'Bad Teacher' vs. 'Bridesmaids'

By Sarah Sluis

Bridesmaids and Bad Teacher have a few things in common. They both star females, and their main focus is comedy, not romance. But while Bridesmaids was a runaway success, I have more modest expectations for Bad Teacher. I think the movie has more obvious appeal for men, but Cameron Diaz's comically unlikeable character could alienate some viewers, depending on their sense of humor. What follows is a rundown of the two movies' takes on the genre.

Precursor of
Bridesmaids: The Hangover
Bad Teacher: Bad Santa

Leading Lady
Bridesmaids: Relatable loser.
Bad Teacher: That girl you hate.

Is the overweight sidekick one of the best characters?
Bridesmaids: Yes. Melissa McCarthy owns as a fierce tomboy.
Bad Teacher: Yes. Phyllis Smith plays an endearing teacher who wants to be friends with Diaz, but not if she has to break--oh no--rules.

Most awkward coupling
Bridesmaids: Unclothed.
Bad Teacher: Clothed.

Does the woman ditch the loser and end up with Mr. Right (now)?
Bridesmaids: Yes, a too-nice police officer who puts up with her bad behavior and initial lack of interest.
Bad Teacher: Yes, a too-nice gym teacher who puts up with her bad behavior and initial lack of interest.

Police are called when�
Bridesmaids: You do drugs on a plane
Bad Teacher: You hide drugs in a false bottom of your desk

Most "guy" movie moment
Bridesmaids: Food poisoning at a bridal shop.
Bad Teacher: Daisy Duke outfit at the car wash.

Most "girl" movie moment
Bridesmaids: Pretty much all the one-on-one dialogue between Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph.
Bad Teacher: Seeing Diaz's red-soled Christian Louboutins scoured off due to wear. A fashion tragedy for the "Sex and the City" set.

Bridesmaids opened to $26 million and currently has over $140 million in the bank. Bad Teacher, which opens tomorrow, is aiming for a similar debut, though I doubt it will have the legs of Bridesmaids. At least from where I was sitting, both movies provided plenty of laughs for their running time, one of the most important tests for a comedy.