Bridemaids film review- a chick flick with bite

After a slow start and wondering and where the narrative is leading, Bridesmaids quickly picks up pace with its lovable characters and seemingly straight-forward storyline.

While it can't be compared to the comedy genius that is the Hangover, Bridesmaids offers a chick flick with substance and slapstick humour, which however is sometimes over milked. At the forefront of this is protagonist and maid of honour Annie, who is on a suicide mission to make her life a living hell after her cake business failed and her boyfriend walked out. No wonder, as she is left with a dead end job at her mum's friend's jewellers, sharing a flat with an oddball British brother and sister,  played by Matt Lucas, a Fuck buddy who makes her feel like shit and vying for her best friend's attention, Lilly, who is getting married.

Despite the obvious twists and ups and downs typical of the genre, every female around the world can relate to life biting you in the butt and a friend turning into a bridezilla as soon as she has a ring on her finger.

But what makes the film is the actor's connections and their portrayal of their stereotypical characters, who all bring something to the mix. Suck up Helen is your Olivia Palermo type, she has money but is extremely self-absorbed. Lillian's fiance's sister Megan is the fat and funny one who is a bruiser and somewhat of a liability, whereas Lillian is miss popular. Rita is the rebel of the group and leads shy and impressionable Becca astray, and Annie is the girl next door.

Of course like all chick flicks, the girl gets the guy, friends make-up etc, and they all live happily ever after. If only that was true of real-life?!

My verdict, Bridesmaids is your typical feel good film mixed with a pinch of real-life and dozens of laughs, but while it may be perfect for a Friday night in with the girls, I can't help but wonder if it deserves all the hype from the national media.

The naive teens who get into modelling-CH4's The Model Agency

What does it take to be a Premier model? Over five foot five tall, less than a C cup-over and you’re considered big boned, giving up a regular life and under the strict control of management, who ‘nurture’ girls from the age of 14.

Welcome to Premier modelling agency who are the subject of a new reality documentary on CH4- The Model Agency.

The first episode last night saw the agency’s bookers at their most stressed during the start of fashion week last September. The team, who have model looks and build including the office dogs, are all owner Carole’s friends, and the MD her brother and trainee her daughter, talk about a family business.

Under the spotlight was Head of Faces- Annie, who desperately struggled to convince 16-year-old model India to stay in NYC where she was booked for shows. Annie was even sent to the Big Apple to persuade India from pulling out, despite the teen feeling home sick, jet lagged and having been told she was fat. Not really a life for a confused teen who confessed she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do in life having joined with the agency at 12, so she quit, all the while tearful Annie telling her to not take her decision lightly as she may regret it. And just to find what Premier call a ‘top model’, a ‘rarity’ confesses owner Carole.

Then we were introduced to model scout Charlie, who throughout the one hour show is seen bringing in new potentials and meeting with young girls and their parents, who enter into the industry with their eyes wide shut.

‘It’s a game of poke where girls are the product’, says Carole of the business.