Random Rental Review: 27 Dresses

I tried not to like 27 Dresses. I knew that Heigl couldn’t possibly follow Knocked Up with something as funny or well scripted. And I was right. But the thing is…it wasn’t bad. Formulaic? Sure. But so was Sex & the City.

I’m not quite ready to crown Heigl the next Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts, but she fills the shoes far better than Cameron Diaz (whoever continues to force her upon us in broad romantic comedies is probably the same delusional person who thinks Edward Burns is the next Richard Gere or Tom Hanks; he’s not, he’s grating, it has to stop).

Yes, I’ve heard the rumblings about Heigl trying to get out of her Grey’s Anatomy contract. And I know that she just removed herself from Emmy contention. I’m not one for addressing celebrity gossip or perpetuating rumors, so all I will say about that is…I don’t really care. I’m more interested in her next few film choices, and if she will have more success than Jennifer Aniston did after ditching a very lucrative television career for a chance to shine on the big screen.

As for 27 Dresses, it’s a rainy day rental. Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna clearly has her pen on the pulse of contemporary women (she also penned The Devil Wears Prada).

But the best part about the movie was actually James Marsden, who continues to prove that he is a very diverse and appealing actor; he has nailed both the charming leading man role (Enchanted, Hairspray) and the action-packed ensemble player (X-Men, Superman Returns). I’m much more likely to see a film with Marsden than I am one starring Patrick Dempsey, to be honest.

Have any of you seen 27 Dresses? Let me know what you thought…