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Here's a look at last week's new releases. Below, I've also included a snapshot of what's coming up since we're into the summer blockbuster season.

Bridesmaids

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jon Hamm, and Chris O'Dowd

Synopsis: One could argue that “The Hangover” changed the template for outrageous male comedy films. Now, in her first starring role in a feature film, Kristen Wiig hopes to do the same thing for the ladies with “Bridesmaids.” The film has gotten good buzz and sound reviews, all of it deserved. Wiig, who serves as the star and co-writer, creates a funny, outrageous film that keeps you entertained and rooting for things to work out in the end. Much like “The Hangover,” no matter how wild the events of the film get, “Bridesmaids” never forgets to invest in its characters. Wiig, the film's co-writer, does a great job in crafting the lead role. Long a personal favorite in her supporting roles, it's great to see Wiig headlining a film. With "Bridesmaids," she finds a perfect way to make use of her talents as a comedian. The supporting cast is also strong. O'Dowd has an off beat sweetness as Wiig's potential love interest, while Byrne, better known for dramatic roles, does a good job of creating a three-dimensional foil for Wiig's lead. Perhaps the biggest scene-stealer is McCarthy — know for her sweet roles on shows like "Gilmore Girls" — who shows her range with a wild character and performance that adds a lot to the presentation. Director Paul Feig — who has worked on a number of comedies like "The Office" — does a nice job getting the most out of the performers and the story. “Bridesmaids” is a fun, funny comedy that should be enjoyable for both men and women. Due to its content, it is best served for an adult audience though. In a summer that could feature several comedies of this sort, “Bridesmaids” comes out of the gate strong.

Rating: R for some strong sexuality, and language throughout.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Priest

Starring: Paul Bettany, Maggie Q, Karl Urban, Christopher Plummer, and Cam Gigandet

Synopsis: Sequels have long been all the rage in Hollywood. This summer is a prime example, as we have a slate full of sequels, prequels, and re-boots. It seems you can't build an expensive film without opening the door to making it a franchise. Most of the time I can just accept that as a reality, but when you get a film that's as poorly made as "Priest" whose sole goal seems to be setting up a film franchise, it's all I can do to keep from throwing popcorn at the screen at the end. At 87 minutes, "Priest" is a fairly short film, but it feels like it lasts an eternity because it is plodding, predictable, and not that interesting. Of course, it would be natural to feel like this film — titled "Priest" — is an assault on the Christian faith. It's never clear what "the church" is in "Priest," though one could assume it's the Catholic Church. While it is built around religious terms and a nebulous "church" controlling the population, it bears such little connection to the practice of Christianity that it's hard to get too angry about it. Plus, the movie is so laughable in general, it's hard to take it seriously as an assault on anything but good taste. Another curious element of the film is the continuing de-evolution of Bettany's career. Bettany is fast becoming the next Nicholas Cage based on his curious career choices. He still seems like a decent actor, but his recent choices have been abysmal. This film doesn't do him any favors, nor does it do the audience any favors. It is a bad joke... and you'll never be able to find the punchline.

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, disturbing images and brief strong language.

Verdict: One star out of four. (I debated zero, but felt a little charity).

Upcoming Films:

Friday, May 19 — "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"

Thursday, May 26 — "The Hangover Part II," "Kung Fu Panda 2"

Friday, June 3 — "X-Men: First Class"

Friday, June 10 — "Super 8," "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer"

Friday, June 17 — "The Green Lantern," "Mr. Popper's Penguins"

Friday, June 24 — "Cars 2," "Bad Teacher," "A Better Life"