Fans of romantic comedies are in for a treat tonight as the much-loved 2008 film 27 Dresses is set to air on BBC Three at 10pm. The movie, starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden, has been hailed by audiences as the 'last great rom-com that was made' and described as 'entrancing'. Some viewers have even called it the 'perfect film for date night'.
A Beloved Rom-Com with a Star-Studded 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 for 27 Dresses emerged following the success of The Devil Wears Prada (2006), whose screenplay was also written by McKenna. Principal photography took place in Rhode Island and New York City between May and July 2007, according to Wales Online.
Plot and Box Office Success
The film explores the 'always a bridesmaid, never the bride' trope. The official plot states: "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."
27 Dresses grossed $162.7 million worldwide against a production budget of $30 million. It also earned the People's Choice for Favourite Comedy Movie and the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Chick Flick.
Critical and Fan Praise
The film has received widespread praise from critics. One critic wrote: "Hugely enjoyable, frequently funny romantic comedy with a superb script and a terrific central performance from Katherine Heigl." Another reviewer said: "27 Dresses hits the stations of the romantic comedy cross with precision and verve." A third critic 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." Yet another reviewer remarked: "27 Dresses is one heck of a happy date movie. Smiling faces are guaranteed on all seen exiting when the credits finally do roll here."
Audiences have been equally enthusiastic. One viewer 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".
A user review on IMDb reads: "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." The review continues: "But my favourite person was James Marsden. I absolutely fell in love him. I did actually fear seeing this movie, thinking that it would be completely different from all the great reviews and that it would entirely ruin my night. On the contrary, it made my night all the better. I haven't seen a movie like this in awhile. I would certainly suggest seeing it ASAP."
Another fan added: "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." One viewer on IMDb stated: "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." The same review continued: "This is one of the best Romantic Comedies I have ever seen in my entire life because it portrays that out-of-the-blue romance picture perfectly. I must say if you're looking for a lighthearted, goofy, well-written, character-driven movie, then this is for you! Such a perfect romcom!"
27 Dresses airs tonight on BBC Three at 10pm.
