A Not-So Review: Pretty Woman

Julia Roberts as Vivian was the pretty woman. No, stop right there. Let’s revisit my first sentence and emphasize the word “the.” Imagine stamping our feet and gritting our teeth just to ensure we emphasize it. After all, we don’t merely acknowledge her beauty; we worship it with utmost admiration.

I’m well aware that Julia Roberts may now be in her golden years. The first and last time I saw her on screen, she wore a blue, flattering blouse, fighting back tears as she stood in Hugh Grant’s bookstore in their romantic-comedy film, “Notting Hill.” 

I could almost hear the not-so-distant serenade of their song, “When You Say Nothing At All,” as if it hadn’t been ages since I finished watching the film. Her demeanor—classy and poised—perfectly embodied the calculated allure of a celebrity star. The unlikely encounter she had with Hugh Grant, a charming bookstore owner, created a delightful meet-cute moment. I became obsessed with the film for a week, playing their song nonstop and replaying their scenes in my mind. Watching this classic in today’s age doesn’t feel cringy or remotely “cheesy.” Perhaps that’s the magic of nostalgia—the film remains unforced and fresh against the passage of time. Yes, it’s timeless and classic.

That's why seeing Julia Roberts again, rocking a new character– a groovy one, mind you –was really something else. Those curls, that height – she's the ideal Vivian for the classic film, "Pretty Woman." Left with no choice but to be a hooker, Vivian took her chance when she and Kit spotted a handsome car. She leaned against the window, flaunting her skin, and Edward? Well, he didn’t just let her go; he agreed to pay up.

The head-turns and mouth-opening as she graced the Beverly Wilshire with such casual confidence were enough proof that this woman was the living embodiment of pretty. But let’s talk about Edward—how he hung out with Vivian, amused and at ease. He took her in without any bold, aggressive hints to just get her into bed. Instead, he made her comfortable and uncomfortable with his treatment.

After that night, he convinced her to stay with him for a week. Of course, he still paid her for her attention and companionship. He brought her to formal meetings, allowing Vivian to blend into his prestigious life. He even let her use his card to buy herself “conservative” clothes, dolling her up to put his “friends” at ease. Yet, all the while, he ensured she experienced not just the life of a pretty woman but that of a privileged one.

Throughout the film, I was honestly captivated by Julia Roberts’ beauty. Every time she graced the screen, there was something that lit up. Maybe it’s her radiant smile—yeah, I’d bet on that. It was enough to convince me that I could watch the entire movie without a hint of boredom. Her curls perfectly accentuated her gaunt face, paired with those sparkly eyes, white teeth, and that big, infectious smile. Her fidgeting and subtle mannerisms breathed life into her character, creating a stark contrast from her role in “Notting Hill.” At times, I even felt a twinge of guilt because I momentarily forgot about her romantic counterpart, Edward Lewis. Julia Roberts convincingly stole the show, making me forget there was anyone else on screen. Apologies, Richard Gere.

I’ll tell you, she was so beautiful that I forgot to assess their chemistry—whether it was affecting me or not. She was more than enough.

That’s why I was slightly skeptical about writing a review for this film. I feared I’d end up blubbering about Julia Roberts and worshiping her beauty. And guess what? I’m doing exactly that.

Sure, the film isn’t exactly groundbreaking anymore. But there’s something magical about classic rom-coms. When I watch them, I feel a warm glow inside. There are plenty of movies with similar storylines, chemistry, and tropes, yet they don’t leave the same lasting impression. They’re good, but they don’t linger.

Now, the classics—like “Pretty Woman,” “Notting Hill,” and “10 Things I Hate About You”—they’ve stood the test of time. They’re like vintage wine, aging gracefully. Even after all these years, their beauty and impact remain untarnished. And that’s exactly how I felt while watching this film. Nothing beats the classics.

Julia Roberts, you’ll forever be THE pretty woman.