Sheila Maffay-Tuthill reviews 'Bridesmaids'

"Bridesmaids" was a departure from the usual films at the P&G -- a little more mainstream, a little less funky/artsy.  The movie is from producer Jude Apatow, known for gross-out, hilarious movies, usually from a male perspective.

In "Bridesmaids" the women (led by SNL's Kristin Wiig who plays Annie) prove they can do the raunchy humor just as well as the guys. Maya Rudolph, SNL alum, plays Annie's best friend and the bride-to-be, Lillian.  She does a credible job as the straight-woman amidst the nuttiness. When she announces her betrothal plans to Annie, her best friend from childhood, the moment seems genuine and Wiig does a fine job of portraying her characters mixed feelings of happiness, envy, anxiety and frustration over her own tanking love-life.

The news comes during a personal low for Annie -- who has lost her business (recession casualty) and her boyfriend and is near rock bottom.  Annie's mother, played by the late Jill Clayburgh, comes through with dignity and  keeps wondering when her daughter's rock bottom will truly come and be over.

As for Wiig's Annie, she is pretty humiliated in this film, but somehow manages to rise above the sometimes mean-spirited script. The gals go through the Bridesmaid gauntlet with lots of funny mishaps -- and some events will speak loudly to anyone who has ever worn a lavender poofy dress in the service of a dear friend.

The breakout performer is Melissa McCarthy (of "Mike and Molly," "The Gilmore Girls," and Jenny McCarthy's real-life cousin), who brings sweetness to her off-the-rails, sex-crazed character.

Chris O'Dowd is an adorable love interest, who gives Annie something to fight for when everything is falling apart. There is quite a bit of sex here, some bathroom humor, and I think most folks would get more than a few laughs from "Bridesmaids" -- go see it!