If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That seems to be the thinking behind 27 Dresses, a formulaic romantic comedy with an ultra predictable story arc – but which works just the same due to the considerable charms of its lead actress, Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy), and the yeoman work of her supporting cast members.

The movie’s heroine, Jane Nichols (Heigl), is a woman who finds it hard to say ‘no’ to anybody, including twenty-seven ‘good friends’ who have each asked her to be the maid-of-honour at their wedding. As if having to help all these women prepare and make it through what’s supposed to be the happiest day of a gal’s life, but looks to require loads of planning (and spending), is not bad enough, this ‘job’ also requires her to dress in often outrageously unbecoming outfits obviously designed to ensure that the retinue does not upstage the bride on her big day.

While such tasks and responsibilities would tax even a saint, Jane – who one might consider to be a pathetic doormat if the likeable Heigl hadn’t made her so winning – is generally able to take them all in her stride. Even when, as witnessed by a bemused as well as amused Kevin (James Marsden) – a wedding writer whose prose Jane loves but not, at least initially, his ways to get her attention – she has two weddings to attend to, in different parts of New York, in a single evening!

Jane is an avowed romantic who, early on in 27 Dresses, states, “I love weddings, I always have.” She is also used to helping people organize their lives: she works as a personal assistant to a self-made clothing and outdoor equipment company mogul, George (Edward Burns).

Unbeknownst to George, but not to Jane’s best friend and colleague, Casey (Judy Greer – whose part is small but includes a couple of choice scene-stealing moments), and the rest of the folks at work, Jane is madly in love with the rugged boss. Suffice it to say, then, that when George falls not for Jane but her babe of a baby sister, Tess (Malin Akerman), Jane gets upset enough to even scream out expletives. So what is a nice, obliging female like her to do when George and Tess’s whirlwind courtship leads to a marriage proposal and Tess subsequently asks Jane to be the maid-of-honour for her nuptials?

At the risk of spoiling things, it’s worth noting that the title of this movie is 27 Dresses (as opposed to, say, 28 Dresses). But, then, if you are a fan of romantic comedies, you already know how this story ends. So why watch such a work? Because, the thrill is in the chase and because the devil may not wear Prada, as in scriptwriter Aline Brosh McKenna’s previous film, but is in the details. (One word: Bride-zilla!)

Yvonne Teh