VIDEO FUN HOUSE: '27 Dresses' slightly predictable but very relatable

Video Fun House film fans Jean Tarbett Hardiman and John Gillispie think that "27 Dresses," rated PG-13 and starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden, is a good romantic comedy.

JOHN: I'm pretty sure that Katherine Heigl stars on a TV show. If I had to guess, I would say it's "Grey's Anatomy."

JEAN: How can you not know that?

JOHN: Well, I've never watched that TV show, but it's hard to miss previews and talk about it on awards programs and such.

JEAN: Exactly. I don't watch "Grey's Anatomy" either, but because so many of our fellow Americans do, the commercials seem to run an average of every 2.6 seconds. Personally, I'd rather not think about how many crazy personal issues surgeons have bouncing around in their brains while they're cutting people.

JOHN: I like to watch comedies because I think life is dramatic enough, and I definitely don't like to watch hospital dramas because who needs stressful entertainment?

JEAN: Ditto. But we're off track here (surprise!). What we're trying to do is tell you that Heigl's "27 Dresses" is out on DVD, her cinematic follow-up to "Knocked Up."

JOHN: With my limited knowledge of Heigl, I still found her charming in the role of a perpetual bridesmaid named Jane.

JEAN: Jane claims to enjoy weddings so much that she's been a bridesmaid 27 times, however hard that is on the ego, the personal finances and the closet space. I've been a bridesmaid eight times, so I know how hard it is to shovel out money for dresses, bridal showers and wedding gifts while watching all your friends find eternal bliss before you. It's a strange feeling of being flattered for being asked and very happy for your friend while simultaneously wondering what's wrong with yourself. "Frustrating" isn't quite the right word for it. Maybe "deflating" or "brink-of-insanity" or...

JOHN: Um, are you OK?

JEAN: Oh, I'm wonderful now that I've found my perfect fit, who actually loves me for some reason. Ladies, it can happen.

JOHN: Well, let's get back to Jane, then. She's not only a bridesmaid but ends up taking on too many responsibilities for the brides. And out of nowhere, she ends up planning the wedding of her sister, Tess (Malin Akerman), who's marrying her boss (Edward Burns), whom she has a secret crush on.

JEAN: If all the other weddings she's taken on weren't hard on her emotionally, this one is a back-breaker. Where Jane is responsible and dependable, her little sister is not. So not only is Jane stung that her boss fell for her sister after five seconds, but her sister doesn't come across as deserving as Jane of a romantic, happy ending.

JOHN: Along comes New York Journal reporter Kevin (James Marsden) who writes a story about Jane and her bridesmaid issues, but falls in love with her at the same time.

JEAN: Heigl's character can't stand Marsden's for much of the movie. Both Heigl and Marsden are good actors and likable in this. In all, "27 Dresses" is basically predictable, but I like the premise because I think a lot of always-a-bridesmaid types can relate, and it has some good scenes.

JOHN: This movie is entertaining and I felt the second half held my attention more than the early scenes did. Throw in Jane's wisecracking friend named Casey (Judy Greer) and you have a formula for a fun time.

JEAN: Actually, I didn't like that character. But I did like that "27 Dresses" addresses Jane's willingness to settle for less in life until someone challenges her way of thinking. It also has a good message about relationship dynamics, I think, not just between men and women, but between sisters.

JOHN: So, Jean, tell me again about your bridesmaid dresses. Have you ever had them shortened to wear them again?

JEAN: Only once. Actually, don't get me started.

Jean Tarbett Hardiman is a reporter for The Herald-Dispatch. John Gillispie is the public relations director for the Huntington Museum of Art. Contact the writers at jeant@herald-dispatch.com.