Is the long search for the new Meg Ryan over? That years-long quest to find a leading lady who could make her romantic hurt feel funny is a big reason romantic comedies have struggled in recent years.Could the new Meg be Katherine Heigl?
In “27 Dresses,” the “Grey’s Anatomy” ensemble member reveals that she was unjustly kept in the comic shadows of last summer’s “Knocked Up.” Heigl stands front and center in “27 Dresses” and makes this effortlessly adorable — if over-predictable and overlong — romance the first pleasant surprise of 2008.
**1/2 RATING | Romantic Comedy
In the best Meg Ryan tradition, when she pines, we pine. When she hurts, we hurt. And laugh.
Heigl stars as not-so-plain Jane, the dependable friend that every bride leans on when that special day comes along. Jane is the ultimate bridesmaid, helping with the planning, the organizing, the cake-arranging, even holding that big gown when the bride must go potty.
She is engagingly selfless on other women’s “big day.” “It’s their day, not mine.”
James Marsden (“Hairspray,” “Enchanted”) finally earns a straight romantic lead role as Kevin, a slightly snarky newspaper reporter who covers weddings, writes warm and witty accounts of them, and longs for “my ticket out of the taffeta ghetto.” They meet cute. She’s injured at her umpteenth bouquet toss.
She’s idealistic, lovesick for her boss (Edward Burns) and a true romantic. He’s cynical and not above using her lost Filofax to stalk her and figure out that she has a thing for weddings — and those often-hideous bridesmaid dresses.
Could she be a big story? Would such a newspaper account be a violation to her? That “big story” presents itself when Jane’s dishy model sister (Malin Akerman, the only funny thing in “The Heartbreak Kid”) comes home and proceeds to sweep boss Burns off his feet. Will Jane be able to stay selfless, or will her heartbreak trump her concern for everybody else’s happiness?
That whole selfless thing prompts a “What about you? You don’t have any needs?” question.
“No, I don’t. I’m Jesus.”
Heigl and Marsden match well. He gives her charm, she gives him edge. He may be a bit too sweet, but we can believe Heigl would occasionally flip out and cuss a blue streak, thanks to “Knocked Up.”
It’s not one for the ages, but this comedy suggests a romantic marriage between star and audience that could last and last. Meg would be proud.
“27 Dresses”
PG-13 for language, some innuendo and sexuality. 1 hour, 47 minutes. Directed by Anne Fletcher. Written by Aline Brosh McKenna. Photography by Peter James. Starring Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Edward Burns. Opens today at area theaters.
