The Devil Wears Prada 2
Gird Your Loins...again
There have been many changes in the twenty years since the first Devil Wears Prada film premiered. The most significant to the plot of the new Devil Wears Prada 2 is the demise of journalism and print media.
In the sequel, we catch up with Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), who achieved her dream at the end of the first film and has been working as a serious journalist. Unfortunately, the paper she works for folds, leaving her desperate for work. She receives an opportunity to help the struggling Runway magazine, the place where she got her start while being tortured by her boss, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Andy needs the job, but has to consider if, after twenty years, she can return to the impossible-to-please editor-in-chief.
If Priestly’s character faced challenges in the first film, they are nothing compared to her attempts to keep the fashion magazine relevant in today’s social media-obsessed landscape. She remains someone who does not want to accept help, so Andy being sent in by the magazine owner does not create a happy reunion for the two.
Where it may sound like this is a dark and dour sequel, it is far from the truth. Most of the original cast is in place and ready to dole out their snarky remarks. All the actors still have amazing chemistry with each other, and the audience is treated to celebrity cameos galore.
Fashionistas will relish the new wardrobes sported on Hathaway, Streep and Blunt, but do not forget to check out the amazing threads on Stanley Tucci. Hathaway’s character obviously learned her lessons from the first film, as she is dressed impeccably throughout.
Several plot twists keep viewers entertained and make up for the lack of freshness many sequels fall into. It is always entertaining to see characters transform, especially young ones, and one of the joys of the first film was watching Andy discover the person she truly wanted to be. It is also tough to top the physical makeover montage in the original. Here, the characters are grounded in the paths they have chosen for themselves and must use their strengths to show everyone that what they do best can still have value in today’s culture. Fans should still thoroughly enjoy the ride.
PG-13
In Theaters