Reviews

I went into this movie because I had a few hours to kill and there wasn't anything else playing in my neighborhood movie theater that I was remotely interested in seeing. Even with no real expectations, this movie managed to disappoint. It was sooooo ssllooww, tedious and soggy. The main characters, at least in the part I saw, were whiney and unlikeable. After about 30-40 minutes, I was so bored that I could no longer convince myself that the waste of the $7.50 I paid for my ticket was reason enough to stay, and I walked out. Maybe I shouldn't be reviewing the movie at all since I didn't see the whole thing. I just wanted to warn others away from making the mistake I did. I want my money back. I want my time back.

I was an avid reader of Seventeen magazine back in the late 70s/early 80s when these women were modeling for that magazine. The fist copy of the magazine that I ever bought was the back-to-school issue which one of the Fitzpatrick twins mentions was her first cover. I bought the magazine during a summer vacation and spent the whole ride home in the car poring over the new fall outfits. I remember some of them in detail to this day.

And, yes, I do remember Whitney Houston's modeling career. In fact, I had an article on exercise that I tore out of the magazine and saved. A few years later when Ms. Houston burst onto the music scene, I happened across the magazine article and recognized immediately.

My senior year of high school, I saw "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," Yes, of course that movie became known as one that gave many future stars their first break -- Sean Penn, Forrest Whitaker, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Anthony Edwards and more -- but at the only face that I recognized at the time was that of Phoebe Cates.

To me, this documentary is a kind of high school reunion. I recognized each and every one of these former teen models. Some became successful in show business. Some are now contented wives and mothers. Being able to remember the fresh, beautiful teen Whitney Houston once was makes her current plight all the more sad for me. I was happy to spend time in their company once again.

I read every issue of "Vogue," "Elle," et al as soon as they hit the newsstand. When the book "The Devil Wears Prada" came out a few years ago, I was anxious to find out what goes on behind the scenes at my beloved glossies. I found the book tedious and pointless. I put it aside half read and ended up selling it to a used book store for a few bucks.

I was interested in the movie because I could get the same story and see the sumptuous couture in the movie and while only sacrificing two hours of my time. I did enjoy the movie. There are some laughs to be had, and unlike most movies these days, this one doesn't stoop to toilet humor

I thought Anne Hathaway is adequate as our heroine, Andie. Hathaway's wide- eyed look suits the character of the corn-fed midwestern college graduate well. During the movie, several character refer to Andie's intelligence. I just don't quite the light of intelligence in her eyes or the ambition to pursue a career in journalism that would be required to withstand the constant stream of abuse to which she is subjected. She merely seems like a nice young woman who has a mean boss.

Meryl Streep, on the other hand, absolutely possesses the imperious couture- clad character of Miranda Priestly. She walks the fine line of cartoon dragon lady and brittle flesh and bone woman with the expertise of a tight rope walker. She's hissably hateful without ever losing touch with the character humanity. Earlier in the day I saw Streep in "Out of Africa," and I was astounded that the same actor could have played both characters.

Stanley Tucci also deserves strong props for his role as Nigel, Runway magazine's stylist. He's long-suffering without being weary and and he carries on his job in as professional manner as Miranda with none of her cruelty.

The movie was styled by Patricia Fields, best known for her work with "Sex and the City," and I could see more than a little of Carrie Bradshaw in the gorgeous costumes. It was nice to see what the SATC characters might be wearing a few years after the show left us.