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Meryl Streep seems destined for her 14th Oscar nomination for her portrayal of a domineering magazine editor in The Devil Wears Prada, the film version of Lauren Weisberger's international bestseller.

The veteran actress is breathtaking as the sadistic reigning queen of fashion, armed with a dizzying array of knockout one-liners.

As despicable as her character may be, Streep expertly reveals the chinks in her villainess's designer label armour, showing glimmers of vulnerability.

We come to love this silver-haired bully at the expense of the heroine of the piece, Andy Sachs (Hathaway), a graduate from university who lands a plum job as second assistant to the fearsome Miranda Priestly (Streep), esteemed editor of Runway magazine.

Andy hopes the position will be a stepping-stone to serious political journalism and is unprepared for the challenges of catering to the tyrannical Priestly's every whim.

Within hours of arriving, Andy is black and blue from Miranda's stinging barbs. Delivering the killer blow, Miranda cruelly reveals why she hired Andy, a devotee of thrift store chic, rather than another stick-thin beauty.

"I said, 'Take a chance - hire the smart, fat girl.'"

Determined to make Miranda choke on her words, Andy seeks guidance from camp art director Nigel (Tucci).

Andy undergoes a drastic personality change, which alienates her from boyfriend Nate (Grenier) and family.

Dressed head to toe in designer labels, Andy realises that she has become part of the crowd. Unless she acts fast, her individuality will be lost forever.

Hathaway fades to grey in Streep's considerable shadow. Her fashion illiterate twenty-something is too wet and simpering to merit our affections.

Supporting performances are brilliant - Tucci is a hoot and British actress Emily Blunt is adorable as the stressed out assistant.