The Devil Wears Prada (A- or 3.5/4 stars)
'The Devil Wears Prada' is based on a novel by Laura Weisberger, written by her and Aline Brosh McKenna, & directed by David Frankel. Right out of College, Andrea Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is hopeful of a career in journalism. She searches for a job and her boyfriend, Nate (Adrian Grenier), and friends (including Tracie Thoms of Rent) lend their support in her quest. Hesitantly, 'Andy' is hired as assistant to the devilish editor-in-chief of Runway, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). In fact, Miranda is the boss-from-somewhere-beyond-Hell (she IS the Devil who wears Prada).
Knowing nothing about fashion, Andy already plays catch-up as she tries to fit in with the bothered, Emily (a saucy Emily Blunt), the other 'glamazons' at Runway, and Miranda. It is said that Miranda's character is based loosely on Vogue's ruthless editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. It's hysterical to see how scathing & pierce-tongued Meryl allows this character to be. Will Andy's anxiousness in advancing at Runway take a toll on her family, friends, & boyfriend (becoming the Devil, herself)? Will she even survive a week under Miranda Priestly's thumb? Can Andy resist the charms of Christian Thompson (Simon Baker)? Or will she use him to further her career in journalism?
Can she overcome the many fashion anxieties (learning names of designers, fabrics, learning the ropes from Nigel (a great Stanley Tucci), and dealing with that fact that she is a size 6 ... the new '14')? These questions and many more are answered in a very straightforward story. This film wasn't genius, but it was executed well & had very few lapses or holes in plot. Great casting & decent dialogue (with some rather funny moments) goes along way here.
Hathaway has proven that she is a budding star. She is likeable and relatable to many young girls who are up-&-coming in any industry. Her big brown eyes & fleshy red lips are as expressive as anything Hollywood has to offer. She's the combination of a young Julia Roberts & Sarah Jessica Parker. And Meryl continues to amaze. She is the meat & potatoes of this film. Her outfits, bags, & silver-streaked hair outline a gritty performance that reminds one of a Cruella De Vil-on-crack. And yet, even in a situation that has her in dire straits near the end, Streep is able to bring vulnerability to the wooden Miranda. Her relentless repeating of the line "That's All" to end any conversation that doesn't go her way will be my new quote of the month.
Stanley Tucci is humorous as Miranda's deadpan, gay right-hand-man whois scratching & clawing his way to the upper echelon of Runway. But the 4 main stars of this film are Meryl Streep, Ann Hathaway, the quick sarcastic dialogue, & the fashion. I enjoyed 'The Devil Wears Prada' as a feel good movie. It brings the understated 'funny'. It gives us a glimpse into the ridiculousness of the fashion world. And it is a perfect date flick; a film in which even the guys can leave the theater grinning.
Knowing nothing about fashion, Andy already plays catch-up as she tries to fit in with the bothered, Emily (a saucy Emily Blunt), the other 'glamazons' at Runway, and Miranda. It is said that Miranda's character is based loosely on Vogue's ruthless editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. It's hysterical to see how scathing & pierce-tongued Meryl allows this character to be. Will Andy's anxiousness in advancing at Runway take a toll on her family, friends, & boyfriend (becoming the Devil, herself)? Will she even survive a week under Miranda Priestly's thumb? Can Andy resist the charms of Christian Thompson (Simon Baker)? Or will she use him to further her career in journalism?
Can she overcome the many fashion anxieties (learning names of designers, fabrics, learning the ropes from Nigel (a great Stanley Tucci), and dealing with that fact that she is a size 6 ... the new '14')? These questions and many more are answered in a very straightforward story. This film wasn't genius, but it was executed well & had very few lapses or holes in plot. Great casting & decent dialogue (with some rather funny moments) goes along way here.
Hathaway has proven that she is a budding star. She is likeable and relatable to many young girls who are up-&-coming in any industry. Her big brown eyes & fleshy red lips are as expressive as anything Hollywood has to offer. She's the combination of a young Julia Roberts & Sarah Jessica Parker. And Meryl continues to amaze. She is the meat & potatoes of this film. Her outfits, bags, & silver-streaked hair outline a gritty performance that reminds one of a Cruella De Vil-on-crack. And yet, even in a situation that has her in dire straits near the end, Streep is able to bring vulnerability to the wooden Miranda. Her relentless repeating of the line "That's All" to end any conversation that doesn't go her way will be my new quote of the month.
Stanley Tucci is humorous as Miranda's deadpan, gay right-hand-man whois scratching & clawing his way to the upper echelon of Runway. But the 4 main stars of this film are Meryl Streep, Ann Hathaway, the quick sarcastic dialogue, & the fashion. I enjoyed 'The Devil Wears Prada' as a feel good movie. It brings the understated 'funny'. It gives us a glimpse into the ridiculousness of the fashion world. And it is a perfect date flick; a film in which even the guys can leave the theater grinning.