So often Legacy sequels feel like cheap cash grabs whose success only comes from being pure nostalgia bait. However, 20 years after the original, “The Devil Wears Prada 2”  manages to stay faithful to the original, with similar humor and aesthetics while still offering a new and unique plot. The film continues the story with the original cast years after the first movie as they grapple with the dire state of the journalism industry and the realization that printed magazines and newspapers are no longer sustainable.

Of course like the majority of legacy sequels, the movie is highly self-referential during the introduction of the story, yet the references are seamlessly integrated in the soundtrack, and interactions happening in the background. One of the best examples of this is the first appearance of Meryl Streep’s character Miranda Priestly. In the background a poster for spring florals can be seen as well as an extra deciding between two teal colored belts. 

However, Anne Hathaway’s character Andrea “Andy” Sachs seems underdeveloped despite the story revolving around her. While every character she’s surrounded by has had clear off screen development between the original and the sequel, Andy seems to still behave like the awkward, inexperienced 20 year old journalist at her first job after college. Despite having become a successful and well awarded journalist, Andy is somehow still intimidated by her old boss and the fashion industry as a whole. 

The movie also suffers from the dull color grating and poor lighting choices every new movie seems to fall victim to. So much of the original’s vibrant and lively atmosphere was created by the natural and lifelike coloring. In contrast the sequel’s lighting feels sterile and instead of vibrant colors, audiences are met with constant neutrals and desaturated hues.

However most of these flaws can be easily ignored. Overall the acting, script and story distract from its major issues.The movie carries over the same witty humor the original is so iconic for, it creates an excellent balance between relevant social commentary and charming moments between characters. 

“The Devil Wears Prada 2” is truly an example of a sequel done right. Even over a decade after the original it still holds the essence of the original movie. It goes beyond the expectations for a legacy sequel and provides viewers with a fresh story, relevant commentary and many memorable scenes.