Empire's The Devil Wears Prada Movie Review

Plot
Andy Sachs (Hathaway) is an aspiring journalist who takes a job at Runway, a New York fashion magazine, as an assistant to its powerful and much-feared editor, Miranda Priestly (Streep). But as she tries to get ahead in fashion and please Miranda, Andy finds her own values at risk.

It looks like a chick flick, dresses like a chick flick and name-checks a fashion house in its title, so you’d be forgiven for thinking that this is the long-rumoured Sex And The City movie — and the presence of sometime SATC director David Frankel at the helm would suggest you’re right. But under the to-die-for threads of The Devil Wears Prada lurks a career-minded morality tale, wherein the gender of the two leads is of little importance — except that male stars would do themselves an injury in heels this high.

While the traditional girly movie sees some allegedly frumpy but really foxy starlet make eyes at an unattainable babe-magnet before realising she loves her best guy mate, this focuses on the oft-overlooked question of what our heroine actually does for a living. Hence this leading lady lives in a credibly small and grungy apartment, dresses badly and seems to be unacquainted with either Max Factor or Estée Lauder. There are dishy men around — Entourage’s Adrian Grenier as her long-suffering boyfriend and Simon Baker as a predatory writer — but they’re window-dressing for an altogether more businesslike tale.

Andy’s story is about getting her foot on the career ladder, a familiar goal even for those who haven’t gone through the meat-grinder of media recruitment. But her starter job as junior assistant to Runway magazine editor Miranda Priestly soon sees her life being made over along with her wardrobe. In the lead, Anne Hathaway continues her transition from cheery and freshfaced child star to cheery and freshfaced but accomplished adult actress (see also Havoc, reviewed this issue), with a down-to-Earth charm that draws inevitable comparisons to a young Julia Roberts. But, come next March, it will be Meryl Streep who receives her umpteenth Oscar nod for her role as the deliciously nasty Priestly.

In the slave-and-tell novel on which the film is based, Priestly is an unkind caricature, allegedly based on legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Streep, however, manages the formidable task of giving her capricious tyrant some humanity without diluting her essential awfulness. Speaking in a soft, almost seductive monotone, she tears strips out of her assistants and withers unlucky editors with a glance — all while retaining a strange, charismatic hold over all around her. Soon her malign influence begins to warp her newest assistant, until Andy too finds herself adopting the values of her Mephistophelean mentor. Miranda’s credo may be “fashion is fabulous” rather than “greed is good”, but make no mistake — this is Gordon Gekko with better hair.

It’s left to two other Runway employees to do the film’s comedic heavy-lifting. The ever-dependable Stanley Tucci injects pathos into an underwritten part as the very camp and extremely shrewd art editor Nigel, Miranda’s right-hand man. But it’s relative newcomer Emily Blunt (My Summer Of Love) who very nearly steals the film as Miranda’s senior assistant Emily, veering brilliantly between Miranda-lite bitchery and moments of real despair (admittedly, despair that is occasioned by the threat of taking away her couture, but it’s real nevertheless).

From New York high society to Paris Fashion Week, the combination of low comedy and high fashion works beautifully. There are plot elements and the odd line that seem forced or formulaic, but the overall impression is fresh and stylish — an autumn/winter show that’s worth a look, even for the sartorially-challenged.

really took me by surprise
i watched 3 dvd in one night the devil wears prada last king of scotland the departed meryl streep was brilliant hathaway had me rooting for her but the film is stolen by Emily Blunt she is a real scene stealer ... More


Posted by bill the butcher at 15:44, 11 April 2012 \| Report This Post



Drivel
There are some times when you go to see a film, be it a chick flick or otherwise, that has a hackneyed plot, poor scriptwriting and unengaging performances, but you forgive it, because of a few redeeming features. I can say without a shadow of a doubt, The Devil Wears Prada is not one of these films. It's a complete girls film, and it follows the same structure as a million other girls films. The casting is okay, but performances, particularly from Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci feel halfhearted... More


