Review of Pretty Woman (1990) by Mimi S — 01 Jun 2014

Although Pretty Woman is a harmless and light rom-com with an energetic and charming performance from Julia Roberts, unfortunately it's far too cliche and unrealistic. Pretty Woman is about a hooker, Vivienne (Julia Roberts) who comes across a rich man, Edward (Richard Gere) who offers her a lot of money to spend the week with him, not only sucking and fucking him (sorry to be crude), but to accompany him to big events as his plus one. However the two end up falling for one another, no surprises there. I think if being a hooker guaranteed finding a nice rich man who doesn't treat you like a ho, a lot of women would be up for that. The script and story lie a bit flat, but it's got some good scenes with decent chemistry from its leads, although I wouldn't say that Vivienne and Edward are the most romantic on screen couple in romantic movie history. I'm not too keen on Richard Gere as an actor, but he's decent enough in this.

Pretty Woman is a nice enough film and I know it's the ultimate and most beloved classic, but for me it's average. It's a decent watch, but nothing spectacular. It portrays being a hooker as a fine and dandy job, but doesn't really shed much light on the dark reality of prostitution. Plus the film is more about money and class than love if anything. In reality Julia Robert's character just becomes a trophy wife material and she's pretty much enthralled by the wealthy lifestyle. It's more about how a woman through sex gains status and money. Although I'm not one of those in your face angry feminist types, Pretty Woman reinforces the idea that a woman should find herself a nice rich man to take care of her. All in all standard film and if you like girly films this is the perfect film for you.

Guy suitability scale: 3 (best give it a miss unless forced by your significant other- however my sister in law says this is my brother's guilty pleasure but he wont admit to it).

Grade: C.