A few days ago, X was flooded with glowing first reactions to “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” largely from the usual studio-approved accounts. It’s the same playbook that keeps being repeated by every major studio, which has led to “first reactions” on X not being taken too seriously by more discerning movie fans.
Still, this coordinated wave of social media praise was a smart move on Disney’s part. They also withheld full critical reviews until today, while spending tens of millions on a global marketing push, and running full-page ads on Sunday without any critic quotes attached.
That said, the review embargo has now finally lifted on “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” just 24 hours before its Thursday previews begin, and the resulting numbers are a 60 on Metacritic, and 74% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Fairly average reviews, but not disastrous either. Meryl Streep is, naturally, earning strong notices, and there’s some nostalgia value in seeing the cast back together. However, according to reviews, the film itself, as with many sequels, doesn’t fully justify its existence or offer much beyond the reunion. Deadline, which almost never gives a negative review, described it as “an underwhelming return.”
The follow-up to the 2006 comedy, which reunites stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, won’t be too bothered by reviews as it’s currently tracking for $80-90M domestic debut. The budget on this one is $100M. The hype on this one truly started last year with the trailer launch, which ended up being the most watched of the entire year.
The first film earned $326M worldwide, but gained a subsequent loyal following via home video and then streaming. There’s no reason to doubt the sequel will exceed those numbers, and then some.
‘Prada 2’ has Streep reprising her role as Miranda Priestly. Also returning, Emily Blunt, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci. Added in for good measure is Kenneth Branagh who will be playing Miranda’s husband. The film reunites the main cast with director David Frankel (“Collateral Beauty”) and writer Aline Brosh McKenna.
Cory Finley, a talented filmmaker, has directed three films so far: "Thoroughbreds" (2017), "Bad Education” (2020), and "Landscape with Invisible Hand.”