Bridesmaids and Pity Parties

* SPOILERS ALERT*

All hail Kristen Wiig, c0-writer and lead actress of this really entertaining indie rom-com. It's just such an honest depiction of female friendships in their natural, loving and ugly way. It sets up all the things a girl is supposed to feel about her best friend's engagement - i.e. shared happiness and selflessness versus the envious, selfish, pity-party that ensues. But it's also not so simple... not black and white, jealous and not. The film so cleverly expresses the complexity of feeling two completely opposite emotions simultaneously - a talent (I suspect) only women have.

While I would be over the moon that my bestie has that beautiful ring on her finger, I couldn't help but feel like complete crap if I was sort-of single (except for being that one hot guy's lucky number 3 girl), not to mention in a dead-end job, living with and paying rent for a pair of dirty English siblings who invade my privacy and then 'invite me to not live with them anymore'. Not to mention that big failure of a joint venture - the bakery - which left me without the partner (boyfriend), without the bakery, and without any money. Only person left is my mother, who attends AA meetings because she'd probably be an alcoholic if she'd ever tasted alcohol. #nutter.

Then again, if I had that ring on my finger, surely it is my duty to flaunt it, and be the envy of every woman I know. Surely, its my right to demand my bestie to suck it up and be happy for me. I've found the love of my life - he's wealthy, willing to love me and willing to keep me for a lifetime or so. Surely that's something to celebrate. And if I make another bestie in the process of my engagement - that's allowed? It's my special time. This is my princess moment... I'm allowed to have my two besties compete over me and try to win my attention. So what if I always go with the one who spoils me more... It's my turn to be at the centre.

The best scene has to Melissa McCarthy's (Gilmore Girls, Mike & Molly) character Megan, kicking the living crap out of Annie and her pity party. We all need a good friend to tell us when its time to stop the sulking.

The best thing about this film has to be its progressiveness. Type cast - yes... but a mixed raced lead/supporting actress, no loyalty to the traditional size 0 models usually found in rom-coms. No disillusions about prince charming - the good men are chubby or quirky, and the hot men - are bad for you, and not that hot! (You can do better). No happily ever afters with the married couples, and those that pretend they are... are severely punished in the end, by their own loneliness and insecurity. Love it!

Quotes....

Bridemaid to Maid of Honour: Why can't you be happy for me and then go home and talk about me behind my back like a normal person?

Maid of Honour to Bridesmaid: This is the first time I've seen you look ugly, and that makes me happy!