If you are craving a film that fits the chick flick-formula to a tee, then look no farther than “27 Dresses.”
Similar to Julia Roberts in “My Best Friends’ Wedding,” Katherine Heigl plays Jane, a single working woman who is always a bridesmaid, never a bride, 27 times that is. This time, Heigl has bigger problems, however, since she will be the maid of honor in the wedding of the man she is in love with. But that’s not the end of the problem, the bride is Heigl’s sister, played by newcomer Malin Akerman. Her whiny and extremely air-headed character is borderline irritating as she as she coos at her husband-to-be, played by Edward Burns.
The highlight of “27 Dresses” lies in the budding romance between Heigl and James Marsden, a columnist for the New York Journal and is single and gorgeous. At first, Heigl is still broken-hearted over the upcoming wedding and ignores Marsden. However, after several adorable attempts at winning her heart, Marsden finally succeeds. This plot turning scene includes a hilarious and drunken rendition of Elton John’s “Benny and the Jets” performed on top of a bar by Heigl and Marsden.
The happiness is short-lived, sadly, as Heigl finds out the Marsden has been writing a piece about her inability to get married herself. After that, all bets are off and the problems pile up from there. However, it all works out in true chick-flick fashion.
Written by Aline Brosh McKenna, who was also the screenwriter for “The Devil Wears Prada,” “27 Dresses” is a comedy young women can relate to. Although some characters are a little shaky in their acting ability including Heigl’s sister Akerman, Heigl proves that she is box office royalty in her role as Jane. The plot is predictable but that is expected of a chick flick.
The film is fun, light-hearted and perfect for a relaxing night out with the girls. Most of the audience realized that the movie would be a chick flick as there was only one male in the theater. “27 Dresses” showcases Heigl’s versatility as an actress and movie star, who can handle raunchy comedies like “Knocked Up,” TV dramas ilike “Grey’s Anatomy,” and now be America’s sweetheart in “27 Dresses.”
