Anne Hathaway as ‘Andy,’ Meryl Streep as ‘Miranda’ and Stanley Tucci as ‘Nigel’ in David Frankel’s ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’. Photograph: 20th Century Studios
FILM DETAILS
American director David Frankel has a talent for elevating so-so scripts with A-list actors.
He successfully did this with films like Collateral Beauty, the Entourage TV-pilot and the prequel to what we have here: The Devil Wears Prada.
“Fun” is perhaps the best word to describe the high-pressure comedy-drama from two decades ago, which captivated the hearts of fashion-savvy girls—and perhaps boys, too.
The Devil Wears Prada stars Anne Hathaway (Mothers’ Instinct, Alice in Wonderland) as Andy Sachs, a recent college graduate eager to kickstart her career in journalism. Her job search leads her to become an assistant to Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep (The Post, The Iron Lady), the ruthless editor of the influential New York fashion magazine, Runway.
The contrasting performances of Streep and Hathaway provide much of the film’s enjoyment: Streep delivers snarky remarks and disapproving glares, while Hathaway portrays naivete, tears and an initial indifference to fashion.
Stanley Tucci (Spotlight, Maid in Manhattan (the best part of the drowsy romcom)) shines as Nigel, the art director, adding another layer of interest with his blend of warmth and professional sharpness.
Emily Blunt (Mary Poppins Returns, Sicario), also impresses as Emily Charlton, Andy’s senior assistant and rival, showcasing her well-honed British accent.
In The Devil Wears Prada 2, all four actors return, but much of the fun has faded. Miranda is now engulfed in industry pressures, and Andy’s once-innocent demeanor has vanished. She has transformed into a cynical, experienced journalist with a world-changing perspective.
Miranda appears to be suffering from early Alzheimer’s, seemingly forgetting that Andy once worked for her. This plot point attempts to highlight Andy’s significant evolution.
While Emily in one scene, praises Andy’s newfound confidence, she misses the part of Andy’s profound sadness.
Hathaway initially gained recognition through various princess and fairy-tale roles (The Princess Diaries, Ella Enchanted), but after The Devil Wears Prada, she immersed into a heartfelt melancholy in the somber musical Les Miserables (She received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2013.)
In some ways, she embodies a comparable underlying sorrow as the contemporary Andy, which this time around is too bad for the viewer.
Streep’s portrayal of Miranda remains a prime example of charisma and exceptional acting. Throughout her illustrious career (roughly 64 films), she has consistently aimed to deliver her very best.
Alongside Streep, the more subtle Nigel and the vengeful Emily emerge as the highlights of this two-hour fashion drama, which elicited only a few chuckles during the screening.
To answer the famous question: I know where I was when the fun stopped.
That’s all.
‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’ is set to premiere on May 1.
