the devil wears prada 2 embraces today- and that’s why it works
The Devil Wears Prada 2 reflects how fashion, journalism, and media have evolved with the rise of digital culture , while still keeping the charm and glamour that makes the first film unforgettable.
After sitting on it for a few days, I’ve decided The Devil Wears Prada 2 gets a 4/5 stars in my book. Where to begin?? This was a statement piece waiting to happen. Everyone and their mother, having seen the original or not, knows the title The Devil Wears Prada. The name sells itself. Not to mention the stellar cast that comes along with it, i.e. Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and of course Stanley Tucci. Whether it is your own personal style or not, it cannot be denied that The Devil Wears Prada is a statement piece of film that influenced the early 2000’s media like no other. In my opinion, the awaited sequel absolutely lived up to expectations, just in its own manner relevant to today’s time.
This was a feel good film through and through, yet it implied real world impacts happening to the fashion and editorial/journalism scene due to technological and AI advancements. I think this factor has drawn some away from fully enjoying the film, as if their expectations were to be exactly as the original (although sequels never are, yet we can’t seem to adapt to that concept yet). However, I would argue that the portrayal of today’s industry was incredibly relevant to the film’s success and relatability. If The Devil Wears Prada 2 was a carbon copy of the original, it would feel outdated. The world of journalism, fashion magazines, and editorials is changing. The digital wave has created new pathways of media content magazine labels have had to divulge on, while closing off what used to be tried and true methods of consumption. For example, reading a feature piece is few and far between, the headline now needs to say everything you want to get across (just as I will be writing a TLDR for this review).
I could get lost in all the ways the digital age has transformed all sorts of industries, however the film incorporated these concepts into an easily digestible platter. The iconic energy did not miss a beat. Miranda will forever be the icon of the ages, yet seeing a moral and complex side to her character allowed the audience to empathize with someone who has spent their entire life fighting for an industry they only want to see succeed. I will forever be a Miranda defender. Anne Hathaway brought the confident, ambitious, and fearless version of Andy to the screen that we all needed. The duo of two different generations of ambitious and powerful women was something we all needed to see. Emily Blunt is hilarious and just the right mix of satire with a questionable character. OF COURSE Stanley Tucci is everything and more, need I elaborate? Seriously I am forever impressed by the range of that man’s ability.
The looks were everything, as they should be. Everyone in the cast came with a hunger for power that gave the film the extra push it needed. I felt journalism inspired and I think it brought a strong nod to how important real journalism is ( side note, writing for fashion IS real journalism and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise). I left feeling refreshed, inspired, and confident, exactly how we should all feel after seeing The Devil Wears Prada 2. My last note is as follow:
WE WILL NOT LET JOURNALISM DIE!!!!!
Shelby Ferguson
