The Devil Wears Prada: Worth the Revisit

Released twenty years ago, “The Devil Wears Prada” is one of my favorite movies to watch over and over. Meryl Streep plays “Dragon Lady” Miranda Priestly, editor-in-chief of Runway magazine. A thinly veiled character based on Vogue’s Anna Wintour, she is a complex driven taskmaster given greater depth by Streep’s performance. Sprinkled throughout the movie, Streep gives Miranda just enough vulnerability that the audience roots for her to be triumphant at the film’s end. The leading trio of Anne Hathaway, Streep, and Emily Blunt had fantastic chemistry.



As sequels typically pale in comparison to their predecessors, I had mixed feelings of excitement and cynicism when I heard “The Devil Wears Prada 2” was being filmed. Last night I went to the Village Theatre on Coronado Island to see for myself what the result was. VERY cool theatre, I might add - worth the trek to the Island!



I was happily surprised that while it was not the perfect piece that had been created in 2006, it was thoroughly entertaining and a good companion that had more than its share of merits. Most of the original cast returned (including many of the minor characters); even more importantly, the original director (David Frankel), producer (Wendy Finerman), cinematographer (Florian Ballhaus), and writer (Aline Brosh McKenna) were reunited to create a movie that feels true to the original. Most sequels have a new support team that want to put their own spin on the characters and their motivations, stripping away what was most appealing.



The premise of the new film is compelling; two decades later, the world of journalism and publishing have changed. Integrity and artistry have flown the coup as AI, social media, and influencers have sucked the soul out of all that is original and creative. Miranda has had to do a lot of swallowing to survive; Streep does a noble job of showing how the industry changes have forced her to be more politically correct and sensitive to keep her beloved Runway afloat.



Cynical but knowing Emily and the positive but slightly naive Andi (Blunt and Hathaway) have matured and moved up the career ladder after being “mentored” by Priestly while at Runway. “Survived” might be a better word. Their frenemy status is one of the great relationships explored in the story.



Stanley Tucci’s Nigel, Priestly’s art director, is less flamboyant and sarcastic this time around. Instead, he lends an air of mature leadership while continuing to quietly bolster Andi’s career.



Brilliant scenes abound; my favorite was watching Streep listening to Justin Theroux’s character explain how change and AI and the destruction of everything she held dear were inevitable. Without saying much, you can see the pain, acknowledgement, and disbelief that she might be powerless to do anything about the situation just from her facial reactions. Streep is absolutely brilliant.

The film’s score, created by Theodore Shapiro (who also scored the original) is an important common thread between the two films that provides instant recognition and understanding for the characters and the plot.

See it in the theatre and support the experience of sitting in a large darkened space where you can lose yourself in the big screen.

See more of my photos at my main website.

My Best Friend

If you’ve been a reader of my blog then you know that my dog Willis has been the light of my life for the last fourteen-plus years. For his back story you can read the story of Willis from 2013. Sadly, that light went out on Monday when Willis became a true angel.



Above is the couple I will be forever indebted to, as they fostered this little two-month-old puppy and trusted us to raise him. Below is Peticures by Tess, who took care of Willis’ grooming needs from day one. She was much more than just a groomer; she adored Willis, spoke AND listened to him, and gave him the best personalized care you could ask for. This was a personal loss for her, as well.



The most recent part of Willis’ team was Pawsitive Vibes San Diego. When Willis’ original doggy daycare went out of biz, I was panicked. Who could walk him during the day while I was at work and give him the care and attention he required? Serendipity stepped in and I saw their flyer posted in the neighborhood. After our meet-and-greet, I knew that Paige and Bryan were the ones.



They gave Willis the best walks, took photos of him (damn good ones, too!), and even showered him with birthday gifts. Their love of dogs made me immediately bond with them.



Last but definitely not least, Willis LOVED Dexter’s Deli in North Park. I could not say the name in front of him as he understood it and would immediately run to the front door. The little booger galloped at a brisk pace until we reached the destination which was 1.2 miles away. He knew the route by heart; I didn’t have to steer him at all. I always knew that if for some reason he got away, I would most likely have been able to find him at Dexter’s. They gave him treats and had the best selection of supplies, toys, and all things doggie. When it was time to leave the shop, he would lock his paws into defiance mode and I would have to drag him unwillingly across the polished concrete floor.



Willis also frequented Station Tavern in South Park. The tater tots served there were a favorite. Pizza and tater tots were the two things that he would beg for. If those two food items were put into the microwave, he stared at me until he received his portion.



The breakfast nook was his command central. He would nap here but also watch the neighborhood, which gave him easy visual access to when the mail lady would make her deliveries. He would dash to the front door, paws sliding on the hardwood floors as he barked ferociously at the mail falling onto the floor from the slot in the wall. If I was out when it came, Heaven forbid if it was a check or something valuable; it was typically torn to pieces in his angry rage at the invasion to his home.



My friend Matt had the distinction of being the one person that Willis knew by name. Whenever I would speak it, his ears would pop up and the tail would start wagging. Matt met him before Willis had turned one and they have stayed close friends ever since. I knew that if Willis liked a person, they must be okay. The people he did not respond to or growled at…well, usually he was spot-on in his assessment.



Willis traveled with me to the Chateau Marmont almost every time I visited my favorite spot on earth. It was pretty much the only place he spent the night at besides our home. The bacon was his favorite part of staying there. Below is a shot from his first visit there in 2013:



On the balcony of the Penthouse with my bestie, Christy:



A trio of favorite shots of Willis at the Chateau, ever alert, ever by my side.



He was such a good poser, too. The guy never took a bad photo.



I also want to thank VCA Animal Hospital in Hillcrest for the excellent care they gave Willis throughout his lifetime, especially at the end when I was a complete basket case. They could not have been any kinder. The one consolation for me is knowing that Doug is now taking good care of Willis on the other side. My journey with Willis was way too short, but I am still grateful for every day that I had with him; wouldn’t trade a single moment. I learned more about love and communication from that sweet little creature than I have from any one or thing that has crossed my path.



While I believe time heals all wounds, this one is going to be hard.

See more of my photography at my main website.

Jayne signs an autograph

Back to Jayne Mansfield at Disneyland, circa May 1957. As luck would have it, I have been able to acquire a few more images from her family visit to the Park. In the previously posted shot above, Jayne is attempting to sign an autograph on the back of a cast member. The recently purchased image below shows her writing it on the side of the passenger car. I am going to “assume” that she had difficulty writing on the cast member’s back and decided to use the train siding instead.



A closeup of the sign on the back of the passenger car:



This shot has Jayne’s husband, bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay at left, Jayne and daughter, and radio/TV star Art Linkletter, near the Casey Junior attraction:



I wouldn’t bet the house, but the guy at left looks an awful lot like silent screen star Harold Lloyd:



MELTDOWN! It would appear the Jayne’s daughter is on the verge of a meltdown on the King Arthur Carrousel; it had been a very long day!



See more Jayne Mansfield photos at my main website.