Posted by blaud at 10:03, 09 January 2012 \| Report This Post




tp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0458352/]The Devil Wears Prada storyline that we`ve seen many times before: ugly duckling is being influenced by her surroundings, in this case her work place, in the way she acts and who she is but by doing so she pulls herself away from her boyfriend and friends. The messages that the film tries to bring across are put on there very thick and sometimes are getting pushed down your throat very hard. But thanks to the ever so cute Anne Hathaway with her big brown eyes,... More


Posted by TheGodfather at 23:27, 03 November 2010 \| Report This Post



I Really Liked This Movie.
I saw it on Sky last night and I was totally blown away with the story and the fashions. It's a simple tale: one very attractive woman goes after the job of her dreams but has to struggle to be in the best wishes of her boss-from-hell and try not to destory her personal life along the way. I do like Ugly Betty and it's more or less simular to this but I don't know why, I just enjoyed it more than the TV show. Perhaps it's the pefomances from the lovely Anne Hathaway who is a brilliant actress an... More


Posted by joanna likes films at 15:17, 08 October 2008 \| Report This Post




i live my life by this film. its amazing, sleek, sheek, fashionable and gay. everyone should watch it. ... More


Posted by ilovechickflicks at 11:46, 18 May 2008 \| Report This Post



RE: The Devil Wears Prada
For me Emily Blunt totally steals this film. Good little film, i enjoyed it. Its chic flick stuff but theres a bit more to it and its entertaining. As i said though, Blunt is quality in it, she has majority of the funniest lines. ... More

Posted by emz6 at 00:29, 18 June 2007 \| Report This Post



RE: The Devil Wears Prada
A smart, funny and inspired look at the fashion industry. Meryl Streep gives a excellent performance and Anne Hathaway is adorable. ... More


Posted by mrdoom14 at 16:23, 11 June 2007 \| Report This Post



RE: The Devil Wears Prada
It is a very good film and deserves its four star rating. Meryl Streep is very good and most of the other actors do well. The movie zips along and is very funny at times. Spoilers However I could see the ending coming from about 20 minutes into the film and it is the ending that stops this becoming a great film. They had to have the predictable fairytale ending. The heroine returns to the person she once was rejects the high life and gets back together with her ... More


Posted by JagLover at 09:25, 11 June 2007 \| Report This Post



Just Ugly Betty, BUT A FILM!
I know that Ugly Betty came out after but that all that this is apart from that the person isn't that unattractive! Other than that it's a typical american 'fairy-tale' style film; the girl is ordinary, she gets the dream job, she starts dressing nicely and she meets a nice guy and they fall in love. and she wins the respect of her boss! Some funny and entertaining moments but not enough, I don't think for four stars! ... More


Posted by Empo at 12:08, 07 February 2007 \| Report This Post



poor
disappointing, suceeds as neither a comody or a drama. go watch some world cinema instead ... More


Posted by gracekelly at 19:28, 06 February 2007 \| Report This Post



Brilliant Prada
outstanding entertainment. Oneof my favourite films ever. I will watch itagain as soon as it is out on DVD. ... More


Posted by dianemc at 18:47, 29 November 2006 \| Report This Post



Not just a Girly Film
The Devil Wears Prada is arguably the best film of the year. At the very least it's the best romantic / comedy / drama, or whichever genre this film falls under. But that is 'The Devils..' main strength! It doesn't follow by any known rules. It's unlike any film you will have seen - and very well acted. You would expect that in a film of this 'style', you would come across at least one unlikeable character, but even the bitchy assistant (Emily Blunt) has a likeable presence and entertaining snip... More


Posted by sull26 at 16:36, 16 November 2006 \| Report This Post



Better than I expected.
The Devil Wears Prada could have just been avarge, if it where not for the cast. Anne Hathaway is outstanding as Andy, while Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly really is the Devil, most of the time it's hard to tell if she even human, expecting Andy to do the impossible. Another great performances by the supporting cast such as Stanley Tucci as Miranda's right-hand man. There was so much humour in this film as well, I did leave the cinema smiling, which was also due to Andy's choice at the end. ... More


Posted by Tohru_Readman at 18:15, 08 November 2006 \| Report This Post




I thought this film was great, not 5 star great, but still really good. very entertaining! Loved it!!!! ... More


