Icons return in 'The Devil Wears Prada 2'.

While the original wasn’t the defining film of my upbringing, its status as a cultural touchstone is undeniable. Revisiting it in later years only deepened my appreciation, and importantly, heightened my anticipation for this long-awaited sequel.

The follow-up certainly delivers where it counts: dazzling fashion, striking locations, and a magnetic ensemble that slips effortlessly back into rhythm. Yet, it never quite reaches the heights of its predecessor - and honestly, that’s perfectly fine. The original set an exceptionally high bar. What this sequel does achieve is carving out a narrative that justifies its return, making it a worthy continuation rather than a hollow revisit.

There are moments that slightly deflate its momentum, and a few elements that didn’t fully land for me. Stil ...