More than I thought it would be!

Rating: 9/10 (3 July 2006)

I was looking for an entertaining afternoon. But it makes anyone who puts too much into work stop and think. A good viewing for anyone too wrapped up in work! There is also an excellent message regarding staying true to your values. Anne Hathaway loses her way in the excitement and status of her position. Her friends bring her back to what is really important to her. Meryl Streep, as always, gave a defining portrayal of a driven woman in her 50s. She did not overplay the role, which could be tempting. She really wasn't "the devil"; she was just a misguided, over-achieving woman. From my point of view, there were two extremely poignant moments. The first occurs when Miranda is speaking with Andy regarding her (yet another!) divorce. We see Miranda stripped of the accouterments of her power, and she is just another lonely, driven woman. The second occurs when we see Miranda observing Andy after Andy has quit and sought another position with a real newspaper. There is a sterling moment in which we see Miranda smile, acknowledging the journalist she might have become if she had chosen a different path. I was underwhelmed by the gentleman who portrayed Nate. He was unconvincing as Andy's voice of reason. I was overwhelmed by the portrayal of the "first assistant" Emily, portrayed by Emily Blunt. She captured the striving, strident young professional, but with just enough humanness for us to love her! I would recommend this movie to anyone. It contains significant messages for both young and old - or not so old. It also contains a "just right" performance by Ms. Streep, capturing Miranda's coldness without beating the daylights out of her. Stanley Tucci as Nigel was over the top!! His grace under fire was incredible and he graciously conveyed the kind of wisdom we all look for in our coworkers. He was truly amazing! Tracie Thomas as Lilly also gave a wonderful performance. All women need a conscience like Lilly to keep them from taking the wrong path. She was professional, empathetic but as stern as we sometimes need our friends to be with us!!