Three Movie Reviews: Prada 2, Michael, and Mario
Meryl, Michael, and Mario — Three Tales from Very Different Worlds
A rare kind of movie weekend — The Devil Wears Prada 2, Michael, and The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Let’s skip the popcorn and get straight to the fast takes.
The Devil Wears Prada 2
As an avid fan of the original, expectations were high. With much of the cast returning, strong performances felt like a given. The real question was whether the story would feel just as sharp — fresh, current, and relevant enough to justify revisiting a film that never really needed a sequel.
It does — and it works.
Unlike the first film, which followed Andy Sachs trying to survive in Miranda Priestly’s world, this chapter finds her navigating her own. The story leans into a very modern reality: the decline of traditional magazine publishing and the rise of digital platforms, influencers, and the relentless pursuit of attention. It’s a backdrop that feels timely without being heavy-handed.
Miranda’s place in that world is also quietly questioned. Watching her attempt to navigate an industry that has shifted beneath her feet adds an unexpected layer to a character who once seemed entirely untouchable.
Fate brings Andy and Miranda back together — this time not in opposition, but in preservation of what they’ve both built. And in a particularly satisfying twist, Emily Charlton reenters the picture, bringing with her a shift in power dynamics that adds both tension and humor.
The film balances nostalgia with progression. There are nods to the original — some subtle, some not — but they never feel forced. A line like “A million girls would kill for this job” lands with intention, while smaller visual cues quietly reward longtime fans. Andy’s cerulean blue moment feels less like a callback and more like a statement: she’s fully stepped into her own.
Even Nigel, still orbiting Miranda’s world after all these years, is given a moment that finally acknowledges his presence. When Miranda asks, “Nigel, have I taken you for granted?” it lands — not as a dramatic shift, but as a long-overdue recognition. It was the moment we'd all been waiting for and was perfectly executed.
At its core, the film is about evolution — of careers, relationships, and identity. There are threads of love, friendship, and loyalty woven throughout, but it’s the idea of holding onto something meaningful in a rapidly changing world that gives the story its weight. Cameos from names like Lady Gaga, Donatella Versace, Naomi Campbell, Marc Jacobs, Heidi Klum, and Anok Yai add an extra layer of fun without overpowering the story.
Charming, smart, visually sharp, and anchored by strong performances from Streep, Hathaway, Blunt, and Tucci, The Devil Wears Prada 2 manages to feel both familiar and relevant.
Will it replace the original? No.
Will I watch it again — probably more than once?
Absolutely.
Michael
If you’re a Michael Jackson fan looking for a showcase of performances by his nephew, you’ll find plenty to appreciate. If you’re looking for an honest, comprehensive look into Michael Jackson’s life, you may come away disappointed.
It’s that simple.
The film leans heavily into full-length musical performances while offering far less in terms of insight into the man himself — at least beyond what the producers, and notably members of his own family, choose to present. The absence of certain voices is noticeable, including Janet Jackson, who reportedly declined to participate due to concerns over the film’s accuracy.
There are moments that work. A standout scene finds Michael in a room with agency executives competing for his representation — and he completely owns it. It’s a glimpse of his sharp instincts, his control, and the kind of quiet authority that defined his business decisions as much as his performances.
There are also flashes of his isolation. His loneliness — something long understood — is given space here, and it’s difficult to watch in a way that feels genuine.
But those moments are sporadic.
Certain lighter elements receive more attention than some of the more meaningful relationships in his life — a choice that becomes increasingly noticeable as the film progresses. Even LaToya Jackson is reduced to a brief background appearance before being dismissed from a scene, a moment that quietly underscores how selectively this story is being told.
Much of his story feels either glossed over or sidelined, while less meaningful elements take up significant screen time. There’s a sense that deeper exploration — his creative process, the impact of his solo career on his family, and the complexities of his relationships — was sacrificed in favor of spectacle.
At a certain point, it becomes clear this isn’t really a biopic in the traditional sense. A true biographical film aims to explore both the triumphs and the contradictions of its subject — the successes, the failures, and everything in between on a deeper level.
This film doesn’t fully go there.
What it does deliver is entertainment — the moonwalk, the sequined glove, the familiar imagery of the Michael Jackson persona. And for those who want to experience him where he was most fully realized — on stage — that may be enough.
But as a portrait of the man behind the performance, it leaves noticeable gaps.
And for me, a lingering sense of frustration over what this film could have been.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Colorful, fast-paced, and unapologetically built for its audience, this latest installment delivers exactly what Mario fans show up for — and then some.
The film wastes no time establishing its tone, opening with a visually striking sequence that immediately reframes Rosalina. Any notion of her as a passive character is gone. She’s capable, commanding, and fully able to hold her own as her Lumas come under attack.
From there, the story leans into what it does best: bringing together familiar characters in a way that feels both nostalgic and energetic. Princess Peach once again anchors the narrative with a calm authority, stepping into the role of leader with a confidence that feels earned rather than forced.
Then comes the reveal — and it’s a big one. The connection between Peach and Rosalina, introduced as sisters born of stardust and separated long ago, adds an unexpected layer to the story. It’s a twist that shifts the emotional stakes just enough without slowing down the pace.
The film moves quickly, packed with action and visual references that longtime fans will recognize — from Super Mario Galaxy to Odyssey and beyond. It doesn’t pause to explain itself, and it doesn’t need to.
And for those willing to stay through the full credits — not the “almost over” moment, but the actual end — there’s one final payoff. The appearance of Princess Daisy sends a clear signal that this world isn’t done expanding. It’s a small moment, but one that had fans buzzing — especially those who knew to wait for it.
This isn’t a film trying to reinvent the franchise. It’s one that understands exactly what it is — and delivers on that expectation with confidence.
For fans, that’s more than enough.
And they’re already waiting for what comes next.
🎤 The Mic Is On.
