BACHELORETTE
Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, and Lizzy Caplan star in this comedy about three dysfunctional friends who attempt to leave the past behind while serving as bridesmaids at the wedding of a woman they mocked mercilessly back in high school. As teenagers, Regan (Dunst), Gena (Caplan), and Katie (Fisher) used to call Becky (Rebel Wilson) "Pig Face." Years later, Becky is about to tie the knot and asks her taunting former classmates to join the wedding party. And though Regan is determined to give Becky the ultimate bachelorette bash, tart-tongued Gena has already started partying hard well before the big night, and capricious Katie seems to have her head stuck in the clouds. Later, as the ladies cut loose and the booze begins to flow, a mishap with the wedding dress sends the entire event spiraling out of control, leading to a wild night of debauchery that nobody will ever forget. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Director: Leslye Headland
Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, James Marsden, Adam Scott.
Release Date: Sep 07, 2012
Rated R for Drug Use, Sexual Content and Pervasive Language
Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min.
Genres: Comedy
Review:
Bachelorette is a darkly comedic film that deals with enough dramatics to make for a choppy feel. Writer/Director Leslye Headland peppers her film with enough vitriol to her dramaedy to leave an impression. Her three leads are generally dislikable and overall fairly terrible human beings. Luckily they are played impressively by strong comedic actresses who keep them from being utterly off putting. Kirsten Dunst delivers fine work as the ice queen head of the group. The always dependable Lizzy Caplan and her deadpan delivery make her character more interesting than she actually is. Isla Fisher is still rather adorable as a damaged ditz who bra size is bigger than her IQ. Rebel Wilson is fairly underused and Marsden and Scott mostly relegated to the sidelines. Scott is given the meatiest of the supporting roles with Caplan (a nice Party Down reunion). Leslye shoots an interesting film and directs her actresses with impressive command. Her biggest issue is finding a good rhythm to the film. It never finds a steady feel. It hits its best most consistent marks during its second and final acts. Outside of that the laughs are a bit sparse. The finale feels unearned and too tidy for the characters and general madness involved. Still it’s a film that’s probably closer to The Hangover than Bridesmaid if not nearly as consistent as either of those films.
B-
Isla Fisher and James Marsden are appealing but comedy falls way down my list of things to see in the cinema
ReplyDeleteThis one hasn't come into circulation here yet but it will have to have a mighty trailer to convince me to see it!
So miserable lol!
K :-)
It's a small movie with a limited release here too, it worth a gander, it's not a straight up comedy, darker than that.
DeleteI couldn't believe this was an iTunes rental for $10. That kind of release before it hits limited theaters is a good idea, but the price. Jeez. Haven't seen it yet but like Dunst and Caplan a lot. The fact that this doesn't seem like Bridemaids and is darker is a huge potential plus for me. I'm sure I'll check it out on DVD.
ReplyDeleteThose prerelease prices are pretty steep, I think you'll enjoy it, it's not perfect but still solid, be curious to read your thoughts.
DeleteSounds interesting.
ReplyDeletei agree that the second and third acts are the best, but i actually liked the whole thing. i do think the characters could have been fleshed out more though. i thought gena was the most developed but, you're right, caplan really brought that home.
ReplyDeleteOn first viewing it just played a little choppy to me but I think it's quite an effort from the first time director and cast.
DeleteIt's not as funny as it seems like it should have been, but still has juciy mean-streak to it that works and gives it a bit more bite. Sadly, that bite starts to lessen it's grip by the end and get soft. Good review Daniel.
ReplyDeleteThink we agree on it, it really could have been much better but did have that bite, shame it took a kind of nice turn in the end.
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