Parents' Guide to Bridesmaids

Movie R 2011 124 minutes
Bridesmaids movie poster: A group of bridesmaids in pink and bride wearing white

Common Sense Media Review

S. Jhoanna Robledo By S. Jhoanna Robledo , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Crude but sincere comedy about friendship and confidence.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 17+

Based on 35 parent reviews

Parents say this film is filled with raunchy humor that leaves little to the imagination, featuring explicit jokes and plenty of crude language, which many reviewers feel make it unsuitable for younger viewers. While some find it hilariously entertaining, with memorable scenes and strong performances, others criticize its excessive vulgarity and string of sexual innuendos, believing it detracts from the story's potential depth.

  • raunchy humor
  • unsuitable for kids
  • strong performances
  • mixed reviews
  • memorable scenes
Summarized with AI

age 14+

Based on 83 kid reviews

Kids say the movie is a hilarious comedy that is best suited for older teens due to its crude humor and strong language. Many reviews indicate that while the film delivers laughs and has a great storyline about friendship, it contains inappropriate content, such as sexual references and heavy swearing, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.

  •  
  • hilarious comedy
  • inappropriate content
  • strong language
  • older teens recommended
  • friendship themes
  • crude humor
Summarized with AI

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 not only one of her BRIDESMAIDS, but as the 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 ( 35 ):
Kids say ( 83 ):

Smart, irreverent, and funny, this is the female-centric buddy comedy that audiences have begged for. Bridesmaids has both biting humor and a warm heart, reminding 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. Most of all, it asks us to choose to help ourselves.

Like many comedies, especially edgy ones, not all the gags have withstood the test of time. Weight jokes and toilet humor about "foreign" cuisine causing food poisoning will cue eye-rolling sooner than chuckles. But with female ensembles still sorely lacking among major studio releases, Bridesmaids raucously celebrates its funny women, all of whom have gone on to impressive filmographies.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the humor in Bridesmaids. Did you find it funny? If so, what were your favorite gags? Does the comedy differ from other ensemble comedies you've seen? What's similar, and what's different?

  • How does this movie compare to others about weddings? What role does the media play in portraying the role of weddings in American culture? Do you agree with how weddings are shown in TV and movies, or does reality differ?

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

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

Bridesmaids movie poster: A group of bridesmaids in pink and bride wearing white

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