Bride Wars

When they pair Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, you know this is a chick flick you want to see.

Although the trailer tells you the main gist ‘two friends become enemies due to having their weddings on the same day’, it’s delightful and very funny.  There is even a couple of surprises at the end to make sure you leave feeling ‘chick flick happy’.

I really loved the fashions in this film.  As all who love chick flicks know a key element is always the ‘clothes lust’.

Whilst this film follows the tried and true ‘friendship’ – rom Comedy formula, its still a great watch and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Steph’s rating: 7.9/10

Get Smart

Saving the World…and loving it!

This is one of those movies where fans of the TV series will be pleasantly surprised.

The movie was directed by Peter Segal (Anger Management), scripting by Tom Astle & Matt Ember who both wrote “Failure to Launch”, and casting by Mel Brooks (original TV Series) & Buck Henry.

The movie does a great job capturing the essence of the TV series which unbelievably first hit TV screens in 1965! As a long time fan I was concerned when I saw the first preview earlier in the year, it looked really bad, however a more recent preview convinced me it was worth a watch and it exceeded my expectations by some margin. I would put a good portion of this down to the influence of Mel Brooks and Buck Henry who created the original TV series.

Becoming Jane

I had great hopes for this movie. As a fan of all Jane Austen’s work (Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility), I expected this to be a factually wonderful and inspiring movie, about the author. However, I believe the director and screenwriter totally lost the Point of this entire biography and in the process alienated all Jane Austen fans (the target market!). What were they thinking!???

Firstly be warned. If you are expecting a feel-good, chick flick movie, don’t bother. This made me thoroughly bored and disappointed. Anne Hathaway, who is stunning in the ‘Devil wears Prada’ just fails terribly in this role. It would have been better suited to someone like a fresh new British actress (and with a complete script re-write!). Plus I didn’t like James McAvoy as the male love interest at all. Very mis-matched.

It is implied that without their illicit affair, Jane Austen would never have written her six great novels. We see Jane caught up in passion, bashing out the first draft of P & P (in a single night!, which is hardly realistic, if you’ve ever read the novel – it takes longer to read!). To me this movie feels just like just a fanciful piece of fiction rather than a biographical retelling.

I guess my low rating of this film is based on the feeling that I missed out on knowing the truth, what was her life was really like? Her struggles her achievements – I think that would have made a great film. If I had known it was not based on any historical fact – my expectations would have been alot lower and I think I may have enjoyed it more. However, I left feeling disappointed that I didn’t find out anything TRUTHFUL about this amazing woman.

Steph’s rating: 1/10

The Devil Wears Prada – Third Viewing

Third viewing enjoyed with Karlene and Julie, ‘long overdue girls time’ at St Lukes.

This movie really is a homage to haute couture fashion and after 3 viewings I still find more to love about this film! The movie’s stylist is amazing (Patrica Field – same lady who did Sex & The City). My personal top picks for fave outfits are below.

I especially love this first look, all black, amazing boots with the statement gold jewelry. This is the outfit is worn by Andy when she first meets Christian Thompson the author over a dangerous cocktail – stunning. But lets face it, they were all stunning!

The Devil Wears Prada – Second Viewing

The “girls”, Susan, Mel and I, hit Village SkyCity Queen Street, to check out another screening of The Devil Wears Prada.

I really enjoyed the second viewing. As the wit is quite fast paced, I caught a lot more this time round. Pus, I could study all the clothes ! In reflection I think the romantic quotient of the movie fits it perfectly and without the expectation that goes with any premiere – my enjoyment level of this movie keeps increasing.

The Devil Wears Prada

Andy a sweet, young girl with big dreams, that gets the job from Hell. Except everyone is telling her how lucky she is! Anne Hathaway plays the part superbly, and Meryl Streep is extremely convincing as the evil boss. I’m sure this character will give lots of people flashbacks if they’ve ever had a bad boss.

This chick flick was a career-focused story rather than a romance based story line which is a nice change – but not convinced its the ultimate chick flick. One of the highlights of the film, is how they squeeze so many amazing clothes into the length of the film. All the clothes are beautiful and to die for…

I did miss the romantic plot being the main element of being a good chick flick in this movie, so my positive rating is based on it being wonderfully fashionista! Will see a couple more times at least.

Steph’s rating: 7.5 /10