NICOLE ALBERTSON
Life Editor
“27 Dresses” hits a home run as a smart and funny comedy men and women can enjoy together. This undeniable hit brings Katherine Heigl to the forefront as a talented comedic actress and a charismatic leading lady. This fun-loving romantic comedy is a great light-hearted movie and wonderful way to kick off the New Year.
Leading lady Heigl captures the audience’s heart as she portrays perpetual bridesmaid Jane. After being a bridesmaid in 27 weddings, she prepares to zip up her 28th dress for her little sister Tess’ ( Malin Akerman) wedding to her boss, George (Edward Burns), the man she is secretly loves. In the midst of Jane’s secret pining and wedding planning, a newspaper reporter named Kevin (James Marsden) writes an article exposing Jane’s private life to her friends and family.
Heigl’s quirky and vulnerable character proves that her “Knocked Up” success is no fluke. She commands the screen with an innocent combination of confidence and insecurity. Although Jane struts around her office job composed and confident, she is nervous and uncomfortable in her personal life. Her complexity and confusion is lovable and relatable for audience members. Jane resembles any woman confused over love and any man frustrated over love. Heigl wins over audience members and takes “27 Dresses” above and beyond a romantic comedy.
Co-star Marsden conjures up chemistry with Heigl as her romantic interest, Kevin. Although Marsden has been a rising star for more than 15 years, he has finally struck gold as a sarcastic, witty and bitter newspaper reporter. With roles in previous hits such as the “X Men” series, “The Notebook,” “Hairspray” and “Superman Returns,” Marsden has finally found his breakout role starring opposite Heigl.
The undeniable chemistry between Heigl and Marsden blossoms as Jane slowly reveals her true self to Kevin on screen. Pessimistic Kevin and hopeless romantic Jane create a flirtatious and hilarious film that leaves the audience laughing out loud in embarrassment and shock.
Supporting roles from Akerman, Burns and Judy Greer (as best friend Casey) add the complexity and sanity to Jane’s neurotic and irrational characteristics. Greer’s promiscuous and pushy character serves as the rational voice for Jane’s transformation. And while Jane struggles to look past her secret love for her boss, George’s wonderful gentle nature is a reassurance in honest male roles. As Jane’s little sister, Tess contridicts Jane’s neurotic quips with her carefree lifestyle. While “27 Dresses” is a standout performance for Heigl, her supporting cast creates the perfect environment to encircle her.
Directed by Anne Fletcher, who has worked on films such as “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” “Hairspray” and “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” this romantic comedy floats through the streets of New York City. With each wedding and elaborate bridal plan, New York City becomes its own character developing throughout the film. In the beginning, the city is a glamorous destination with skyscrapers and lavish apartments. But as Jane travels home to visit her father’s humble hardware shop, New York becomes a lattice of childhood memories and an insight into her fragile demeanor.
“27 Dresses” is a hilarious comedy that brings true insight into human emotions and compassion. As the audience follows Jane through her secretive romantic life and her self realizations, “Dresses” delivers a moral address of self confidence and happiness. Through all of the embarrassing moments and unbelievable mistakes, “27 Dresses” is a wonderful movie that everyone will enjoy.
01-24-2008
