This Blockbuster Wears Prada

'The Devil Wears Prada' is what summer blockbusters should be about. There are no buildings, cars and/or people being blown to bits (well, not literally anyway). This movie, loosely based on Lauren Weisberger's tale, which was written as a novel, but allegedly was really her tales of woe working for Anna Wintour of 'Vogue' fame, is one of the most character-driven stories I've seen in years, thanks in large part to Meryl Streep. Meryl, who plays Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of 'Runway' magazine, hires Andie, played very nicely by Ann Hathaway, to be her second assistant. Meryl plays Miranda with understated venom. She barely raises her voice above a whisper when she speaks and her facial expressions are minimal (probably because she's afraid she'll get wrinkles), but one raise of an eyebrow and she has people scattering for miles. Stanley Tucci plays the chief style consultant for the fashion magazine, but again, his interpretation of the character is not typical. He is elegant, even when he's having a hissy fit. Add Emily Blunt to the mix (she play's Emily, first assistant to Miranda) and you really have all the characters you need to complete this tale. The rest of the characters just blend into the scenery. What I really liked about this movie is that it does detour from the book both in story and character building. Ann plays Andy in a much more sympathetic and down-to-earth manner, while Meryl plays Miranda as a more three-dimensional character than the Miranda in the book. Here, we see how Andy really doesn't veer too far away from her family, friends and her ultimate goal of becoming a writer before she makes a decision that will be life-changing, while we see Miranda, if only in glimpses, being fragile, but understanding why she is the way she is. I never really understood that from the book and wanted so much to feel sympathy for her, but never did. Meryl gives me the chance to feel that for Miranda, the human being, as horrific as she is portrayed. The real star of this movie is the wardrobe. To see the accessories alone is worth the price of admission. Kudos to the stylist from "Sex in the City" fame for suiting up these stars. It was a feast for the eyes! Don't miss this one.