by Wiig), who experiences a series of misfortunes after being asked to serve as the maid of honor for her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph). The film also stars Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, and Chris O'Dowd.
The film is known for its combination of the "Chick Flick" and "Raunch Comedy" genres, showcasing women's equal ability to engage in vulgarity, sexual frankness, lust, vulnerability, overdrinking, and insecurity. It was well-received by audiences and critics, with Roger Ebert giving it 3.5 out of 4 stars and praising Judd Apatow's consistent involvement in movies that connect with audiences. The success of "Bridesmaids" is also credited with breathing new life into women's comedy.
Plot
Bridesmaids is a 2011 American comedy film directed by Paul Feig, written by Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig, and produced by Judd Apatow, Barry Mendel, and Clayton Townsend. The story centers around Annie, whose life is a mess, but when she finds out her lifetime best friend Lillian is engaged, she must serve as Lillian's maid of honor. As Annie leads a group of colorful bridesmaids on a wild ride down the path to matrimony, her life unravels even further.
At Lillian's engagement party, Annie meets her fellow bridesmaids, including Lillian's cynical cousin Rita, idealistic friend Becca, and the wild and unpredictable Megan. Annie and the bridesmaids go on a bachelorette party trip to Las Vegas, where they engage in raunchy and hilarious adventures. Annie begins to fear a rival in Helen, the rich and overconfident trophy wife of the groom's boss, who tries to take over the bridal party plans. During a dress fitting, the bridesmaids eat at a Brazilian steakhouse, and everyone except Helen becomes ill with food poisoning. On the day of the wedding, Helen appears on Annie's doorstep, begging for help in finding Lillian, who has gone missing. Annie, Helen, and a reluctant police officer named Nathan search for Lillian and eventually find her at her own apartment.
Annie resumes her place as maid of honor at the wedding, which Helen has arranged to include neon signs, fireworks, and an appearance by Wilson Phillips. After the wedding, Helen apologizes to Annie and hopes they can be friends in the future. Throughout the film, Annie and Nathan, the police officer, develop a romantic connection, and Helen arranges for him to pick Annie up after the wedding.
Trailer
Cast
Main Cast:
- Kristen Wiig as Annie Walker
- Maya Rudolph as Lillian Donovan
- Rose Byrne as Helen Harris III
- Melissa McCarthy as Megan Price
- Wendi McLendon-Covey as Rita
- Ellie Kemper as Becca
- Chris O'Dowd as Officer Nathan Rhodes
Supporting Cast:
- Jill Clayburgh as Judy Walker (Annie's Mom)
- Matt Lucas as Gil
- Rebel Wilson as Brynn
- Michael Hitchcock as Don
- Tim Heidecker as Douglas "Doug/Dougie" Price
- Ben Falcone as Air Marshall Jon
The film also features several brief appearances from notable actors, including:
- Jon Hamm as Ted (Annie's sex buddy)
- Paul Feig (the film's director) as one of the wedding guests (uncredited)
Director: Paul Feig
Writers: Kristen Wiig & Annie Mumolo
Box Office Gross: $306,442,085
Distributors: Universal Pictures
Genre: Comedy
Release date: May 12, 2011