Twenty years ago, viewers fell in love with the drama and glamour in the high-stakes fashion world of “The Devil Wears Prada.” There’s a little less drama but even more glamour in the new sequel, “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” directed by David Frankel and written by Aline Brosh McKenna.
The films hit all the right nostalgic notes with the original lovable and hateable characters, their fabulous outfits and their catty one-liners. But there’s also the welcome addition of new intrigues, Italian scenery, a surprising number of celebrity cameos and a bit of a redemption arc for all. Grab your handbag and take your seat.
The first film, based on the book by Lauren Weisberger, featured protagonist Andy Sachs, played by Anne Hathaway, as a young writer desperate to please her insanely demanding boss. Present-day Andy Sachs is an award-winning, yet out-of-work journalist. When Runway, the iconic fashion magazine where she first got her start, needs some good PR, she’s hired to restore the publication’s good name. Her devilish former editor, Miranda, played by Meryl Streep, gives her an icy welcome. Her old mentor Nigel, played by Stanley Tucci, lends some subtle support. Her frenemy and former co-worker Emily, played by Emily Blunt, now works for Dior, one of the magazine’s advertisers.
Despite the challenges, the optimistic Andy is determined to win over her boss, smooth over Runway’s scandal and even write some hard-hitting journalistic pieces. Naturally, she’s also excited to spruce up her wardrobe. But all her progress is thrown into question when the magazine’s owner dies, leaving the fate of the publication in the hands of his son and several penny-pinching consultants. Andy and Emily look for ways to save the magazine in the midst of Milan Fashion Week. There’s fashion galore, shots of picturesque Milan, celebrity sightings and even a dinner party scene against a replica of Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”
As in the original, the characters search for power, popularity and fulfillment, often at the expense of each other. But in the end, Miranda, Emily, Andy and Nigel all get their hard-fought happy endings. The film’s funniest moments come from satirizing tech bros, fashion elites and Miranda, who relies on her young assistant to tell her what politically correct comments she can and can’t make. In the sea of Hollywood sequels, prequels and live action remakes, “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is the best of the genre, a film that can stand on its own while paying homage to the beloved original.
“The Devil Wears Prada 2,” which runs one hour and 59 minutes, is rated PG-13 for strong language and some suggestive references. Though there’s discussion of adult themes, such as freezing one’s eggs, the film is appropriate for most teens.
Maraist is a freelancer from Reston.
