Thompson hearts Gabler
Hollywood Reporter columnist Anne Thompson credits Fox 2000 president Elizabeth Gabler for helping to steer The Devil Wears Prada away from the usual-usual, away from being “over the top or silly” (as screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna puts it), away from the turf of a typical “broad romantic comedy, where the plucky young heroine not only lands the guy in the end, but gets back at her wicked, evil boss.” And amen to that. I mean, at least Prada went in a slightly more urbane and grown-up directon.
What?
But having poorly written male characters, casting these roles with absolute drips (pretty as he is, Adrian Grenier is one bottomlessly awful actor), hiring a director who doesn’t have a clue how to give the film a big screen glow (this looks, sounds, and moves like a basic cable movie through and through), and using a tired screenwriting 101 arc (She’s ignoring her friends!) to soften the book for the masses… THAT stuff is OK?
Amen, schmaymen, Jeffrey.
Without Streep and Hathaway to elevate the material (aka tricking the press into liking the film), PRADA would be dismissed with the same venom that greets any mediocre New York comedy that litters the side of the cinema freeway every year.
Just came back from the matinee of TDWP. No surprise that it’s the ultimate chick flick (unless you’re gay and/or totally into fashion).
Neither bad nor good, I just can’t recommend it and can’t see word of mouth being strong.
It’s decently crafted, and Streep and Tucci are fun.
But maybe because Streep’s “monster” character is so one-note, I just couldn’t get engaged. Like most chick flick/rom coms, you know exactly where it’s heading.
Nothing wrong with a light summer comedy, but this one is a little too forgettable for me.
I loved it. I’m straight. Male. (I think) and in my forties and I think it was the best movie yet this summer. I just came from it. Really strong.
Anne Thompaon is a studio shill…
Has she seen “devil wears prada.” it’s shit.