Tag: Fashion

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2 (2026)

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Directed By:  David Frankel 

Written By: Aline Brosh McKenna

Based on characters created by: Lauren Weisberger

Cinematography: Florian Ballhaus 

Editor: Andrew Marcus 

Cast: Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Stanley Gucci, Emily Blunt, Lucy Liu, Tracie Thoms, Justin Theroux, B.J. Novak, Simone Ashley, Kenneth Branagh, Tibor Feldman, Helen J. Chan, Caleb Hearon, Patrick Brammell, Rachel Bloom, 

Andy Sachs reunites with Miranda Priestly as they navigate their careers amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing.

This film from the get-go was a mix bag as I loved the book and I loved the first film and was partially looking forward to a sequel even though I partially believed it’s probably not going to be as good and then once I saw the trailer is that feeling became more and more apparent.

The film is not based on the book sequel REVENGE WEARS PRADA: THE DEVIL RETUENS 

So now that I have finally seen this film, I can honestly say it doesn’t hold a candle to the first film. It’s more like a nice try, but it’s not entirely all of the films fault as it’s nice to catch up with the characters and see what they’re doing the problem with this film is really how times have changed.

How when the first film came out, there were still magazines. It was still an industry, and the fashion industry still felt creative and of quality when it came to art photography, even though it’s all about sales in the end and showcasing they just seems to be a grand or presentation when it came to magazines and print, and at least there were articles and interviews that seem to make it more worthwhile whereas now everything is on the Internet, so kind of has a gloss to it, but it feels uninspired more shiny sort of like the materials at some clothes are made up how some of these days are more disposable then build to last and that is the fate of this magazine within a film and it feels like that is the state of this film. As well as where it almost feels like culture is going.

It’s very glossy, but it feels impersonal and very disposal. It’s not as much fun and ultimately becomes disappointing now maybe because the first film dealt with growth and learning from a young female character learning her way around the ropes and now we have this character more at middle age coming to terms with her life so that’s not as endearing to the audience, even if it is partially identified and though there are stakes, they don’t seem to be very high or dramatic. Again it’s almost like the Judd apatow movie. THIS IS 40 where we’re watching the trials and tribulations of the characters, but they are in such a verified error of the 1% and that it’s really hard to really feel anything or truly worry because you know they’ll land on their feet quite easily they just might not have the same high positions they wanted

While the film obviously has its moments it also never quite feels fun like the first filmed, especially as everybody just seems to be going through the motions. they might seem to be having fun to revisit these characters and come together, but they also still feel a bit on autopilot making them mainly bland, even though why they stood out in the first place was that they were colorful one can understand that for Anne Hathaway‘s character as she was growing up and morphing in the first film here she just feels very bland, but wisened.

Miranda Priestley as played by Meryl Streep is still an iconic character, but while she still continues to have her high maintenance, the film softens her and gives examples of how she has to handle herself in this more delicate culture. 

Luckily, the film isn’t all bad and it does try but again it just never feels quite inspired or creative as it could be just like how the offices in the first film felt a little more grand and permanent but by the time we get to the sequel, the offices feel small filled more with people that you’re not quite sure what they do in while being more modern it doesn’t quite feel built to last. It’s good enough for now, but no one will claim to miss it within a few years.

Happily, they never really lean into a romantic angle, even though they hint at it as it seems that all films with women over a certain age being single we must throw one a love interest, even if it kind of feels like it’s padding the movie down with filler and to give her some kind of life outside of the office

It never feels as grand as it should privileged sure but never as much as a spectacle. It has the same effect as when Glenn Close went from 101 DALMATIONS to 102 DALMATIONS  movies where it doesn’t have quite that same magic when it goes off the reservation and away from where it was based so much.

