Predictable but Fine Anyway

Rating: 9/10 (2 July 2006)

Sometimes a predictable ending is just TOO predictable. Sure enough, this pseudo-Faustian comedy ends up with our girl Andy back in the arms of her original boyfriend, and back with all that's good, wholesome, non-fashionable & non-French.
But along the way, it is witty and wise about the shifting sands of our morality. To be smart and elegant turns out to be more than airheaded and snooty. There are good-hearted souls even in the world of fashion (well, at least in the movies), and there's much to admire in their tough competitive ethic and leadership abilities, and we get some honestly compelling arguments for the importance of the art and the industry.
This is a beautifully made film with a sharp script and some very classy performances--from Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, Tucci, and Baker.
My complaint about the handling of Miranda's twist on the double cross is that she takes too long explaining herself. She confronts Irv with a list of top photographers and models who will stay loyal to her no matter what. C'mon, is THAT plausible? But overall, this is a sharp, satisfying satire, both cool and sweet.