When it comes to summer blockbusters, male stars usually get all the glory. Thanks to car chases and loud explosions, the big-budget summer movie arena is packed with guy stars. But when you're looking for something a little lighter than the end of the world, summer comedies are as breezy and guilt-free as a seasonal fling. And the best part? Funny ladies take center stage when it comes to summer comedies, so you can kick back, enjoy the air conditioned movie theater, and bask in the hilariousness of some of films funniest females.
Salma Hayek "Here Comes the Boom"
Let me get this straight? A movie starring Kevin James as a biology teacher who takes up mixed martial arts as a way to save his school's music program? Sign me up! Salma Hayek, who has starred with Kevin James in Happy Madison productions before (think "Grownups" and "Grownups 2") joins up as a nurse to an ailing and out of shape teacher. Hey, it's not going to be Oscar-worthy by any means, but popcorn-worthy? You'd better believe it.
Kristen Wiig, "Friends with Kids"
Fresh off of her triumph with "Bridesmaids" and an awesome "SNL" career, Kristen Wiig stars in "Friends with Kids," an indie effort that was released in late spring. It's a movie about a couple of friends that decide to have a baby together to avoid the pitfalls of being married with children. Kristen plays Missy, a half of one of their couple friends, who is sex-crazed and completely devoted to her children. It's fun to see Wiig play a more demure actor-comedienne role, and it doesn't hurt that the hilarious Maya Rudolph joins the cast as another crazy couple friend as well.
Jennifer Garner, "Butter"
In what might be the weirdest concept for a movie ever, Jennifer Garner stars as the crazy wife of a professional butter-carver. Yes, that means exactly what you think it does. Butter carvers make the county fair rounds, but the couple is stopped in their tracks when a newcomer on the scene – a child, no less – proves to be a more proficient and popular butter carver. It's a movie in the same vein as kooky comedies like "Little Miss Sunshine," so expect more chuckles and raised eyebrows than complete belly laughs, still making it worth the couple of hours you'll spend watching the flick.
Kristen Bell, "Hit and Run
In "Cutest Real-Life Couple" News, Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell star in this silly action/comedy effort, which means you might get your boyfriend to tag along for this one. It's about a former getaway car driver who pulls some strings to get himself in the Witness Protection Program. When his girlfriend desperately needs to get to Los Angeles, he risks it all, taking on the open road while he's chased by feds and fugitives alike. You can expect a ton of different characters, played by bigwig names like Bradley Cooper, David Koechner, and Kristin Chenoweth.
Kate Hudson, "Little Bit of Heaven"
Cancer isn't really that funny, but when Kate Hudson is playing a character that uses humor to deal with her diagnosis, it garners a few laughs. Throw in a romance, and you snag a romantic comedy that is light, despite the heavy subject matter. Wait, did I tell you that Whoopi Goldberg plays a fairy godmother/angel type? It's like a reverse "Ghost" role! It'll be a funny, guilty pleasure, just like that quickie relationship you had while vacationing at the beach.
Let's hear it for the girls this summer! They're the ones ruling the box office and giving you a temporary reprieve from the heat; thanks, ladies!
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