Comedies that include a wedding of any kind typically revolve around the groomsmen and the infamous bachelor party. Rarely do we get to see the bridesmaids’ perspective except for a quick shot of them getting pedicures and such. Bridesmaids aims to change all of that.

Lillian (Maya Rudolph) and Annie (Kristen Wiig) have been best friends for as long as they can remember. Things are about to change though as Lillian is soon to be married. While she is technically the Maid of Honor, Annie feels threatened by newcomer Helen (Rose Byrne). She’s richer, prettier, and currently closer with Lillian. Rather than get along with each other or talk things out, the two decide to play tug of war with the bride-to-be and attempt to be the best bridesmaids ever. Naturally, nothing goes according to plan.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen anything with Judd Apatow’s name on it, especially when just a few years ago it seemed like he was associated with every other comedy. If you’ve seen any of his previous raunchy comedies, then Bridesmaids will come as no surprise. It’s just as joke-driven and humorous as the rest. Paul Feig makes his film directorial debut, and he knocks this one out of the park.

One of the best things about the film is its cast. Sure, SNL veterans Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph are great but it’s the other bridesmaids that steal the spotlight. There’s the cute and innocent Becca (Ellie Kemper) who somehow manages to always be caught in the middle of things. There is also Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey) who seems to be the party animal of the bunch. Then there’s Megan (Melissa McCarthy).

Megan is absolutely hysterical when it comes to being a bridesmaid because she says and does whatever she wants. She isn’t afraid of what other people think of her, and because of it she’s the funniest person on screen and in some cases, the most sincere. Melissa McCarthy will always put a smile on your face, whether she’s stealing numerous puppies from the bridal shower or giving Annie a motivational speech.

With that being said, Bridesmaids isn’t just all about the craziness that ensues when planning a wedding. Towards the middle of the film, things somewhat shift to a more dramatic tone dealing with Annie and the fact that she’s not only growing farther away from her best friend but that she also doesn’t have a man of her own.

Chris O’Dowd plays Nathan, a nice-guy cop who gets entangled in the mess that is Annie’s life. The two hit it off but things get more and more complicated as the film progresses. At times it feels a too serious for a comedy of this type but the cast always manage to bring it around to a lighter note.

Overall, Bridesmaids is smart, charming and will have you laughing uncontrollably for much of the film. The entire cast shines with strong performances by Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, and Chris O’Dowd. If you’re not in the mood for wedding season, you better get ready because Bridesmaids is here to get the party started.

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