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“Bachelorette,” a comedy of a bridal party gone wrong starring Kirsten Durnst and James Marsden, may at first conjure up vivid flashbacks of the blockbuster hits “The Hangover” and “Bridesmaids.”

Though it contains the requisite ingredients of a female romcom, beneath the slick Manhattan scenery lies a dark message of damaged lives, fueled by drugs and despair.

The story line follows four friends a decade removed from high school: smart, successful Regan (Kirsten Dunst), dumb but beautiful Katie (Isla Fisher), edgy and sarcastic Gena (Lizzy Caplan), and fat jovial Becky (Rebel Wilson).

They come together to celebrate Becky’s unlikely wedding to Dale (Hayes MacArthur) a handsome and successful man. All except Becky are unhappy, unfulfilled, and supremely negative: about their friends, each other and their lives.

During the ensuing bachelorette party, insults fly, drugs are snorted and a dress is ruined. The movie’s final hour is spent in a race to fix the bridal gown in the wee hours before the wedding, and perhaps repair some relationships along the way.
However, it’s hard to really care.

The movie never attains the lighthearted and good-natured vibe of its rivals. Instead of the power of love’s redemption and enduring friendship, the movie’s message focuses on the jealousy permeating among four friends. The stereotype of women ruled by narcissistic jealousy reigns supreme. With the exception of fat Becky, you wouldn’t eat lunch with any of these girls in the BCC much less have them in your wedding.

For example, when ejected from the bachelorette party, Regan and Katie chose to mock their absent overweight friend by jamming themselves into her gown together, while Gena takes a picture to post on Facebook. The mean-spirited glee which the three exhibit causes one to squirm awkwardly in one’s seat, not knowing whether to laugh or feel ashamed. Of course, certainly not to the viewer’s surprise, the dress ultimately rips and the plot line moves on from there.

These three self proclaimed “B-Faces” are ultimately unlikeable: Regan spends most her time on screen seeking praise, promoting her philanthropic involvement for personal gain and whining that she “has done everything right.” Gena uses her quick wit to suppress her pain about a previous abortion and pretends not to care, using sarcasm, crude language and cocaine as a shield.

Though Isla Fisher is presented as the loveable idiot, her character is truly tragic. She almost sleeps with men whose names she cannot recall, and when her own substance abuse problem causes her to narrowly escape the emergency room and a stomach pump, she declares her intention to stop. But the viewer cannot be completely sure that she’ll make due on her promise.

In contrast, and with the exception of Trevor, the men seem far more evolved. Clyde sincerely struggles to atone for his past missteps with ex-girlfriend Gena; Joe, a friend of the group, genuinely cares for Katie, refusing to take advantage of her intoxication; and Dale truly loves Becky for who she is on the inside.

Overall, the movie’s characterizations and plot leave the viewer craving a hug and a wholesome, homecooked meal.
Still, it’s not all bad. Gena’s fellatio speech onboard the airplane is a laughter inducer not to be missed, and fans of Isla Fisher’s will appreciate her performance as the beautiful drug-using dimwit looking for guidance. Followers of HBO’s hit series “Girls” will be happy to see Andrew Rannells, HPV free, acting as a freelance stripper, and James Marsden’s Trevor is a wonderful blend of slimy sex appeal.

So watch the movie on demand with a bunch of friends. For under $10 (and with your own popcorn and drinks, as well as the ability to pause, replay, and fast-forward) “Bachelorette” will certainly ease the boredom of a rainy day and provide a few good laughs among real friends.