The Devil Wears Prada 2 critics review: Stylish sequel faces criticism due to repetitive plot
The Devil Wears Prada 2 arrives in theaters on Friday and the first reactions from critics are mixed but largely favorable. Critics praised the returning cast and fashion-forward spectacle, while questioning the film’s story.
The long awaited sequel the devil Wears Prada is set to be released in theaters on Friday, May 1st – and the reviews are already pouring in. The film stars actors Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt in lead roles. Check out what critics are saying about the film below.
the devil wears prada 2 Currently has 74 percent rating rotten tomatoes Till Wednesday. In his review, hollywood reporterChief film critic, David Rooney, says that the film serves more as a showcase of high fashion than a traditional office-based story. While praising the easy charm of the lead characters, he ultimately concluded that “the film is less a workplace comedy than a clothes horse, anchored by a classy cast.”
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Addressing early criticism surrounding the sequel, Rooney said that a promotional clip sparked backlash from some East Asian viewers regarding the stereotyping of Jin Chao’s character, but the performance itself remains engaging. Ultimately, he suggests that the film is too light-hearted to hold offense for long, concluding that “It’s handsome and polished and as weighty as a sycophant magazine puff piece; there’s no doubt it will make a fortune.”
For entertainment writer Chantel Bozicevic 9 honeywrites, “It seems there’s a reason the plot has been kept a secret. That’s because it doesn’t actually exist, and if it does, it’s too confusing to explain in a two-sentence summary.”
david’s fear rolling stone The film’s portrayal of the emerging media landscape has been examined, and has been described as a stylishly disguised “horror film” for journalists. He suggests that despite the glamour, the story highlights a grim reality for the industry, noting that “honesty, talent, hard work, and a dedication to taking everything from fashion to moving pictures seriously are in constant danger of extinction.”
Brian Truitt’s USA Today Arguably, the sequel suffers from an over-reliance on the original’s structure, particularly with regard to the central conflict between the two leads. While he enjoyed the interactions between the stars, he once again found the protagonist’s struggle to gain the editor’s approval redundant, noting that “the third half of the film also feels too close to the OG.”
On the other hand, Truitt highlights the emerging dynamic between Andy and Emily as a major strength that compensates for the film’s weak subplots, such as the forgettable new romance for the lead role. He finds the supporting cast a mixed bag, noting that the new Australian love interest is a weak addition, “while Theroux is a standout as Blunt’s extremely awkward, AI-loving tech brother love interest.”
GuardianPeter Bradshaw of The Sun believes that the film successfully replicates its predecessor’s iconic rhythms, from cafeteria gossip to high-stakes corporate maneuvering in Milan and the Hamptons. He noted that the sequel also includes a nostalgic cameo for the protagonist’s famous fake knitwear, concluding that the experience is “good-natured, cheery entertainment. It’s wearing well.”
the new YorkerJustin Chang of The Devil Wears Prada 2 writes, “The Devil Wears Prada 2 is selling a truckload of absurd stuff, but it sells them very well, with just the right proportion of ostentatious assurance, conviction, and skepticism of hope. As industries and their titans are brought down, this film suggests, the best we can ask for is the satisfaction of a job well done and the lasting friendships we may make along the way. That’s it.”
Beth Webb’s Empire Note that the returning cast brings much-needed depth to the sequel, with the main characters balancing character development and comedic charm. She highlights that while the protagonist appears more tired, the supporting performances provide both heart and humor, noting that “Tucci returns as a pocket-square-adorned shoulder to cry on as Miranda’s staunch right-hand man Nigel, though he does get some welcome moments to shine.”
The review further states that the film’s visual grandeur is a constant reminder of the high risks involved in the fashion world. At the center of it all, the editor-in-chief remains a commanding presence, as Webb suggests that “Streep lets us delve a little deeper into Miranda’s psyche without losing that magnetic elusiveness. Her power remains intact, even if she’s not given a worthy opponent to unleash it on.”
the devil wears prada 2 The main cast of the original film has been reunited with director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna. Along with the returning stars, newcomers to the cast include Kenneth Branagh, Simon Ashley, Justin Theroux and Lucy Liu.
In addition to Stanley Tucci, fans will also see some other familiar faces from the first film like Tracy Thomas and Tibor Feldman.