The Devil Wears Prada 2

In this era of rampant media consolidation, shifting consumer tastes, and tech-enabled corporate downsizing, The Devil Wears Prada 2 wants us to believe that people like Miranda Priestley are the victims.

The overbearing fashion magazine mogul and her quirky enablers return for this slick sequel to the 2006 comedy that offers an intriguing narrative backdrop but winds up as shallow and superficial as its characters.

Some early contrivances reunite the gang led by Miranda (Meryl Streep), who’s still controlling and dismissive while editing Runway Magazine from high atop a Manhattan high-rise.

The jet-setting Miranda is still as predominant as ever in defining ostentatious glamour and couture trends, although from a business standpoint, there are signs she and fiercely loyal art director Nigel (Stanley Tucci) are struggling to embrace change and stay relevant in the age of social-media influencers, cancel culture, and “Real Housewives.”

Then, behind Miranda’s back, her ex-assistant Andy (Anne Hathaway) is hired as the magazine’s new features director after several years as an investigative journalist.

Once again seeking validation and positive feedback, Andy realizes almost immediately that Miranda hasn’t softened her tart defiance. “All I need to do is bide my time until you fail, and you will,” she sneers.

Behind the scenes, the magazine’s parent company is changing hands, and the new rich-guy-in-charge (Justin Theroux) is looking to cut costs, and perhaps steer the brand in a new direction. Suddenly, Miranda realizes she needs Andy to help manipulate and maneuver her way back to the top. Does she have a heart?

Although the dynamics have changed slightly, this follow-up — also directed by David Frankel (Marley and Me) — still lacks the freshness of its predecessor.

Led by Streep, the cast effortlessly re-establishes its chemistry, with Miranda still commanding the screen. However, while Andy’s nervous groveling was a driven necessity in her 20s, now it’s more desperate than charming.

Returning screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna seems more certain about the world she wants to depict than where these particular characters fit within it. As a result, the script defaults to an uninspired comeuppance and redemption arc.

Aside from the scattered comic zingers and a few clever twists, the costumes are exquisite, of course, and there’s an appropriately impressive roster of high-profile cameos.

A miscalculated plea for sympathy, The Devil Wears Prada 2 — like Miranda and her cohorts — is older but not necessarily wiser.

Rated PG-13, 119 minutes.