Posted by SamanthaC at 14:38, 06 November 2006 \| Report This Post




I thought this film was great, not 5 star great, but still really good. very entertaining! Loved it!!!! ... More


Posted by SamanthaC at 14:38, 06 November 2006 \| Report This Post




I thought this film was great, not 5 star great, but still really good. very entertaining! Loved it!!!! ... More


Posted by SamanthaC at 14:38, 06 November 2006 \| Report This Post




I thought this film was great, not 5 star great, but still really good. very entertaining! Loved it!!!! ... More


Posted by SamanthaC at 14:38, 06 November 2006 \| Report This Post



Disappointing
Neither smart of funny, unfortunately. I never expected to much anyway, as it is based on a very light read book, but at least book made me really laugh and was much more dramatic and meaning full. As a film it disappoints, not funny or important or fresh, as an adaptation it doesn't fear better. The only thing that saves it is Meryl Streep, but she shines in everything. ... More


Posted by kachna_ff at 21:05, 01 November 2006 \| Report This Post



Devil Wears Prada
It's all in the title. While this smart, engaging movie manages to rattle along nicely, with its two leads both remarakably charismatic, and its writing funny and intelligent, and however lovingly it paints its subject, Frankels movie manages to highlight how superficial its subject is. Still, it almost manages to get away with it, and the first two thirds of the film are charming, witty, clever and occasionally very funny indeed. ... More


Posted by killervideotape at 19:54, 22 October 2006 \| Report This Post



RE: The Devil Wears Prada
L: Philconcannon I wasn't really bothered by any of Andy's tired little moral dilemmas as they played out in such dull fashion; but I found myself really caring about Emily's thwarted desire to go to Paris, I cared about Nigel's attempts to get his dream job and, of course, I really wanted the imperious Miranda to keep her place on the Some people may be startled to hear that I cared more about the scheming ice queen than the doe-eyed sweetheart, but it shouldn't really be that much of a su... More

Posted by nimmy at 19:48, 18 October 2006 \| Report This Post



Highly Fashionable
The Devil Wears Prada 9/10 The Devil Wears Prada has intrigued me ever since it came on release in America, Meryl Streep is a legendary actress and the fact she was appearing as the "bitch from hell" in this comedy intrigued me. Then I saw my first glimpse of the movie with the whole interviewing scene, once again it was funny and made me smile, it looked to be a thoroughly entertaining movie. But then something hit me like a tonne of bricks a few months ago, I was getting overlly e... More


Posted by 02PARSIM at 18:56, 15 October 2006 \| Report This Post



Highly Fashionable
The Devil Wears Prada 9/10 The Devil Wears Prada has intrigued me ever since it came on release in America, Meryl Streep is a legendary actress and the fact she was appearing as the "bitch from hell" in this comedy intrigued me. Then I saw my first glimpse of the movie with the whole interviewing scene, once again it was funny and made me smile, it looked to be a thoroughly entertaining movie. But then something hit me like a tonne of bricks a few months ago, I was getting overlly e... More


Posted by 02PARSIM at 18:56, 15 October 2006 \| Report This Post



A Runway Sucess.....
A totally enjoyable swipe at the ridicilous fashion industry, some excellent performances too from all the leading parts here, a very witty script indeed....... ... More


Posted by n13roy at 18:21, 11 October 2006 \| Report This Post



Devil Wears Prada
An above average chick-flick which is saved by the presence of Meryl Streep. Unless you have an interest in the fashion industry you will be looking at your watch before this feather lite , but fun at times movies is over. ... More


Posted by moviemaniac2 at 19:55, 08 October 2006 \| Report This Post




HILARIOUS! HILARIOUS! HILARIOUS! I love this film, it was so funny. It's def one I will buy on DVD! ... More


Posted by sarahlea16 at 11:03, 08 October 2006 \| Report This Post



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The Devil Wears PradaAnne Hathaway in David Frankel's extremely smart and funny satire.

The Devil Wears Prada
Anne Hathaway in David Frankel's extremely smart and funny satire.