Too many of the reviews for "Bridesmaids" have referred to the R-rated comedy as a landmark for female-centric movies. Ignore all that hype.

While it's true the film has a similar tone to the male-driven comedies of Judd Apatow (think "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up"), "Bridesmaids" still fails to overcome what plagues many of the so called romantic comedies that are targeted to female moviegoers. It cuts too many corners in crafting the tone and rhythm of genuine woman-to-woman interaction, leading every conversation to the topic of men or "dream weddings."

However, credit "Bridesmaids" for doing at least one thing right: It's often very funny.

The film follows Annie, played by "Saturday Night Live" star Kristen Wiig (who also co-wrote), a single woman in agony over the loss of her bakery business. When best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) asks Annie to be her maid of honor, Annie begins to feel like her life is off schedule. It doesn't help that she's dirt poor, or that Lillian's rich friend (Rose Byrne) takes over many of the wedding arrangements.

When the story ignores the dueling maid of honor angle, "Bridesmaids has something to say about the crisis of losing once-close friends to the process of growing up. Annie is stuck in a pattern of mediocrity, which feels much worse when compared to friends who have the right job, the right relationship, etc.

Known for some wacky loudmouth characters on "SNL," Wiig is more subdued as Annie, and the humor isn't centered around quips or strange mannerisms. Her standout scene, set on an airplane, works because the erratic behavior builds from a place of character-driven circumstance.

Unfortunately, this multi-layered woman is surrounded by female stereotypes. Byrne takes her character's snootiness to cartoonish levels, and Rudolph's Lillian has an unnecessary princess complex about organizing "the perfect wedding."

Why are weddings in movies so expensive? The nuptials in "Bridesmaids" would probably cost close to a million bucks.

Melissa McCarthy plays the only real standout in the supporting cast. As the crude bridesmaid who loves air marshals and puppy party favors, McCarthy steals every scene ... except an extended food poisoning sequence that should have never made the final cut.

The most similar attribute "Bridesmaids" shares with the male-centric Apatow movies is its unnecessary two-plus hour running length. The movie often drags in both story and humor, leaving Wiig and the rest to slog through the typical romantic comedy trappings.

When compared to "Bride Wars" and similar cinematic embarrassments, "Bridesmaids" is a landmark movie about women. Judged on its own merits, however, it's an enjoyable diversion that falls short of its own reach. To most moviegoers, male and female, that will probably suffice.

Grade: B-

Ticket Stubs is sponsored by the Hayden Cinema Six Theater. Showtimes at www.HaydenCinema6.com. Tyler Wilson can be reached at [email protected].