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 'perfect rom-com' that will 'give you butterflies' and leave viewers feeling 'giddy.'
A beloved early 2000s rom-com returns to British screens
The film has been described by devotees as the 'last great rom-com that was made,' with viewers calling it 'entrancing' and the 'perfect film for date night.' Directed by Anne Fletcher from a screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna, the movie also features Edward Burns, Malin Akerman, Judy Greer, Melora Hardin, and Krysten Ritter in supporting roles.
The concept for 27 Dresses was inspired by the success of The Devil Wears Prada (2006), whose screenplay was also written by McKenna. Production took place across Rhode Island and New York City between May and July 2007.
Plot and box office success
Exploring the 'always a bridesmaid, never the bride' trope, the official plot 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."
The film earned $162.7 million worldwide against a production budget of $30 million. It also won the People's Choice for Favourite Comedy Movie and the Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie: Chick Flick.
Critical and fan praise
Critics have 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."
One 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." Another wrote: "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."
Fans have echoed the sentiment, with one viewer writing on Rotten Tomatoes: "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 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. 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 shared: "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. 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 on BBC Three tonight at 10pm.