This is a sequel that never really needed to be made but for fans of the original, you’re going to want to see this film probably as completed, but don’t say you weren’t warned

Grade: C 

READY TO WEAR (PRET-A-PORTER) (1994)

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Directed By: Robert Altman 
Written By: Robert Altman & Barbara Shulgasser
Cinematography: Jean Lepine & Pierre Mignot
Editor: Suzy Elmiger & Geraldine Peroni

Cast: Julia Roberts, Tim Robbins, Marcello Mastroianni, Sophia Loren, Lili Taylor, Forest Whitaker, Richard E. Grant, Rupert Everett, Kim Basinger, Sally Kellerman, Tracy Ullman, Lauren Bacall,  Linda Hunt, Stephen Rea, Ute Lemper, Lyle Lovett, Teri Garr, Danny Arielle, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Amouk Aimee, Chiara Mastroianni, Rossy De Palma, Michel Blanc, Jean Rochefort, Francois Cluzet, Sam Robarbs, Georgianna Robertson 

A fashion show in Paris draws the usual bunch of people; designers, reporters, models, magazine editors, photographers. Lots of unconnected stories which all revolve around this show, and an all-star cast.

This was my third official Robert Altman movie to see. Though unfortunately not in a row. I remember the film having a successful music video and soundtrack before it even came out. Unfortunately the movie didn’t match the soundtrack’s success. That included the hit single “HERE COMES THE HOT STEPPER” 

After the success of THE PLAYER it seemed like Robert Altman was having a comeback and he wanted to take on another world/culture. His last film was SHORT CUTS and that was more interlocking stories then taking a look into or try to dismantle another popular subculture from the inside. That was more foreign abs international but also glamorous.

Allowing him to use his dual methods of ensemble casts. Where even though the actors are playing characters here it feels more like an out and out comedy. So they are all over the top. Not as serious, nor are there any serious moments throughout. 

It might be understandable him taking on this movie after the more serious and sad SHORT CUTS, but while this is more lighthearted it also is a challenge. As this would be his most mainstream film in a while. As he was taking on a subject that was very popular and most audiences might not be used to his films and their outlook. 

This film is set in that world of fashion to tell ongoing stories and big inertia where the characters cross paths. All in all, it stays humorous with Kim Basinger playing an on air television reporter. Who comes in and out to explain certain relationships but is clueless about fashion. So that it feels like a replay of the reporter in the film NASHVILLE.

The film ultimately never encapsulates any meaning or why we are so enraptured by the glitz, glamour and celebrity of the fashion world. So that in the end it comes across as misguided and empty as the world he is capturing. As fashion constantly reinvents itself. It proves there are No rules and seemingly no depth. Not to mention watching this film feels dated. It’s very episodic. 

Marcello Mastroianni and Sophia Loren get to reference classic scenes and relationships from their career and previous collaborations and give a scene where you believe they are remaking a classic moment only for it to end with a joke. 

Which is pretty much the mood of the film. As all plots and stories seem to end in that kind of manner. 

The film’s cast as usual is filled with stars. The biggest of whom seem here in an unneeded story but help make it more commercial. As Tim Robbins and Julia Robert’s seem stuck here in a bad afterthought of a romantic comedy plot line.

This film seems to find Robert Altman riding his high horse. This film goes for more populism but leaves viewers puzzled. As it is more artistic and voyeuristic than plotted.

This film is like a bunch of short stories stretched over fashion week. 

The film is flashy and appeals to itself but ultimately is frustrating, especially with all the talent involved. Where you are left to wonder what could have been. 

Everyone is well dressed but we are left as confused as Kim Basinger’s reporter. Where we wonder what this was all about. 

It seems like the director was unfocused but having fun. Filled with recognizable names, good actors, supermodels and models of the time. Where the film feels flirtatious as it always has a wink to give off 

Can’t tell if the film was rushed or cut together fast with a murder mystery in the middle that largely takes a backseat or is forgotten. Ultimately the film comes across as a farce. That feels like it is being made up as it goes along. Though with a stylish hand guiding it. Who leaves to perplex the audience. 

Grade: C+