Trailer Wednesday: Bridesmaids and Larry Crowne

Trailer Wednesday is about to give some rare love to the romantic comedy, but I wouldn’t toss either of these films squarely under that title. “Bridesmaids” has been earning glowing festival reviews, being described as the female “The Hangover” and “Larry Crowne” stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, which is anything but typical.

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Bridesmaids

It’s time, once and for all, to end any notion that when it comes to cinema, women aren’t funny. “Bridesmaids,” if it earns big bucks, could hopefully change that and all future female-targeted movies with Kristen Wiig as the poster woman leading the way.

Paul Feig, successful TV director of several episodes of “The Office” and “Arrested Development” as well as creator co-creator of “Freaks and Geeks,” directs a script from Wiig and Annie Mumolo. Wiig co-stars with former SNLer Maya Rudolph, who plays her friend soon to be married. Wiig plans and coordinates the festivities to somewhat disastrous effect and must also deal with her own life issues. Rounding out the bridesmaids are Rose Byrne (“Get Him to the Greek”), Ellie Kemper (“The Office”), Melissa McCarthy (“Gilmore Girls,” “Mike & Molly”) and Wendi McLendon-Covey (“Reno 911!”).

Wiig has been overdue for breaking out into recognizable stardom. She’s been prolific but never really owned anything until now. The rest of the ensemble flies under-the-radar as well, which worked out really well for “The Hangover” not to draw too many comparisons. “Bridesmaids” comes to theaters on May 13.

Bridesmaids Trailer

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Larry Crowne

Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts in a rom-com? Is this the ’90s? I don’t know what’s going on, but how can you not wonder what these two are up to together? Well, interestingly enough, “Larry Crowne” marks the second feature film from director … Tom Hanks. The “That Thing You Do” director also wrote the script with his friend, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” star Nia Vardalos.

“Larry Crowne” doesn’t have much a plot summary right now, but from what the trailer tells us, Hanks plays the title role of a slightly clueless but charismatic middle-aged man laid off his job and forced to take classes to earn a degree if he wants to get better work. He attends a public speaking class taught by a bit a malcontented Julia Roberts and the two somehow connect and life is changed, yadda yadda. No sense of conflict, but how bad could this movie be? Taraji P. Henson also co-stars.

“Crowne” comes this summer, July 1.

Larry Crowne Trailer