Two thumbs up for a sterling performance!

Rating: 9/10 (22 October 2006)

FILM REVIEW: THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Cast: Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway; Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci Academy Award winning performance from veteran actress  Meryl Streep.
The Devil wears Prada has set the benchmark for riveting entertainment. This five-star effort is devoid of the irksome hindrances of CGI effects and demolitions forays. In essence, here is a film with nothing but superb acting performances from its fantastic cast. The story is credible; the characters are multi-dimensional and the script is masterful.
Meryl Streep plays a cruel, unemotional corporate executive, who is both feared and reviled by those she works with. As CEO of a leading fashion magazine, Miranda Priestly's character is anything but her namesake equivalent. Her no-nonsense approach to fashion industry dealings and her treatment of employees bears testament to the cut-throat world of corporate America. Her outwardly calm demeanor and soft-spoken manner belie her ruthless comportment, in direct contrast to the insouciant character of Andy Sachs, her assistant, played by Hathaway.
The story tracks the exploits of a carefree gal named Andy who wants to follow her journalistic ambitions. She applies for a position at the fashion magazine and much to her surprise Miranda Priestly is instantly charmed by her. Their business relationship rapidly develops and Andy soon excels at her craft. Naturally the job is exceptionally demanding and the hours are insane. The story tracks the metamorphosis of the typical girl next door into a remarkably gorgeous woman.
The trade-off is high but the dream is real. This story is a window into the real world; a world of deception, manipulation and at times inanity. The characters learn to conform to the norm and in so doing foregoing their individualism. Stanley Tucci delivers a fine performance as Nigel  Miranda's right hand man.