Pretty Woman
★★★★ 1/2
This was only the second time I’ve watched Pretty Woman, and while I remembered liking it on the first go, diving back into it for the 50 Best Rom-Coms list really gave me a fresh perspective. I totally see why it sits at number two. From beginning to end, this film is a joy ride through romance, comedy and some surprising grit.
Though set in the glitzy backdrop of Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, Pretty Woman feels almost like a stage play with its intimate setting—a penthouse where Julia Roberts (Vivian) and Richard Gere (Edward) go toe-to-toe, challenging and ultimately "saving" each other in this fairy-tale setup. Yes, Pretty Woman leans into fairy-tale tropes, but that’s part of what makes it so magical.
Julia Roberts, in her breakout role, is nothing short of magnetic. She has a blend of comic timing and dramatic depth that pulls you right into the story. As for Richard Gere, while I’m often on the fence about his roles, here he’s spot-on as the angsty businessman. The film subtly unpacks his character’s charm and inner pain, never overplaying it. It’s these nuanced performances that make every small setup in the film pay off beautifully—whether it’s Gere’s fear of heights or his love for opera, each detail comes full circle in the final grand gesture.
Beyond the romance, Pretty Woman has a darker side that took me by surprise. Jason Alexander plays Edward's slimy lawyer, and his aggression toward Vivian is downright disturbing, adding layers of tension that make the fairy-tale romance even more powerful. Alexander’s character highlights the real-world dangers Vivian faces, making him the perfect foil in this unconventional love story.
The supporting cast shines, too. Hector Elizondo (the hotel manager) and Laura San Giacomo (Vivian’s friend, Kit) bring warmth and humor in every scene they’re in. But it’s the chemistry between Gere and Roberts that holds this unlikely tale together. Watching them go from point A to point B is like watching fire and ice warm to a perfect simmer.
Every piece of Pretty Woman—the script, the acting, the soundtrack, even the iconic wardrobe—fits together to create a rom-com that’s truly timeless. You can see its influence in countless films that followed, but this one has a magic all its own. It's got that Mount Rushmore spot in romantic comedies for a reason, and I’m convinced it will keep audiences quoting its best lines and falling for its characters for years to come.
Unrealistic? Sure. But Pretty Woman makes you want to believe in the power of relationships—and in the magic of watching two Hollywood stars sizzle on screen.
