Essential Actors: Meryl Streep

Finally a Streep movie I can sink my teeth into. This is an archetypal story of the innocent heroine who thinks she can expose herself to the devil's power and not be transformed. What happens has been done many times before, sometimes better, sometimes worse, and in every genre from 'Donnie Brasco' to '13 Going On 30,' and 'Mean Girls.' What gives this movie clout is the fashion world setting that is portrayed so stylishly and attractively. Streep consumes every scene of the movie, whether she's in it or not. As the devil herself, she is a woman who has been fully consumed by her passions and dreams, but still has a moral side that struggles to be recognized. Tucci gives a delightful performance as the cold-shoulder mentor. Hathaway is pretty much forgettable.

Wes Craven successfully departs from the horror genre for this one feature. Touching, uplifting, inspiring.

Great perfomances, and astounding editing, to little for a terrible story that is ultimately about weak women.

The classic family drama, unstopable winner of top Oscars. It is emotional, heartbraking and connects in a way that few movies can. These characters are your extended family; this story is one we ALL connect with no matter what your family dynamic.

This Altman picture combines the ensemble quality of 'Gosford Park' and 'Cookie's Fortune,' and the musical number pacing of 'The Company.' It is fair to say that this is a good movie, with wonderful characters, a nostalgic feel and an air of mysticism. I enjoyed this film.
However, it must be said that, even though the story flows, there is not much of a plot; even though the characters are engaging and enjoyable, there are so many of them that the screenplay doesn't give enough attention to any particular one to provide a stand-out performance.
In the end, it is usual respectable Altman fare, but not outstanding or particularly memorable

It just keeps dragging on, and when you look back on it, Meryl Streep was the only thing worth watching and she tried so hard to carry the entire weight of a movie that can't decide if it wants to be funny or dramatic and winds up being annoying.