The Devil Wears Prada 2 Impresses Local Film Critic

What makes a sequel worth watching, especially when the original is a beloved classic like "The Devil Wears Prada"? That's the question on many minds as "The Devil Wears Prada 2" hits theaters. The answer, it seems, is a thoughtful and timely story that matures the characters in meaningful ways. The Movie Guru, a local film critic, recently weighed in on the sequel, and their verdict is surprisingly positive.

The critic's initial skepticism is understandable, given Hollywood's track record with sequels. But, as they note, "The Devil Wears Prada 2" is an excellent movie that tells a love story to an industry, to growing up and growing old, and deciding what we take from our past as we figure out how to move forward. The main performances, including those by Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep, are fantastic. The story follows Andy, who, after being laid off from her paper, takes a job at Runway magazine as their new features editor, and must navigate working with the demanding Miranda once again.

Here's the thing though - the sequel's success is not just about the performances or the plot, but about how it builds on the original movie. The Movie Guru notes that it's rare for a sequel to actually enhance the original, rather than invalidate it. In this case, the sequel seems to have achieved that rare feat. If you loved the first movie, you'll likely enjoy the sequel. Even if you only liked it fine, or barely remember it, the sequel still has something to offer. The critic gives it three and a half stars, which speaks to its quality.

In contrast, the critic's review of "Apex" on Netflix is more mixed. While Charlize Theron shines in the movie, doing all her own stunts and adding nuance to her character, the thriller aspects of the film fall flat. The scenery is beautiful, and the action scenes are realistic, but the plot's attempt to add an unnecessary gore element detracts from the deeper themes Theron's character is exploring. The movie follows a climber who, after experiencing a tragedy, goes on a solo journey and runs into a serial killer in the remote forest.

Picture this: a woman, alone in the wilderness, battling against nature and her own grief. That's a compelling story, and one that Theron brings to life with her performance. However, the addition of a serial killer, played by Taron Edgerton, disrupts the narrative's focus. Edgerton tries his best, but his character feels underwritten, and the casting choice doesn't quite work. The result is a movie that's better at being a survival story than a thriller.

Not exactly what you'd expect from a movie with such a talented lead, but, as the critic notes, Theron's performance is still worth watching. The scenes of her climbing alone are particularly noteworthy, and the movie's use of realistic scenery adds to the tension. And that matters because, even with its flaws, "Apex" still has moments of brilliance. The Movie Guru's review is a reminder that, even when a movie doesn't quite come together, there can still be something to appreciate.

As folks around here head to the movies or scroll through Netflix, they'll likely be wondering what to make of these two films. The answer, it seems, is that the sequel to the 2006 film is a must-see for fans of the original, while "Apex" is a more mixed bag. The image of Theron, alone on the mountain, will likely stay with viewers, even if the rest of the movie doesn't quite live up to her performance.