Deliciously Dark

Rating: 9/10 (30 March 2007)

A savagely funny script and deliciously sour performance from Meryl Streep headline 'The Devil Wears Prada' and helps make it this year's darkhorse surprise. Combining fashion with comedy to terrific results, it's one of the years most enjoyable and entertaining films. A chick flick, yes, but one that the men can enjoy just as much as the gals.
Andy Sachs could care less about fashion, she just wants to make it in the world of journalism. Her quest takes her to the prestige and high-profile Runway Magazine, where she applies to become the assistant to the magazine's editor, Miranda Priestly. A brutal, sharp-witted, and strong-willed woman, Miranda sees something in Andy despite her being in over her head, something that leads to her hiring. Andy's soon plunged into a world completely foreign to her, and with the help of her fellow co-workers Emily and Nigel, Andy learns the ropes and comes to adapt to her new way of life. The question is, will her newly found fashion sense and lifestyle come between her and her friends? Her boyfriend? Will she leave them all behind for Miranda, the magazine, and a chance at a lavish career? 'Prada' is such a lively film, so sharp and intelligent. It quickly sets a tone that's both classy and satirical in nature, making it one of the year's most refreshing experiences. Because most of all, it doesn't matter who you are, 'Prada' is a one-size fits all kind of film. You don't have to be a fashion insider, or even a romcom fan for that matter, it's customed especially for you. The laughs are sophisticated rather than slap-stick, and they're all so effective. No doubt thanks must be given to Lauren Weisberger, the author of the source material, but it's Aline Brosh McKenna who pens this remarkable and brilliant script. Direction from David Frankel, who very appropriately has had experience with TV's 'Entourage' and 'Sex in the City', is impeccable. It only stumbles when it's not quite sure what it wants to be in the second half, losing some of its biting humor and dabbling a bit too much in the romance department. But all can be forgiven, because the majority of this project is pure bliss.
It's been said a million times already, but I can't go without saying how Meryl Streep is the complete and utter backbone of 'Prada', I don't think the film would have existed without her. The art is in the delivery, from the way she underplays her many sharp-witted one-liners to the way she carries herself, every move precise and calculated. It's one of her best performances, and if it wasn't for Helen Mirren, I think we could have seen her march away with Oscar in hand this year. But alas, Streep's magnificent performance will still go down as one of the genre's best. British newcomer Emily Blunt also gives an exceptionally strong performance as the ambitious-driven co-worker, her bitchiness just perfect. Though overshadowed, the beautiful Anne Hathaway is wonderful and elegant in her starring role, and Stanley Tucci and Adrian Grenier hold down the tent for the men in fine fashion.
There's very little not to like in 'The Devil Wears Prada', everything comes together to form the year's smartest comedies. All thanks to a killer script and superior performance from Streep. It's a light and fluffy piece of work, one which would certainly hold up for repeated viewings. There's nothing in 'Prada' that couldn't be predicted from the opening frames, but it never lessens its pure and genuine entertainment. 'Prada' is a film with sass, a joyously sinister look into the high-class world of NYC and the fashion industry. It can't be missed.