27 Dresses (2008)

dir. Anne Fletcher. Jane (Katherine Heigl) has been a bridesmaid 27 times, selflessly planning her friends weddings to perfection. Due to a series of unfortunate events, she is left to plan her younger sisters wedding to a man she was developing feelings for, who is also her boss. Simultaneously Jane is dealing with the attentions of cynical wedding newspaper reporter, Kevin (James Marsden). I really enjoyed this. Written by the amazing Aline Brosh McKenna who wrote, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (2006), and MORNING GLORY (2010). These other films entwine sweet and sentimental plot lines within satires of American workplaces, with deft commentary on the challenges of being a women in various industries – 27 DRESSES does not have those elements. Jane’s job as an office assistant is set, and she has no other goals in life, other than to be married. That said, Katherine Heigl and James Marsden have real chemistry, and it feels natural they way they drift closer together. The scene where Jane tries on (almost) all of the titular 27 dresses for Kevin, is a real treat, I was grinning through the whole scene. The only real low point for me was Jane’s crush, and sisters new finance, George – I didn’t believe the impressive and confident Jane would have fallen for the milk-toast mumbling George. That role needed an actor with more charisma, like Robert John Downey Jr.. Wonderful female supporting cast, including Krysten Ritter (Jane in ‘Breaking Bad’), and Judy Greer (Kitty in ‘Arrested Development), and Melora Hardin (Jan in the US version of ‘The Office’).