Bachelorette

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Lizzy Caplan, Isla Fisher
Written by: Leslye Headland (debut)
Directed by: Lesyle Headland (debut)

After spending a few weeks on the VOD circuit, the adult comedy “Bachelorette” finally makes its way into theaters.  In “Bachelorette,” old friends Regan, (Kirsten Dunst) Gena, (Lizzy Caplan) and Katie (Isla Fisher) are invited to be in the bridal party for their friend Becky’s (Rebel Wilson) wedding.  After derailing Becky’s low-key bachelorette party, Regan, Gena and Katie go out on the town and meet up with the guys and their bachelor party for Round Two.

As expected, the film delivers on its promise of debauchery with the bachelor/bachelorette party escalating into a night full of sex, drugs and bodily fluids.  Unfortunately, director Leslye Headland relies too heavily on trying to push the limits without a strong script and the film finds itself falling short on laughs.  One of the primary problems with “Bachelorette” is that most its characters are completely insufferable and irredeemable people.  Dunst’s character in particular is shrewd and grating, almost to the point where one might wonder how she has any friends to begin with.  The failure to create likeable characters is particularly disappointing considering the talent of the cast members.  The very funny Fisher is a complete waste in the film as she spends most of it being incoherently wasted in many unfunny scenes.  Though Caplan is the best and funniest member of the female cast, even she struggles to truly elevate the film from the constrictions of the material.

Due to its female-centered principal cast and taking place in the world of weddings,  “Bachelorette” will likely garner comparisons to “Bridesmaids.”  Where as “Bridesmaids” skillfully balanced gross-out humor with strong character relationships and great dramatic moments, “Bachelorette” is decidedly one-note.