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REVIEW: "The Devil Wears Prada 2"

GENRE: Comedy; Drama.
DIRECTOR: David Frankel
WRITER: Aline Brosh McKenna
STARRING: Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Kenneth Branagh, Justin Theroux and Lucy Liu

Some movies are all about aesthetics that are able to sell tickets due to marketing campaigns that highlight the visual beauty of the movie and the high caliber of its lead(s) but offer a "chicken & rice" plot. The Devil Wears Prada 2 might follow the exact same formula of the 2006's classic, but it does offer substance. In fact it's one of the few cases of "substance over style", but not even the awful streaming-friendly cinematography or the uninspired costume design can take the crown away from the incredible Hathaway & Streep duo or its commentary about nowadays state of printed press, fashion and how masses consume content. This sequel might not add anything to Andy or Miranda's archs, but it does offer the audience a perspective about how much has changed in 20 years, which elevates the film above the "entertaining only" category!
You find the first scene to draw parallels with the first movie's, yet you find a different Andy: independent, confident and happy. Trying not to spoil your viewing experience, but basically Andy gets a job opportunity at Runway and she's back in Miranda Priestly's office. The film's structure is then pretty similar to the first one's: she's not successful at first, then she finds her way and then she tries to save the day from corporate "conspiracy". But it doesn't mean The Devil Wears Prada 2 is simply re-heating nachos - by using the same narrative formula, you understand how much the context has changed. From corporate policies, to HR philosophies, to the way people consume fashion, the online impact, the many challenges of journalism, cancel culture or even the need of legacy... this sequel is social commentary disguised as an entertaining popcorn comedy. What it might lack in originality it delivers in substance as a precious satire. 
Still, there we are to be entertained by the amazing Meryl Streep and megawatt star quality of Anne Hathaway and the scene-stealing Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. Unlike in the first installment, the script gives less memorable monologues or lines to Miranda and there's no particular memorable scene, but Streep still devours the role and delivers another comedic gem with one of his most iconic roles ever. Her Miranda has taken many beats and you see her as a woman that endures changing corporate and media worlds in the name of her legacy - she might be less comedy-iconic in this sequel, but you feel you discover a Miranda full of heart, a not-that-bad villain for you to root for. Anne Hathaway once again shines in the skin of a strong, happy and independent leading lady that is a joy to watch - the actress was really born to carry this kind of movie genre as a flawed heroine that tries to navigate her worlds and she's perfect handling the duality of Andy. Emily Blunt is once again scene-stealing as the vain Emily and Tucci brings a heartfelt Nigel in a soft act of pure class. Simone Ashley and Helen J. Shen are funny, but pretty underused (I wish they have used them more here) and Lucy Liu is such a refreshing screen presence here, 
What intrigues me the most is how The Devil Wears Prada 2 was supposed to be "just" a seller but it ended-up being a kind of visionary (those who watched the movie will undertand the reference), because its core and heart are way better than its technical aspects. It looks just like a movie I would pick from a pille of stuff: the lack of texture and warm in Florian Ballhaus' cinematography work surprises me, because this movie looks like it was made to be watched on a cellphone and not on a big screen. About the Costume Design department, there's something missing and it could well be Patricia Field since Molly Rogers stepped into the Costume Designer seat and I felt the looks... underwhelming and not as well-tailored or chic. For a movie that's all about the glamour and selling the dream of fashion, I was only impressed with an iconic shinny blue dress Andy uses at a party and... that's all!
So... The Devil Wears Prada 2 was exactly what I was not expecting: substance over style. And while I consider a pitty that a movie about fashion could have so many unmemorable looks, I was pleased with the path the narrative took and its social commentary. Hathaway and, specially, Streep shine in their respective roles and offer a welcome movie made of nostalgia and deeper meaning even if its self-awareness sacrifices its comedy. I have some notes, but I felt joy and I was deeply entertained. It feels like florals for Spring - not groundbreaking but always pleasing.

RATING: 7,5/10


Oscar potential categories:
  • Best Supporting Actress (Meryl Streep)

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