Barry WetcherReview in a Hurry: Katherine Heigl stars as a codependent, perpetual bridesmaid whose sister steals the man of her dreams and then expects her to plan the wedding. This movie is lot like the old pie in the face gag: light, frothy and predictable, but still sort of funny and cute.
The Bigger Picture: Jane (Heigl) is everybody's best friend, uncomplaining and ultracompetent, and always taking care of everyone else. When we meet her, she's shuttling back and forth between two weddings because she's the maid of honor in both, something that draws the attention of the improbably handsome reporter Kevin (James Marsden).
Of course, Jane doesn't like Kevin because he's a cynical marriage-hater. Of course, Jane never takes any time for herself, as her sharp-tongued best friend (Judy Greer, whom there can simply never be enough of) points out. Of course, Jane is secretly in love with her boss (Edward Burns), a paper doll cutout from GQ and the REI catalog. And, of course, her boss falls for her flighty little sister (Malin Ackerman).
Yes, we've all seen these comedic hijinks before. There are no real surprises anywhere, and the script (from The Devil Wears Prada screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna) delivers exactly as advertised. The plot twists are as well-marked as the directions from a GPS navigation system. ("You have arrived at romantic moment with unlikely suitor. Prepare for complication ahead in 100 yards.")
But Heigl is lovely and engaging, and her chemistry with Marsden—an underrated actor finally getting his due—is the best part of the film. Heigl also plays Jane just crazy enough that we believe she's willing to martyr herself on a daily basis. And even if we see the happy ending from miles away, it's still a happy ending.
The 180—a Second Opinion: Despite one cheesecake yoga scene, this flick is definitely not for the fellas. When Kevin the cynic admits, "I cried like a baby at the Keller wedding," some guys might go into estrogen shock.