The Devil Wears Prada 2

Despite the hype/anticipation this movie was going for and credit where credit is due, I do like how they marketed this movie. They were able to tap into the fashion world and while, I am not a fan of Kylie Jenner for L’Oréal for promotion for not only the product but the film as well. Usually, it feels corporate, in this case the film revolves around the fashion industry so in this case, I can make an exception. However, despite the marketing being spot on in showing off the clothes the models wear, there was no spark that was shown in either the actors nor the plot. It lacked passion and felt like a cash grab in order to get people in the theaters. I honestly was expecting a lot more from this movie, especially with all of the hype that it had.

However, despite the film being disappointing, there were some positivities. For starters, the design/costumes that everyone was wearing felt sleek and chic for the plot of the film. I honestly love how the costumer designers for this film were able to really dive deep in how to embrace the fashion industry and go for the best/worst of what fashion has to offer. It felt real to what we see on a daily casual whenever we see award shows and I would’ve loved to see how the concept of clothes is developed and updated over the years since the first film was made in 2006, so I think had they writers dove into this concept instead of trying to have Runway be at threat of being taken away from Priestly, I think it could’ve made for a better cohesive film for not only Miranda but Andy, Emily, and Nigel. I think viewers could’ve taken away something had they leaned into the world of clothes/ how fashion evolves overtime and how you have to keep up with the trends rather than the pandering multiple storylines of Andy trying to prove to Miranda she is cut throat again by biting off more than she can chew/Emily trying to take over Runway and fire Miranda. It was pandering and felt that while one storyline wasn’t developed properly, the other felt more cohesive but unnecessary.

Another highlight and this one is controversial but Andy’s love interest: Peter. Yes, I agree they really under develop this storyline and potential arc for Andy as she was comfortable in her own skin, Andy was a green flag up and down the board. From listening to Andy’s struggles for the employees that she just got hired after being laid off from her previous job as a reporter. Peter was able to listen to Andy and while Andy does snap at him a few times, he never takes it personally and supports her career. Unlike Nate, he doesn’t mind being in the background while she thrives in her career. I honestly wish Peter was in the first film because we got to see a man comfortable in his masculinity enough to let Andy shine and not be offended when her work takes over her personal life. While I do wish the writers spent more time on this, I did like the scenes they did have together as I could feel their chemistry and I think we could’ve had more of this in the film.

Finally, I won’t lie Amari really stole the show for me. Every scene she was in, she radiated presence. Every reaction she had felt realistic to the very cutthroat business that is the fashion industry. Not only was she loyal (Nigel as well), but also on the ball and was willing to do whatever it took to make sure the job got done. Personally, she was, for me the most memorable character in this film.

Something that irked me was the performances. This film could’ve been an over-the-top film that would’ve worked, however the main cast (with the exception of Emily Blunt) were mundane. Miranda (Meryl Streep) was probably the most disappointing. In the first film, she was memorable who wouldn’t take any bullshit from anyone. However, in this film she just seemed to let things happen. While she was able to keep her intelligence in how she found out about Andy’s book and be vulnerable for a moment to show the highs and lows of how she got to where she is now, it didn’t feel enough and honestly, I expected more from an Oscar winner and she underperformed. Though, I’ll be fair she did give Nigel credit to give the speech and show some long awaited appreciation to Nigel, who has stuck by her through the cutbacks and chaos. However, even that felt rushed and wish we could see Nigel have a spine and take some initiative in what he wants. It doesn’t feel like I was watching someone who earned his position, it felt like he was comfortable with letting his efforts go to waste and for me in the first film, he had more life to his character. To give credit where its due, Andy tries have him fight for himself, but he refuses. It doesn’t work and while Blunt tries to give some depth to the performances to this film, its not enough in the long run.

Honestly, this movie, while there is a lot of hype, the performances fall flat. Despite the themes of how critical it is to have human interaction/employees with the breakout of AI, they could’ve leaned in on that rather than having multiple storylines that didn’t come together. I tried to give this movie a fair shake, but it didn’t work in the end and I wish they didn’t make it to be honest. If you’re a fan of the first film, you will be sorely disappointed.