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Nearly 20 years after “The Devil Wears Prada” became a hit, its sequel brought Miranda Priestly and the Runway Magazine staff back to theaters May 1. But while “The Devil Wears Prada 2” delivers lavish fashion, familiar humor and plenty of nostalgia, it does not always recapture the force of the 2006 original.

Expected to remain in theaters until mid-June before becoming available digitally, the film reunites Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. Its story also reflects a transformed journalism industry, with print magazines struggling as digital media expands.

Streep returns as Miranda, Runway’s famously demanding editor-in-chief. Her intimidating management style helped make her a favorite in the first film, but the sequel presents a more vulnerable figure fighting to keep the magazine alive. That shift softens her commanding personality, and not every viewer found the change satisfying.

“I love The Devil Wears Prada, but I liked the first movie better,” junior Evy Glass said. “I feel like the second movie didn’t have much of a plot and I wish there was more of [Streep].”

The relationship between Emily and Andy, short for Andrea Sachs, is another uneven part of the story. Emily was once Miranda’s loyal assistant and saw Andy as a rival. Now influential in the fashion world, she unexpectedly becomes friendly with Andy after an interview.

That apparent growth is undercut when Emily betrays both Andy and Miranda to advance her career. Her later reconciliation with Andy—and their coffee meeting in the final scene—makes her motivations feel inconsistent.

Andy’s subplot with her building contractor also pulls attention away from Runway and her career in journalism. The romance feels especially disconnected from the first film, in which her devotion to work contributed to her breakup with her boyfriend.

Still, the sequel offers satisfying full-circle moments. Miranda finally recognizes Nigel, played by Tucci, and lets him receive praise at Fashion Week—a sharp contrast with his disappointing early departure from Paris in the original.

The film ultimately remains an entertaining escape, supported by strong performances, humor and polished fashion. It may lack the original’s emotional punch, but its New York atmosphere and modern view of fashion journalism give longtime fans reasons to return.

“I honestly really liked [the second movie],” sophomore Amalya Monroe said. “It still had the New York journalism vibe and is a movie I’d recommend watching in theaters.”