The Marvelous Ms. Meryl

Rating: 8/10 (6 July 2006)

Meryl Streep is a veritable chameleon. She never seems to take on the same role twice, and is completely believable in every role she takes on. As Miranda in The Devil Wears Prada, she delivers a performance worthy of the haughtiest haute-couture. Fully nuanced, with depth in every glance, every dismissive "That's all." Anne Hathaway was the archetypal doe-eyed princess, again, but she pulled off Andrea's transformation capably and seemed to have fun in the role.
While the author of the novel upon which the film is based, Lauren Weisberger (a former assistant to legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour), insists she didn't draw on her experience at Wintour's Jimmy Choo-clad feet for inspiration, she obviously saw the fashion publishing and haute couture world for what those of us who do not own $1,900 handbags believe it to be: very serious about something that's really very silly. But the moral of the story -- be true to your self, don't sell out to The Man (who is, surprise-surprise, a Woman this time), etc.
I'll say one thing for this film. It never got smarmy, and had a number of chances to go Hollywood that it didn't cash in on. Hoorah! Also, the clothes were Divine, but all those stilts (heels)? Eeks! Poor marks for the boyfriend and Andrea's friends... the actors were OK, but no one would keep friends who are as disloyal and judgmental as they were. (Well, I sure wouldn't...)
As art director Nigel, ever-impressive Stanley Tucci adds depth and flavor to every scene he's in. I can't get enough of this character actor we've been enjoying for 21 years.
Overall, film's worth seeing, not necessarily on the big screen, but fun either way.