I have thought Katherine Heigl was adorable since "My Father The Hero" way back when.  She's kept that lovely lightness-of-being that she imparts each time she's on screen, whether it's TV or in a theater.  So put her in a cute little comedy of romantic angst where she struggles to recognize Mr. Right and we've got a weekend winner.  My rating: $7.50 (1.-9.).  Plus, her character's name is JANE.

Jane (Heigl) is executive assistant to George (Ed Burns), founder of a business called Urban Everest which caters to those who enjoy adventures in the mountains -  hiking and skiing and such.  He doesn't eat meat, he's the perfect boss, and Jane's besotted.  The joke is that everyone knows she's in love with the boss but the boss.  Jane is the perfect organizer to everyone she knows.  And she never says, "No'". even if it means juggling bridesmaid responsibilities at 2 weddings on the same night at the same time. 

James Marsden, my favorite Prince from "Enchanted", is a wedding columnist named Kevin, who wants to be a more serious writer.  While covering one of those juggled weddings, he sees Jane changing in the back of a cab - thong and all.  Intrigued, he catches a chance to meet her when she's knocked unconscience by an avaricious female vying for the bouquet.  Jane takes an instant DISlike to him which just makes her more of a challenge.  The chase isn't all that original but it's sweet and we know he's gonna hit jackpot sooner or later. 

Meanwhile, Jane's baby sister, Tess (Malin Akerman - crazy wife, Lila, in "The Heartbreak Kid") has come to town to visit.  She's a fashion publicist known for her conquest of a good percentage of the European men she's met.  She has no idea how Jane feels about George.  But the first night home, Tess shows up at Jane's work party and hooks George, line and sinker.  Jane, as usual, swallows her pain and tries to be the perky girl Friday agreeing to help plan her sister's wedding to the man she's sure is her own soulmate. 

Judy Greer (best remembered by me as Jenna Rink's rival editor and childhood friend, Lucy, in "13 Going On 30"), plays Jane's dippy best friend and co-worker, Casey.  Casey knows all Jane's weaknesses and is the best supporter anyone could want.  She consoles Jane during Pilates, attends all the events with her, and gives her 'the truth' but always in a gentle way.  This was a perfect co-starring role for Ms. Greer who steals many scenes with her comedic talent. 

As the story progresses, Kevin continues to insinuate himself into Jane's life.  He decides that her 'always a bridesmaid' story would be the perfect project to get him out of the wedding business.  He is proven right.  He actually gets Jane to pull out all 27 bridesmaid dresses and model them as a lark.  He takes photographs the whole time.  I'm not sure why she allowed that but I guess it's one of those things we need to ignore.  Eventually, the 2 are thrown together when they skid off the road in a rainstorm together.  No phone anywhere.  They get drunk in a local bar, find they have some nice commonalities, and end up dancing on the bar singing "Benny and the Jets' with the whole crowd.  Back in the car, they consummate their fledgling detente.  You know things can't go that smoothly.   His editor releases his big story about Jane's bridesmaid history to the whole world.  Jane finds out when they're outed at a local breakfast shop the day after their meeting of the minds.

The pain finally snaps something in Jane.  Now, if I tell you anymore, you won't need to see the movie at all.  I assure you that the series of events to the end are as satisfying as the rest of the film.  Marsden has this angular face and wavy hair that sometimes seems too 70's to me.  But when he finally shows some vulnerability, Prince Charming emerges.  The emotions that pass over his face when Jane tells him her feelings are totally sexy.  He's cute when he smiles but devastatingly handsome when he's serious just before they kiss.

Aline Brosh McKenna wrote the screenplay.  You might be familiar with 2 of her most famous films, "Laws of Attraction" with Piarce Brosnan and "The Devils Wears Prada" with Meryl Streep.   Anne Fletcher directed.  Anne's credits include tons of choreography and bit parts acting in some fairly well known movies.  However, when she decided to move up in the world, she didn't take prisoners.  Her first gig as associate producer was "The Wedding Planner" and her first directorial debut was "Step Up" (soon to be followed this year with "Step Up To The Streets").  "27 Dresses" isn't going to rate an Oscar for either of these 2 gals but I think their stocks gonna go up in Hollywood. 

The rating is "PG-13" and it will keep you in the theater for about 2 hours with previews.  Chick-flick.  Date movie.  Whatever you want to call it, you'll have a good feeling after you see it this weekend. 

P.S.  Renting a DVD this weekend?  Try "Mastodon".  There's this alien goo that takes over and brings back to life a mastodon in a block of ice in a museum.  It looked like a cheap sci-fi movie.  Well, it kinda is but the plot is written as a total hoot.  If nothing else, you have to see the severed hand come back to life in the microwave and spell in sign language to get out.  Then it dances on the table in the background as the rest of the scene goes on.  HOOT!! I'm telling you.  Take care, my fellow movie lovers.

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