The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
By Shane Rivers
There are chick flicks and then there are chick flicks. After sitting through The Devil Wears Prada, I feel as though I’ve suddenly developed an estrogen level. I also have this faint desire to buy a Louis Vuitton handbag. Help!
Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) is a recently graduated young woman with dreams of becoming a serious journalist. The only job she can get, however, is for Runway magazine, a fashion publication managed with an iron fist by editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Andy has a tough time initially, and every mistake is rubbed in her nose by her immediate superior, Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt). Andy eventually seeks help from Nigel (Stanley Tucci), the magazine’s art director, and she begins her transformation from fashion victim to stylish professional. But as Andy becomes increasingly devoted to her job–and to Miranda–what toll will it take on her personal life?
Filled with female leads, this is one of the few movies around where talented actresses actually get to demonstrate their abilities without playing abused girlfriends or a litany of other stereotypes. The men in the film are reduced to faux-gay helpers or hunky love interests, but I’m not going to begrudge female viewers their occasional moment of cinematic empowerment.
As far as reviews go, I can sum this one up rather simply: women will most likely love The Devil Wears Prada (especially those with an interest in fashion), while the average male viewer will probably find it shallow and silly. That doesn’t mean it actually is, but most males aren’t going to be riveted by on-screen talk of size four dresses and fashion shows in the fall.
The basic progression of the storyline is straight from a hundred other “chick flicks,” but the level of acting helps to elevate the film. Meryl Streep is solid as always, with her portrayal of Miranda Priestly evoking feelings of both pity and absolute repulsion. Anne Hathaway performs admirably as the film’s central character, and she shows the ability to nimbly switch between comedy and drama. In my humble opinion, she’s got the potential to be the next Meryl Streep (or at least Julia Roberts).
While the ending of the film is predictably uplifting, I’ll give the filmmakers credit for not copping out with Priestly. She stays the same throughout the movie, although we do become privy to the severe personal price her job demands. As you might expect, Streep handles these scenes with just the right amount of emotion, never veering into the realm of cartoonish behavior.
Men forced to watch with their significant other should at least be able to appreciate the beautiful cast and the skill with which they ply their trade. Women, on the other hand, should marvel at not only the performances, but also the designer fashions present in almost every frame of celluloid. While it might not always be a feast for your brain, The Devil Wears Prada will have your eyes going back for seconds.
This The Devil Wears Prada movie review is copyright 2009 Small World Marketing and Shane Rivers. This The Devil Wears Prada review should not be reprinted without the permission of the copyright holders.
This movie review of The Devil Wears Prada expresses the opinion of the author only. Other The Devil Wears Prada movie reviews are available online, and some of those might or might not express different opinions on the movie. Like those other The Devil Wears Prada movie reivews, this The Devil Wears Prada review is intended for the entertainment and education of the reader. This The Devil Wears Prada movie review is provided as is with no warranty or guarantee implied.
