Imagine mixing Bridesmaids with Die Hard. Add a luxury island, a wedding ceremony hijacking, a spy improvising weapons with hair straighteners and flour, and you get Bride Hard — an absurd yet surprisingly charismatic action comedy starring Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect) and directed by Simon West (Con Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Expendables 2). Read our full review below.
Bride Hard is a hidden gem of action comedy
This action-comedy skipped theaters and went straight to TVOD (digital rental/purchase), making it a perfect find for fans of under-the-radar titles. See where to stream below.
The premise is simple yet effective: Sam (Wilson), a clumsy secret agent, tries reconnecting with childhood best friend Betsy (Anna Camp) as her maid of honor. But in a clear nod to the “Christmas party” scenario from the original Die Hard, the luxury island wedding gets stormed by armed mercenaries.
Jackie Chan meets MacGyver in Bride Hard
What begins as a reconciliation drama becomes a festival of over-the-top action, physical comedy, and hilarious improvised weapons (think hair tools turned nunchucks). Despite some clunky CGI and editing in the climax, the movie nails its tone – fully embracing its absurdity. Director Simon West channels the physical comedy of Jackie Chan and MacGyver’s resourcefulness. This isn’t trying to be realistic action – and that’s part of its charm.
The Bride Hard cast
Rebel Wilson and Anna Camp lead a comedy dream team
While Wilson takes time finding the right balance between comedy and drama, the stellar supporting cast keeps the laughs coming. Anna Camp (Wilson’s Pitch Perfect co-star and You alum) shines as the resentful bride. Oscar-winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers) steals scenes with an unexpected musical number. Sherry Cola (Joy Ride) delivers genius one-liners as Wilson’s spy boss, while Stephen Dorff (True Detective) clearly relishes his villain role. Justin Hartley (This Is Us) adds surprising depth to an ambiguous character.
Between gunfights and bouquets: A friendship story
Amid the chaos, the movie finds space for an authentic look at how adult life strains female friendships – when time, distance and shifting priorities test once-unbreakable bonds. These emotional beats give the explosions real heart.
Is Bride Hard worth watching?
Bride Hard won’t reinvent the genre, nor does it try to. It’s a light, fun, unpretentious action-comedy made for big laughs and pure escapism – perfect for girls’ (or boys’) night or post-work decompression. It might not be awards bait… but it’s that reliably entertaining movie guaranteed to brighten your day.
Where to watch Bride Hard?
Bride Hard is available for digital rental/purchase. Find streaming options here.
