BRIDESMAIDS

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Kristen Wiig is a comic genius. Her performance as Annie, a thirtysomething woman whose life is in a tailspin, is ridiculously funny. We're talking virtuoso stuff here. Wiig co-produced and co-wrote "Bridesmaids" in conjunction with Judd Apatow. "Bridesmaids" joins the ranks of Apatow's "Knocked Up" as a hearty romantic comedy rooted in naturalism.

There's a level of believability and sincerity to the characters that grabs on a never lets go. You can't help but connect with Wiig's Annie. The cake bakery she owed and operated is out of business. Her British roommate's sister has moved into her apartment on an endless vacation. The guy Annie sleeps with (John Hamm) treats her with insulting disregard. But the most upsetting event in Annie's life comes when her best friend since childhood Lillian (Maya Rudolph) gets engaged and assigns Annie as her maid of honor.

Annie's flagging self-esteem sinks when she encounters Helen (Rose Byrne), wife to the boss of Lillian's betrothed guy. Wealthy Helen makes no bones about upstaging Annie at every opportunity in an obvious power play to usurp Annie's maid of honor role. An especially hilarious sequence at a pre-wedding party Helen throws, features dueling speeches between the newly-matched rivals. The humor zings and builds to a perfect crescendo. You've got see what Wiig can do with facial expressions. 

The gags skew over the top frequently. A bridesmaids lunch at a restaurant Annie chooses, delivers a dose of food poisoning to each woman except for Helen, a vegetarian. Unsightly bodily functions erupt at an elite dress boutique where the women pick out their expensive gowns. Melissa McCarthy spices things up in a neat game of supporting character surprises as Megan, an overweight bridesmaid with a sturdy lust for life. 

"Bridesmaids" is all about tone and character development. There's a point when you suddenly realize you've come through Annie's maturing process with her. Here is a romantic comedy with body and soul. The laughs go deep.

Rated R. 120 mins.