My Take - The Devil Wears Prada
My Take on the Movies
A Mini-Review of
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
By: A. L. “Toni” Anderson
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) is a funny, lively story based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger, a fictional account of her actual experiences at Vogue magazine. Meryl Streep is Miranda Priestly, dragonlady extraordinaire, and long-standing editor-in-chief of Runway. Anne Hathaway (Brokeback Mountain - 2005) is Andy Sacks, Miranda’s second assistant. She is totally fashion un-conscious, and is an intelligent, dedicated journalist to boot. Therein, as they say, lies the rub. The film is directed by David Frankel, director of several episodes of Sex and the City.
Andy and boyfriend Nate (Adrian Grenier of Entourage) are in New York to fulfill their dreams. But according to Andy’s dad, she gave up a chance at Stanford Law School to become a journalist, and now she is not even doing that! Nate is a run-of-the-mill cook, who aspires to be a chef. Andy’s plan is to work for the dragonlady for a year, which will allegedly enable her to write her own ticket in the world of serious journalism. Will they achieve their goals before Andy’s new job becomes a nightmare for them both?
Streep gives her usual fine, perfectly timed performance. She appears to get so much enjoyment out of this demonic role that it is almost scary. [Among other things, her character stabs a friend in the back to save her own livelihood; even Lucifer might have reason to be afraid of Miranda.] Streep’s performance nearly overshadows most of the others, which is no surprise. Not to be outdone, however, Hathaway is très adorable in this “Eliza Doolittle” role, slightly reminiscent of a young Audrey Hepburn.
Stanley Tucci (Lucky Number S7evin - 2006) is Nigel, Miranda’s ever-loyal and under-appreciated right hand man, who continues to dream big no matter how unrealistically. The original “Emily” (Miranda’s first assistant) is British actress Emily Blunt (Irresistible - 2006). Andy’s and Nate’s close friends are Tracie Thoms (Cold Case) as Lilly, and Rich Sommer as Doug, each also struggling to achieve their career goals. Simon Baker (Something New - 2006) is the enchanting Christian Thompson, who helps Andy in her time of need and inadvertently aids the Devil herself. Daniel Sunjata (Rescue Me and Law & Order) is James Holt, the world famous designer and the catalyst who brings out Ms. Priestly’s (and Andy’s) most devilish qualities.
Fashion is naturally at the crux of this film, and I would be remiss not to mention Patricia Field (Sex and the City) as the costume designer. The original music score is by Theodore Shapiro (Fun with Dick and Jane - 2005). The screenplay is written by Aline Brosh McKenna (Laws of Attraction - 2004).
I found The Devil Wears Prada to be completely engaging. It met, if not exceeded, all of my prior expectations. I laughed, cried, and cheered, in turn. I guarantee you will do the same. [1:39]
♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
[© 07/04/2006]
A Mini-Review of
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA
By: A. L. “Toni” Anderson
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) is a funny, lively story based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger, a fictional account of her actual experiences at Vogue magazine. Meryl Streep is Miranda Priestly, dragonlady extraordinaire, and long-standing editor-in-chief of Runway. Anne Hathaway (Brokeback Mountain - 2005) is Andy Sacks, Miranda’s second assistant. She is totally fashion un-conscious, and is an intelligent, dedicated journalist to boot. Therein, as they say, lies the rub. The film is directed by David Frankel, director of several episodes of Sex and the City.
Andy and boyfriend Nate (Adrian Grenier of Entourage) are in New York to fulfill their dreams. But according to Andy’s dad, she gave up a chance at Stanford Law School to become a journalist, and now she is not even doing that! Nate is a run-of-the-mill cook, who aspires to be a chef. Andy’s plan is to work for the dragonlady for a year, which will allegedly enable her to write her own ticket in the world of serious journalism. Will they achieve their goals before Andy’s new job becomes a nightmare for them both?
Streep gives her usual fine, perfectly timed performance. She appears to get so much enjoyment out of this demonic role that it is almost scary. [Among other things, her character stabs a friend in the back to save her own livelihood; even Lucifer might have reason to be afraid of Miranda.] Streep’s performance nearly overshadows most of the others, which is no surprise. Not to be outdone, however, Hathaway is très adorable in this “Eliza Doolittle” role, slightly reminiscent of a young Audrey Hepburn.
Stanley Tucci (Lucky Number S7evin - 2006) is Nigel, Miranda’s ever-loyal and under-appreciated right hand man, who continues to dream big no matter how unrealistically. The original “Emily” (Miranda’s first assistant) is British actress Emily Blunt (Irresistible - 2006). Andy’s and Nate’s close friends are Tracie Thoms (Cold Case) as Lilly, and Rich Sommer as Doug, each also struggling to achieve their career goals. Simon Baker (Something New - 2006) is the enchanting Christian Thompson, who helps Andy in her time of need and inadvertently aids the Devil herself. Daniel Sunjata (Rescue Me and Law & Order) is James Holt, the world famous designer and the catalyst who brings out Ms. Priestly’s (and Andy’s) most devilish qualities.
Fashion is naturally at the crux of this film, and I would be remiss not to mention Patricia Field (Sex and the City) as the costume designer. The original music score is by Theodore Shapiro (Fun with Dick and Jane - 2005). The screenplay is written by Aline Brosh McKenna (Laws of Attraction - 2004).
I found The Devil Wears Prada to be completely engaging. It met, if not exceeded, all of my prior expectations. I laughed, cried, and cheered, in turn. I guarantee you will do the same. [1:39]
♠ ♠ ♠ ♠ ♠
[© 07/04/2006]
posted by A. L. "Toni" Anderson at 9:13 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home