Hollywood took notice after “Barbie” made all the money back in 2023.
We need more movies based on classic toys, the industry cried in near-unison. Get that “Hot Wheels” script ready, stat!
The Mattel Cinematic Universe has 16 films in the pipeline alone. What if “Barbie’s” appeal had less to do with toys and more about what women really want in theaters?
- Beauty!
- Glamour!
- Fashion!
- Makeup!
Did it ever cross the industry’s mind? Not likely.
Instead, we’ve gotten a steady stream of female-driven movies that look an awful lot like male-driven movies. “Furiosa.” “Ballerina.” “Cleaner.” And more.
And, for the most part, those films have underperformed at the box office.
Along comes “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” and girly-girl movies are back atop the leader board. The legacy sequel, 20 years in the making, debuted this weekend with roughly $75-80 million in its opening frame. That’s against steep competition, including the second weekend of “Michael” and enduring hits such as “Project Hail Mary” and “Super Mario Galaxy Movie.”
What do “Barbie” and “Prada 2” have in common?
- Beauty!
- Glamour!
- Fashion!
- Makeup!
Of course, “Prada 2” patrons loved the first film and wanted to spend more time with the core characters, from the hardscrabble Andy (Anne Hathaway) to the devious Miranda (Meryl Streep).
That matters.
So does the film’s attention to the fashion world and all it conveys. It’s Escapism 101, the kind that the previous “Sex and the City” movies delivered in spades.
- “Sex and the City” (2008) – $152 million US
- “Sex and the City 2” (2010) – $95 million US
There’s nothing wrong with films that embrace a frothier side of womanhood. Women’s movies, or “chick flicks” as some derisively dub them, have their time and place.
That isn’t to say “Prada 2” is empty-headed or lacking meaty narratives. The film explores the changing world of journalism, fashion and how billionaires can influence far more than merely their bank accounts.
It doesn’t explain why women are rushing out, en masse, to watch the legacy sequel.
Men don’t line up for the latest Jason Statham flick to watch him share his emotions. The genre’s bone-crunching action and vigilante-style justice are all that many male consumers need.
And there’s nothing wrong with that, either.
Hollywood keeps cranking out Statham movies and similar yarns brimming with male-centered action. So how often do women get movies that speak to their inner girly-girl?
Not very often.
When they do, the box office results can be … beautiful.
