27 Dresses (2008)

Dir: Anne Fletcher
Writer: Aline Brosh McKenna
Starring: Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Edward Burns

After watching some pretty heavy movies, I turned towards the lighter side of my collection (but also just tried to get back on the alphabetical nature of this endeavor). The husband was off on tour, and this meant I had full reign of the usual "to watch a rom-com or not to watch a rom-com" argument I have with myself--they can be the guiltiest of guilty pleasures, and the husband won't usually join me in such viewings.

There have been a lot of wedding-based rom-coms in the 2000s. You could make the argument that most rom-coms are about weddings because that's usually what happens in the end. But, the wedding-centric ones came fast and furious. I'd say this is one of the best of the bunch. It has a likable protagonist with a sarcastic best friend, a villain wrapped up in a too-perfect sister, a hunky crushworthy boss, a cute journalist and a whole lot of bad bridesmaid dresses.

Of all the wedding rom-com movies I recieved as gifts for becoming engaged years ago, I think this is the only one I kept. Bride Wars and Made of Honor were awful, awful films that had none of the pleasure you're supposed to get out of a rom-com. I had to give them away; they weren't even unintentionally funny. But Heigl's character here is relatable, smart, and seems like perhaps the best friend a girl could have should she be planning to get married. I also like that Marsden finally got the girl after several movies of being the nice to guy who loses out. Enjoyable, through and through.

The Best: The opening of the movie where Heigl races between two different weddings--one in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn--and has to change her bridesmaid dress in the cab rides between.

Fact: Malin Akerman plays Katherine Heigl's much younger sister in the movie, but she's actually older than Heigl in real life.

Rating: ****** (6 out of 10)

High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)

Dir: Kenny Ortega
Writer: Peter Barsocchini
Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale

Some movies in my collection are "social movies." They are movies I've curated only to watch with certain friends. This is the perfect example. By far the best film in the High School Musical trilogy - yes, I can call it that - because it was the first one to be released in theaters as opposed to premiering on the Disney Channel. My girlfriends and I love this movie because of two words: Zac Efron.

Let's be honest: Zac Efron's good looks and rising stardom (made by Disney ventures such as this as a teenager) is the reason this movie got a bigger budget and everyone was able to see their favorite tv actor on the big screen. As corny and sophomoric as this series is, there's no denying Efron's star quality. He's confident even when he's singing by himself in the hallways of his school, choreographed with moving walls and a basketball, literally screaming out his emotions about whether to choose basketball or drama as his college career focus. Yes, seriously.

But that's the thing, the movie is all schlock but competent and positive in its message. There's no harm here (this isn't Twilight) -- it's all good fun. And some of the songs, I have to say, are pretty catchy. Though you'll never find me watching this alone, because it's best shared with those who understand the power of the Efron. I'm pretty excited for his next (adult) venture, too.

This movie is definitely not recommended for everybody.

The Best: Efron's solo song 'Scream,' - it's amazing.

Fact: Holds the record for best box office opening for a musical, ever. Previously Mamma Mia! held the record.

Rating: ******* (7 out of 10)