Directed by: David Frankel
Written by: Aline Brosh McKenna
Starring: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci
Runtime: 119 minutes
‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’: For ‘Prada’ fans, this big-screen reunion will probably fit well, but it may fall out of fashion for everyone else
Miranda, Andy, Emily, and Nigel are back!
The band reunites for a big-screen tour after 20 years!
Miranda (Meryl Streep), Andy (Anne Hathaway), Emily (Emily Blunt), and Nigel (Stanley Tucci) may not be The Beatles, but these thespian rock stars don’t need “Help!” or a “Magical Mystery Tour” to pull big crowds into theatres for a return to “Runway” magazine and a sequel to the beloved “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006).
Director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna also rejoin the Fab Four – after two decades – for “The Devil Wears Prada 2”, a movie that most die-hard “Prada” fans will likely enjoy and embrace. For casual fans or non-fans, the nostalgia might not be enough, and the story’s journey may take too many turns for those who don’t want to watch fashion’s version of “The Da Vinci Code” (2006). Although the movie doesn’t turn to The Louvre or greater Paris during this go-round, another lush locale (that will not be revealed in this review) – admittedly – stirs inspiration.
The cast is inspired as well.
In the 2026 vision, Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of “Runway”, still intimidates (at least a first).
Nigel Kipling continues to employ snarky comments – like, “Look at what TJ Maxx dragged in,” – but also lends a supportive hand.
Emily Charlton endures with her shallow, impersonal persona.
Andrea “Andy” Sachs remains her good-natured, go-getter self.
In the first act, Frankel and McKenna take thoughtful care in reconnecting our heroine, Andy, with her trio of coworkers from her long-ago past. All three separate reunions will draw smiles and warm feelings with those familiar with the original flick. When we first meet the quartet, not much has changed, except Andy and Emily now have 20 years of work experience, so they are more confident in the workplace as 40-somethings. Of course, the media has transformed dramatically (more like it’s been thrown onto a torture rack and stretched into impossible directions) since we last saw the “Runway” staff.
To keep up with the troubled times, the main “Prada 2” plot revolves around the magazine’s current struggles and Andy’s career trajectory since 2006. Unfortunately, the unflappable Miranda becomes vulnerable. Granted, Ms. Priestly’s current and looming professional woes and accompanying stress are accurately portrayed in the world of modern media, but it’s a letdown to see her dealing with “Runway” problems and an uncertain future.
Look, do audiences want to watch Hannibal Lecter go vegan, Nurse Ratched ease up on McMurphy, or Khan Noonien Singh lose his super strength and intellect? (For non-Trekkies out there, that last pull was a “Star Trek” reference.)
Miranda’s current state of mind in “Prada 2” isn’t as severe as the aforementioned called-out examples, but you get the idea.
Nonetheless, “Runway” must go on, while uninspiring corporate types (Tibor Feldman and B.J. Novak) chime in, and a socially hapless but wealthy potential buyer (Justin Theroux) emerges. It’s up to Andy to save the day. Yes, we care about the ever-positive Ms. Sachs, but do we care enough about “Runway”?
To throw more subplots at the screen, Andy attempts a romance with a real-estate developer named Peter (Patrick Brammall), but the actors have zero chemistry. Is negative chemistry a thing? To be fair, McKenna doesn’t pen enough romantic adventure with the couple.
Miranda has a new partner, Stuart (Kenneth Branagh), but this brilliant actor isn’t given anything to do other than randomly appearing on screen as a one-man support system. Jin (Helen J. Shen) is Andy’s assistant, but she doesn’t get enough screentime or one-on-one mentoring from Ms. Sachs.
However, Frankel and the casting department’s Ellen Lewis and Shayna Markowitz do fill the screen with oodles of fashion cameos, and this “Star Trek” fan recognized at least two, so there’s that, and those more industry-focused will most certainly gasp frequently with the surprises. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” – with a reported budget of $100 million - also lavishes with pomp and circumstance in New York City and an undisclosed (in this review) gorgeous European spot that includes an appearance by an iconic singer-songwriter, one that’s perfect for the occasion.
No, Paul and Ringo do not appear on screen and perform a duet, but no worries for “Prada” fans. This cinematic gathering and associated good feelings could fit well, but this sequel may fall out of fashion for everyone else.
Jeff’s ranking
2 / 4 stars
