27 Dresses Review

If you love the idea of "love," this cute, funny and syrupy sweet concoction is a real treat. 

I have to admit I didn't expect a great deal from this movie, seeing as how the main theme is so similar to several recent "chick flick hits." However, this familiar formula was definitely enhanced by a strong cast, with Katherine Heigl delivering a command performance.

As with most light and lively films the title pretty much defines the movie, or at least sets the mood... The lovable, but somehow never "loved" Jane is the epitome of the old saying "always a bridesmaid, never a bride." The typical bridesmaid puts the ugly dress into a yard sale immediately following the happy day, but not Jane. She has kept each and every one -- over the years, she has accumulated quite a collection, theme weddings, underwater weddings, goth weddings, etc., and the dresses hold a special place in her heart, as well as, in the over-stuffed closet of her NY City apartment.

Jane dreams of her own wedding day...to the ideal husband, which in her fantasies is her handsome, rugged, boss, George (Edward Burns). George climbs mountains, enjoys biking and anything outdoorsy, doesn't eat meat and is totally clueless that his number one employee is madly in love with him. Which of course leads to several awkward misunderstandings as George continually mistakes Jane's enthusiastic affection as merely the actions of a dedicated assistant and Jane takes the smallest glance, smile and opportunity to choose his tie as a sign of their impending relationship.

Returning from Europe, Jane's younger, blonder, sister, Tess (Malin Akerman) catches George's eye from across the room and he is immediately smitten. A whirlwind courtship, a quick proposal and Jane is planning their wedding. While shopping for the perfect everything for this high-society union, Jane is seething inside. Tess is utilizing the information she discovered from her sister to reinvent herself as an outdoor girl that loves animals and doesn't eat meat.  All while Jane is relegated to the sidelines, again, standing beside her baby sister, wearing her 28th bridesmaid dress, as Tess marries the man of her dreams.

Enter the newspaper reporter, Kevin (James Marsden), who conveniently writes over-the-top, but absolutely beautiful pieces for the paper's bridal column. Jane, being a hopeless romantic has snipped and clipped each of his articles, even committing many to memory, including the date which they appeared in print. (Sad but true.) Of course the cynic and the romantic are destined to be together...by the end of the movie things are as they should be and all is right with the world.

This is a surprisingly sweet movie, although it doesn't score big points for originality, the actors bring a great deal of personality to the screen. I was pleased to see that for the most part the movie is family friendly and acceptable for all fmembers. So, if you're looking for something to watch that will make you laugh a few times, 27 Dresses is good choice.