Bridesmaids (2011)

One microphone, two women who each think they’re the bride’s best friend, and neither one will sit down. That engagement party toast war is Bridesmaids at its sharpest, and Rose Byrne’s Helen smiling through it like a very polite shark is perfect. The problem is the length. At 125 minutes, it keeps going after the jokes have left the room, and the middle turns into a real portrait of someone hitting bottom: no money, a busted taillight and a best friend drifting away. Kristen Wiig plays Annie’s slide with total honesty, which is brave and sometimes rough to sit through. Melissa McCarthy’s Megan steals every scene she walks into. Chris O’Dowd’s Rhodes is the sweetest guy here, and Annie’s showdown with a giant cookie at Helen’s shower is a masterpiece of a grown woman losing it. It made $289.2 million worldwide on a reported $32.5M. A 7.6 because it’s hilarious and honest, just never in a hurry. $53.46 says you give a toast this year and keep it under a minute out of pure fear.

What works: Kristen Wiig and Rose Byrne make every scene between Annie and Helen crackle, and Melissa McCarthy is pure lightning.

What doesn’t: At 125 minutes it runs long, and Annie’s sad middle stretch drags the comedy to a crawl for a while.

Who it’s for: Anyone who has ever been in a wedding party and quietly wanted to fight someone over the seating chart.