Parents' Guide to

Bridesmaids

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Crude but sincere comedy about friendship and confidence.

Movie R 2011 124 minutes
Bridesmaids Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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  • Bridesmaids Movie: Scene #1
  • Bridesmaids Movie: Scene #2

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 37 parent reviews

Mike M.
Mike M. Adult
July 28, 2014
age 15+

Amusing comedy flick never gets old, but is high on sex and swears.

The film opens with a three minute long sex scene (sensitive parts are not shown) that is played for laughs but is quite uncomfortable to sit through. There is another scene where Kristen Wiig's character is carried into the bedroom by a cop, and they make out and begin to take off their clothes -- sex is implied when they wake up in the same bed together the next morning. Moreover, there is a scene where she is in bed with her boyfriend and he touches and squeezes her breasts (she is wearing a bra) while making sexual (yet humorous) remarks. There is a particular scene where two of the bridesmaids kiss. Also, one of them discusses how her husband doesn't satisfy her enough. The film has a generous amount of curse words that are either directed at another character, or as general exclamations (f--k, s--t, bitch... a young girl is called the "c"-word after a heated exchange, a mother yells at her boys and hurls insults at them). At one point in the movie, Wiig's character literally goes insane at her friend's bridal shower and she completely trashes the backyard. Additionally, her rival slips a drug into her drink while onboard an airplane, causing her to become erratic in her behavior. Several scenes take place at a bar, and the characters drink wine and other types of alcohol. In the end, the bridesmaids learn to put their differences aside and remain harmonious for the sake of their friend's wedding day. The characters themselves are not the greatest of role models though, as they display jealous and devious personality traits.
Reid F.
Reid F. Parent
April 14, 2024
age 13+

Friendship is what's important at the end of the day in "Bridesmaids".

See all 37 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Annie (Kristen Wiig) and Lillian (Maya Rudolph) have been friends forever. So when Lillian announces that she's engaged, Annie is happy to serve as her maid of honor. Still, Annie can't help but feel some pain knowing that her best friend is moving in a new direction while she's still single, sharing an apartment with two odd roommates and working a job she doesn't want because her dream bakery went belly up. Even the guy she likes (Jon Hamm) only considers her his "number 3" option. Change needs to happen, and soon -- because if Annie doesn't shape up, she may lose her title as Lillian's bestie to rich, polished Helen (Rose Byrne), who's on the hunt for a new BFF. And the sweet state patrol officer (Chris O'Dowd) who shows Annie that she deserves better in love and life may decide to take a hike, too.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (37 ):
Kids say (97 ):

BRIDESMAIDS should be required viewing for bridal parties and book clubs -- and any other group of women, for that matter. Smart, sassy, and seriously funny, it's the female-centric, irreverent buddy comedy we've needed for ages. (Seriously, why did it take so long?) Biting with humor and generous with heart, Bridesmaids reminds us of the value of true, enduring friendships -- and that we have the power to wriggle our way out of the toughest spots if we let others help and, most of all, choose to help ourselves.

Wiig makes an enormously flawed character likable, while Rudolph turns in a grounded, authentic performance. And their chemistry! They share such an easy rapport that it's totally believable that they're friends for life. Big applause to the writers (one of whom was Wiig) and director Paul Feig, as well: While the bachelorette-party-goes-awry subplot is pretty predictable (though it does produce one hilarious airplane scene) and a few of the characterizations are a little one-note (like Annie's boorish sometime-boyfriend, who's played with gleeful abandon by Hamm), Bridesmaids is ultimately a joy to watch.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how this movie (which some have called "the female Hangover") compares to similar films starring men. Is this kind of humor any less funny when women are the instigators? Do you think it appeals to the same audience?

  • How does this movie compare to others about weddings? What role does the media play in making us think that the wedding is as important as the marriage? Is it important to have a big, fancy, expensive wedding/shower/bachelorette party?

  • How does the movie portray female friendships? Does it seem realistic? Teens: Have you ever gotten caught up in a friendship drama like the one between Annie, Lillian, and Helen? What happened?

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