The Devil Wears Prada boasts solid execution from director David Frankel plus biting sarcasm and humor from screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, who adapted Lauren Weisberger's novel for the screen. Among strong performances by a stellar ensemble cast, Meryl Streep is the standout in this devilishly funny film.

Prior to filming, Frankel put together a binder with facts, articles, and ideas to help Streep build her character and craft her performance as fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly. Frankel was sure the actress would scoff at him but he found her extremely thankful.  From that point on the acclaimed actress was constantly asking for more articles about the fashion industry and behind-the-scenes information concerning fashion magazines.

Streep is at home in Miranda Priestly's shoes. Miranda, who has a manic and volatile personality, is feared by her employees and has fired a long line of assistants because they disappointed her and couldn't live up to her ridiculous standards. Streep finds a delicate balance between ruthlessness, selfishness, sanity, and anger -- yet she does not go over the top or try hard for laughs by "sending up" her  character. The laughs evoked are natural, and Streep's performance appears effortless. 

In this clever comedy, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), a recent journalism graduate who has just met with Miranda's  New York publisher, is searching for a journalism role at a major publication. Andy is not suitable for the opening at an automotive magazine, so now finds herself in the offices of Runway Magazine, her only other alternative.

Emily (Emily Blunt), one of Miranda’s assistants, belittles   Andy for her shabby attire and deems her an unsuitable candidate. However, Miranda decides that she could do worse than hire someone like Andy -- even if she does wear a size 6 (which is considered "fat" in the fashion world) -- who is smart and wants to work hard. Millions of young women would kill to be working with Miranda, but little does Andy know that the stress of working for Miranda could kill her.

The film's characters are witty, clever and sarcastic as they cut one another up and make strange observations about people and the situations they are in.  While other actors, directors and screenwriters might have made the tasks Andy is asked to perform for Miranda too outlandish, the dialogue here never comes across as campy. It's always smart and sharply executed. 

Particularly side-splitting is a scene where a hurricane pounds the Florida coast behind Miranda. Her window is open as she complains to Andy that all flights are grounded due to a minor weather disturbance. Andy then has to call every airline and/or favor in for Miranda, who ends up missing her twins' dance recital. Speaking of Miranda's twin daughters, they have read every Harry Potter book on the market. Mom knows that author J.K. Rowling has completed an unpublished Harry Potter manuscript and tells Andy she better find a copy for both kids or not bother returning to the office. Luckily, Christian Thompson (Simon Baker) a friend, has a connection who helps her procure a copy of the manuscript.

Andy's character is tested when Miranda’s trust in her builds and she starts having more of a relationship with her cell-phone than with boyfriend Nate (Adrian Grenier). Asked to accompany Miranda to Paris, Andy is forced to face a serious challenge to her integrity. How will she handle it?     

With its fine performances, amusing script and deft direction,  The Devil Wears Prada offers viewers a devil of a good time.
(Released by 20^th Century Fox and rated “PG-13” for some sensuality.)

Review also posted on www.movie-critiques.com.