The 2008 romantic comedy 27 Dresses, starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden, airs on BBC Three tonight at 10pm. Fans have hailed it as the 'last great rom-com that was made' and the 'perfect film for date night'.
Plot and cast
Directed by Anne Fletcher with a screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna, the film also features Edward Burns, Malin Akerman, Judy Greer, Melora Hardin, and Krysten Ritter in supporting roles. The concept emerged after the success of The Devil Wears Prada (2006), also written by McKenna. Production took place across Rhode Island and New York City between May and July 2007.
The official synopsis reads: "Perennial bridesmaid Jane always puts the needs of others before her own, making her the go-to gal whenever someone needs help with wedding plans. So when Jane's younger sister Tess snags the man Jane secretly loves, Jane finds herself questioning her role as a wedding junkie for the first time in her life. Meanwhile, a handsome reporter sees Jane's unusual story as his ticket off the bridal beat."
Box office and acclaim
27 Dresses grossed $162.7 million worldwide against a $30 million production budget. It won the People's Choice for Favourite Comedy Movie and the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Chick Flick.
Critics praised the film, with one writing: "Hugely enjoyable, frequently funny romantic comedy with a superb script and a terrific central performance from Katherine Heigl." Another said: "27 Dresses hits the stations of the romantic comedy cross with precision and verve." A third added: "The romantic comedy 27 Dresses provides [Heigl] with a chance to flex her comedic muscles, and her whip-smart delivery and timing are an indication that we may at last have a worthy heroine for the otherwise shaky future of romcom."
Audience reaction
Audiences have shared similar enthusiasm. One Rotten Tomatoes user wrote: "I've seen this movie more times than I can count. This may very well be the last great rom-com made. I'm glad it has aged so well!!" Another fan said: "LOVE LOVE LOVE. This movie is so good! AHHH. It's one of those movies where it just makes you giddy inside. The romance is so cute and ugh I just love it. It gives me butterflies while watching this film. The costuming too is just amazing as well. It's just so perfect. It's another one of my comfort movies that I will always go back to. The plot is so good too. I would recommend it to any room com lover. 5/5 stars".
An IMDB user wrote: "This movie was terrific. Yes, it was the typical chick flick, yet I found the script just completely entrancing. The script did set this movie apart from the others. It was witty and funny. The acting was extremely well done. Katherine Heigl is so amazing. I couldn't imagine anyone better for the role of Jane." Another review reads: "I love. Favourite movie. Cured my depression. Absolute classic. The bar scene is unmatched. A masterpiece honestly. Kevin is sexy. I watched it 3 times today."
A further IMDB post said: "Truly a 10/10! 27 Dresses is a poignant, romantic comedy that makes you swoon. It's far from the overrated romcoms nowadays because it has a fresh, appealing story."
27 Dresses airs tonight on BBC Three at 10pm.
