Review-”27 Dresses”

Release Date: April 29, 2008
Price: $29.99
Rated: PG-13
Run Time: 111 Minutes
Publisher: 20th Century Fox
Starring: Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Edward Burns, Melora Hardin
Director: Anne Fletcher
Writers: Aline Brosh McKenna
Buy It On Amazon.com

While “27 Dresses” definitely won’t be the breakthrough film for a future star like Katherine Heigl, it is a decent romantic comedy/chick flick. The plot is quite predictable but very few romantic comedies aren’t.

“27 Dresses” features Jane (Heigl), a woman who has been addicted to weddings since she was young. She has been a bridesmaid 27 times (and has kept every dress) but hasn’t been the bride even once. She is very interested in her boss George (Edward Burns) but her sister Tess (Malin Akerman) pursues him instead. A reporter (James Marsden) eventually discovers Jane’s “hobby” and decides to write an article about it. Along the way, he develops a crush on Jane.

Heigl does a good job in one of her first leading roles. Everyone who has seen her on “Grey’s Anatomy” knows she is a future star, especially in the romantic comedy genre. Marsden is charming as the reporter and love interest. Akerman is a bit over-the-top as Jane’s sister but the other supporting players do their job well.

As a guy, I didn’t find the film that funny but I’m sure most women will have a good time. The script is fun but predictable for anyone who has watched a few romantic comedies. There are no problems with the video or audio. Extras include four featurettes about the movie (about the production, designing the dresses, production design, and the annual sale at Filene’s Basement where brides wait for hours to score huge discounts on dresses). Three rather pointless deleted scenes and trailers are also included. Fans of the film will probably enjoy the extras but people who didn’t love the film should probably just skip them.

“27 Dresses” is a perfectly good romantic comedy. It is far from original and rather predictable but those who like the genre should have a good time. Recommended.

Rating: (My Rating/Average Viewer)