FASHIONABLY LATE, BUT WORTH THE WAIT

In 2006, 20th Century Fox released a hidden gem during the summer movie season in the form of the stylish, star-studded comedy-drama The Devil Wears Prada. Directed by David Frankel, the film starred Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt, and follows Andy Sachs, a young aspiring journalist in New York City who lands a job at a prestigious fashion magazine, only to find herself struggling to keep up with the demands of her formidable editor, Miranda Priestly. The movie went on to become a box office success, earning approximately $326 million worldwide against a production budget of just $35 to $40 million. It also received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, with particular praise directed toward Streep’s performance as Miranda Priestly, a character widely believed to have been inspired by legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Ironically, Wintour herself reportedly enjoyed both the film and Streep’s portrayal. Streep would go on to receive numerous accolades during awards season, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy. Now, nearly two decades after the original film’s release, audiences are invited back into the high-stakes world of Runway Magazine as 20th Century Fox and director David Frankel return with the long-awaited sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2. Does this follow-up recapture the charm, wit, and sophistication that made the original so beloved, or is it merely a fashionable imitation of its predecessor’s success?

THE STORY

Years after leaving Runway Magazine behind, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) has become an award-winning journalist, finally finding success in the career she always dreamed of pursuing. However, her world is turned upside down when she suddenly finds herself without a job. At the same time, Runway editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) finds herself at the center of a major scandal that threatens both her reputation and the future of the magazine. Hoping to restore public trust and revitalize the struggling publication, Elias-Clarke chairman Irv Ravitz (Tibor Feldman) recruits Andy to oversee Runway’s public apology campaign and strengthen the magazine’s journalistic credibility. The move reunites Andy and Miranda for the first time in years. While Andy is eager to return to the world of Runway and work alongside her former boss once again, she quickly discovers that the ever-changing media landscape has not been kind to Miranda. Faced with shrinking budgets, declining print relevance, and the relentless influence of social media, Miranda struggles to maintain the standards that made Runway an industry powerhouse, with her loyal confidant Nigel Kipling (Stanley Tucci) remaining firmly by her side. Determined to help save the publication, Andy devises a plan to steer Runway back on course. Yet the path forward proves challenging, especially when it requires assistance from former assistant Emily Charlton (Emily Blunt), now a successful executive at Dior, who is less than enthusiastic about welcoming her former colleague back into her life. As Andy works to rebuild Runway’s image, Miranda’s patience, leadership, and legacy are put to the test as she navigates one of the most pivotal chapters of her career.

THE GOOD / THE BAD

Oh, what can I say about this movie besides the fact that I love it? I remember first watching The Devil Wears Prada when it was in theaters back in 2006. I had gone to the movies with my mom. I can’t remember what film I was seeing, but she had gone to watch The Devil Wears Prada. My movie finished first, so I “snuck” into the auditorium where her movie was playing and sat with her until it ended. While I only caught the entire third act, I was intrigued by what I saw and wanted to know more. So, when the film was released on home video, I made a point to watch it from beginning to end. To my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The movie itself is incredibly charming and remains an easygoing delight to watch. It embraces the classic romantic comedy formula from start to finish, but spices things up by placing the story within the high-pressure world of fashion. The result is a film that feels both familiar and refreshing, helping it rise above many of the genre’s more derivative offerings. It offers an entertaining glimpse into the inner workings, demands, and hierarchy of the fashion industry, making that world feel both fascinating and accessible to viewers.

Of course, much of the film’s success comes from its outstanding cast. Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt all deliver memorable performances, each bringing something unique to their respective roles. Streep, in particular, steals nearly every scene she appears in, perfectly embodying the intimidating “dragon lady” persona many associated with legendary Vogue editor Anna Wintour. In addition, the film’s presentation remains sharp and stylish, with excellent costume design, energetic fashion montages, and a polished visual aesthetic that fully immerses audiences in the world of Runway Magazine and the business that...

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