Beware the dreaded chick flick

Rating: 6/10 (15 December 2006)

PRADA is a lightweight comedy set in the fashion corridors of Manhattan, a movie aimed squarely at the teen and tween audience. Anne Hathaway plays a young college graduate landing her first job at a fashion magazine lorded over by an imperious and bizarrely attired Meryl Streep. As a fresh journalism graduate, Hathaway is a fish out of water as the new assistant to a boss obsessed with haute couture in the same way Martha Stewart is obsessed with turning the universe into her kitchen. But soon enough, Hathaway is transformed into a fashionista, and she quickly alienates her friends and family. The film is right out of the Disney or Nickelodeon school of film-making, and doesn't begin to live up to its arch title, which is based on someone's memoirs. Hathaway is pretty but just not up to her role, which would have called for someone like Sandra Bullock 10 years ago. Today, it might have been better served by someone like Rachel McAdams. But frankly, I don't think the director was up to the job. The tone is so slight and airy, the movie threatens to blow away at any second. And talk about clichéd. For girls only, preferably those still young enough to be playing with their Barbie and Bratz dolls.