The Northern Express Herald

KEY POINTS:

    Rating:

    * *

    Verdict:

    Been there, done that. You've seen it
    all before.

    There's a good chance that if you're considering this romantic comedy, it's

    for the shallow and totally understandable reason that it stars Grey's Anatomy's

    "McDreamy", Patrick Dempsey.

    If so, then the good news is McDreamy looks particularly dreamy in this film,

    and there are several shots of him in just his underwear. If, however, you

    thought this might be a witty and memorable rom-com, then you will be

    disappointed.

    Made of Honour is a paint-by-numbers, formulaic, predictable romantic comedy

    that fails to sparkle, and is a waste of a good cast.

    It's the story of best friends Tom (Patrick Dempsey) and Hannah (Michelle

    Monaghan). Hannah is about the only good-looking girl in New York the sexy and

    wealthy Tom hasn't slept with, and yet she's the only person he wants to spend

    Sundays with.

    She's also his rent-a-date for important family occasions such as weddings,

    and very sweetly sits and listens to him talk about all his girlfriends and how

    they cope with his dating rules, which seem only to benefit Tom.

    When Hannah heads to Scotland on a work trip, Tom is at a loose end on

    Sundays and decides he has feelings for her. But Hannah falls in love with a

    tall, dashing Scotsman (Kevin McKidd), and accepts his marriage proposal. Tom

    accepts the role as Hannah's MOH (Maid of Honour) with the intention of trying

    to win her heart and prevent her marrying her perfect tartan duke.

    While it's clear Hannah and Tom are great mates, you're never really

    convinced they're perfect soul mates - you'd think the attractive and smart

    Hannah could do better than end up with a serial womaniser like him.

    Made of Honour is a rehash of Julia Roberts' My Best Friend's Wedding, mixed

    together with familiar ideas from other romantic comedies. While there is no

    doubt Patrick Dempsey is a handsome man, if he's serious about a career on the

    big screen he's going to have to prove he can do more than just look good, with

    perfectly blow-dried hair.

    Francesca Rudkin

    Cast:

    Patrick Dempsey, Sydney Pollack, Kevin

    McKidd, Michelle Monaghan, Kathleen Quinlan

    Director:

    Paul Weiland

    Running Time:

    101 mins

    Rating:

    M (violence, sexual

    references)

    Screening:

    SkyCity, Hoyts, Berkeley Cinemas