The Devil wears Prada 2 streaming on Hulu
(Spoilers!)
"A Kinder, Gentler Devil"
I’ve read numerous online reviews trashing the Devil Wears Prada 2 upon its theater opening but, let's take a look at its positives from a p.o.v. not drowning in cynicism and societal angst.
*******
The clothes are fantastic.
Sartorially superior to DWP1, someone with serious fashion acumen took charge and the actors look their-best-ever, improving with age embracing their individual styles.
With Insta emphasizing “hotness," straight-up elegance, fit, & well-crafted pieces make a sumptuous eye buffet. Botox is largely absent (life-affirming at this moment of proliferating “same-ness”: same make-up, fake boobs/butt cheeks, same hair, porn-inspired wardrobe, same feigned “sanguine" personalities).
Miranda is criticized for supposedly losing her edge. It may be unrealistic when it comes to Anna Wintour, however, Meryl Streep needs a character to have become more & make a shift. The nexus of a good story is an arc where/when someone changes and grows, increasing in self-awareness.
The writer fulfills this shout-out to perpetual evolution in Emily, Nigel, and Miranda.
Whatever the film's flaws THIS should be celebrated.
This is not the tour-de-force insider expose that is DWP1, but frothier fare. There's a place for that. Not everything must be a gritty foray into our world's cruelty.
I’ve read reviews complaining Andi is reduced to again being Miranda Priestley’s assistant. Not the case. She’s a features editor at Runway (unfathomable promotion from assistant) and there's a big salary bump over her journalism gig from which she’s unceremoniously group-fired-by-text while receiving a prestigious award @the start of the film.
Nods to the extravagant decimation of the print industry are depicted here and there (including a requisite table of McKinsey henchman) and the film blithely (or blindly?) skirts this fate for the beloved "fashion bible" that is Runway.
It's a quixotic outcome.
But, not the salient takeaway.
******
What the DWP2 imparts is the ripple effect of Andi's kindness. Andi aids others always and Anne Hathaways's summer camp happy-go-lucky vibe doesn't quite bring home just how powerful that is; how asking, "How can I help?" is the key to happiness.
We spend a lot of time at work/school etc. - they're not separate from our spiritual life! - anytime we lift someone up it's from a higher place & you're fulfilling your purpose.
IT'S THE DIVINE REAL YOU COMING THROUGH.
RIGHT NOW you've unique opportunities to make things better, BE BETTER, rather than demanding, "What's in it for me?"
There's work to be done ONLY YOU CAN DO (specific and special unto you) in your current relationships & circumstances.
Follow through and reap good by sowing good.
Our happiness expands with every life we affect positively!
Selfishness looks like "winning" but you lose EVERY TIME.
You're not meant to be a doormat: You can only serve from a strong position of standing up on your own 2 feet and for yourself.
THAT's the POINT of this movie.
Andi's love comes back to reward her...*
AS IT MUST.
ANY LOVE you put out there WILL DO THE SAME FOR YOU.
~t.💓
*Other samples to model:
1. Say thank you & give credit where it's due: Miranda finally recognizes and shows appreciation for Nigel who’s given the spotlight he’s earned and deserves at last.
2. Cultivate friendships IRL when inspired: Emily admits she would’ve liked to be friends with Andi, reached out after she left Runway, and a serendipitous heartfelt moment arises over “shared carbs” (which - of course - have no calories!).
3. Give someone else a leg up: We find out it's Nigel who finagled Andi back to Runway where she then “saves the show” (the magazine), for now, by roping in a wealthy buyer giving the staff leeway to run Runway as they wish, glamorously carte blanche, editorially hands-off. (Yes, I hear the snorts. I sense the sneering.)
These likable individuals became only more so (they ARE actors) becoming examples for good this time, demonstrating human over haughty, loyalty as virtue lauded, & clever plucky competency rescuing the devil herself, from herself. That's all.
1. Say thank you & give credit where it's due: Miranda finally recognizes and shows appreciation for Nigel who’s given the spotlight he’s earned and deserves at last.
2. Cultivate friendships IRL when inspired: Emily admits she would’ve liked to be friends with Andi, reached out after she left Runway, and a serendipitous heartfelt moment arises over “shared carbs” (which - of course - have no calories!).
3. Give someone else a leg up: We find out it's Nigel who finagled Andi back to Runway where she then “saves the show” (the magazine), for now, by roping in a wealthy buyer giving the staff leeway to run Runway as they wish, glamorously carte blanche, editorially hands-off. (Yes, I hear the snorts. I sense the sneering.)
These likable individuals became only more so (they ARE actors) becoming examples for good this time, demonstrating human over haughty, loyalty as virtue lauded, & clever plucky competency rescuing the devil herself, from herself. That's all.
