Traditional fairy tale in a modern world

Rating: Null/10 (24 February 1999)

Pretty Woman is the ultimate fairy story in a modern world. Instead of a prince and princess, we have a self-concerned businessman and a young Hollywood Boulevard hooker. The film would have fared a lot worse had Dennis Hopper been allowed to play the role Richard Gere eventually landed. He and Roberts have this on-screen chemistry that makes the whole film light up. Admittedly, the story isn't all that realistic but it doesn't bother you until after the film has ended. You watch and let it wash all over you. Both characters turn out better people because of their meet-up: Gere realises that there is more to the world than making money and Roberts learns that there is more to sex than just getting high. Watch it and love it. If you don't love Gere and Roberts by the time you get to the piano scene, turn it off, find your soul, and then try again.