DVDs in Review

Bridesmaids (2011)

Title: Bridesmaids (2011)

Release date: 14 November 2011

Certificate: 15

Format: DVD, Blu-Ray Triple Play

RRP: DVD £19.99, Blu-Ray Triple Play £26.99

Rating: 5/5

Reviewed by Hayley Merrick

Released in cinemas around the same time as The Hangover 2, Bridesmaids was always going to provoke comparisons between the two and be described as 'The female version of The Hangover', but that's unfair. It's better than The Hangover. Much better.

Undoubtedly one of the funniest films released this year, Bridesmaids follows thirty-something Annie, played by the fantastic Kristin Wiig, who's single, living with a nightmare roommate and stuck in a terrible job after her bakery business went broke.

Everyday she's reminded of her failure as she walks past the boarded up shop on her way to work and the only thing that keeps her going is her sole remaining unmarried friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph).

But Annie's already fragile ego takes a knock when she finds out Lillian is getting married - and she's the maid of honour.

Cue a gang of mismatched bridesmaids, a dress fitting that takes a massive turn for the worst due to an unfortunate bout of food poisoning and a flight to Vegas that has to be seen to be believed.

While the cast list includes Mad Men's John Hamm, Rose Byrne and even Matt Lucas, it's Kristen Wiig's performance that really makes the film, admirably tackling everything from slapstick to subtle satire, sweet romance to lurid innuendo herself, and doing so remarkably well.

An effortlessly funny comedy, Bridesmaids also manages to keep its touching and emotional core, portraying a warmly-convincing and yet consistently hilarious depiction of female friendship throughout.