‘Pitch Perfect’ alumni Rebel Wilson and Anna Camp reunite in a hilariously awkward, action-packed adventure directed by Simon West.
An entertaining mix of action and comedy, ‘Bride Hard’ doesn’t take itself seriously and writers Shaina Steinberg and Cece Pleasants appear to have indulged every creative whim – regardless of how ludicrous the idea seems – in the creation of the script. The result is a film jam-packed with cringe-worthy moments, downright weird characters and over-the-top action sequences which don’t just push the boundaries of believability, they obliterate them; creating a viewing experience which is (at times) so ridiculous its entertaining.
Drawing on her comedic heritage, Rebel Wilson embraces the chaos of her role to deliver a hilarious performance as Sam, a secret agent whose skills are put to the test when armed mercenaries take over her childhood best friend Betsy’s (Camp) lavish wedding. Armed with a hair straightener and some killer heels, Sam embarks on a solo rescue mission, throwing punches and delivering quick-witted one-liners all in the name of saving her best friend.
Anna Camp is equally entertaining as Betsy and the natural chemistry between herself and Wilson allows both actresses to bring a sense of authenticity to their characters' friendship. Anna Chlumsky delivers a slightly unhinged performance as Betsy’s soon to be sister-in-law Virginia while Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Gigi Zumbado are hilarious as Betsy’s bridesmaids Lydia and Zoe. With his deep, gravely voice and stone-faced demeanour, Stephen Dorff delivers an impressive performance as mercenary leader Kurt, while Justin Hartley is adorably awkward as Chris.
At its core, ‘Bride Hard’ explores themes of friendship, loyalty and embracing change but these are often overshadowed by the over-the-top action sequences and impressive explosions. The film's use of cringe-worthy monologues and tongue-in-cheek humour leads to some seriously awkward interactions which left me feeling secondhand embarrassment for the characters involved, and the talented cast deserve recognition not just for their memorable performances; but for their unwavering ability to keep a straight face in the presence of growing absurdity.
With enough action to keep thrill-seekers entertained and plenty of laughs to be found, ‘Bride Hard’ is a quirky, fun way to escape reality for a few hours.
