A Comprehensive Review of Pretty Woman 2: A Second Chance (2025)

Pretty Woman 2: A Second Chance (2025), directed by Anne Fletcher and written by J.F. Lawton, is a long-awaited sequel to the 1990 romantic comedy classic Pretty Woman. Starring returning leads Julia Roberts as Vivian Ward and Richard Gere as Edward Lewis, alongside a fresh ensemble including Jacob Elordi as Julian Lewis and Anya Taylor-Joy as Emily Ward, the film attempts to recapture the magic of the original while updating its themes for a modern audience. With a runtime of 128 minutes, the movie blends nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities, tackling themes of redemption, family, and societal evolution. This review, spanning approximately 3,000 words, provides an in-depth analysis of the film’s narrative, performances, direction, technical aspects, cultural impact, and overall reception, while avoiding spoilers where possible to preserve the viewing experience.

Narrative and Themes

The story of Pretty Woman 2: A Second Chance picks up 35 years after the events of the original, set in a vibrant, modern-day Los Angeles and New York. Vivian and Edward, now married for over three decades, navigate the complexities of their evolved relationship while confronting new challenges. The sequel introduces their adult daughter, Emily Ward, a driven social entrepreneur, and Edward’s estranged nephew, Julian Lewis, a tech mogul with a troubled past. The plot revolves around a high-stakes business deal that threatens to unravel family ties, forcing Vivian and Edward to reconcile their past with their present.

The narrative is structured around a dual timeline, interweaving flashbacks to Vivian and Edward’s early years with their current struggles. This approach effectively bridges the gap between the original and the sequel, providing context for new viewers while rewarding longtime fans with nostalgic callbacks. The screenplay, penned by Lawton, retains the fairy-tale optimism of the original but grounds it in real-world issues such as wealth inequality, corporate ethics, and generational divides.

Thematically, the film explores second chances—not just in love, but in personal growth and societal impact. Vivian, once a sex worker who defied stereotypes, is now a philanthropist advocating for marginalized communities, reflecting her journey from survival to empowerment. Edward, still a corporate titan, grapples with the moral implications of his business decisions, a nod to the original’s critique of unchecked capitalism. The younger characters, Emily and Julian, bring fresh perspectives, with Emily’s activism clashing with Julian’s tech-driven ambition, creating a dynamic interplay of ideals.

However, the narrative occasionally stumbles under the weight of its ambitions. The inclusion of multiple subplots—ranging from family reconciliation to corporate intrigue—can feel overstuffed, leading to pacing issues in the second act. Some plot points, particularly those involving secondary characters, resolve too neatly, echoing the original’s fairy-tale tone but clashing with the sequel’s attempt at realism. Despite these flaws, the story’s emotional core—centered on Vivian and Edward’s enduring bond—remains compelling, ensuring that the film resonates with its audience.

Performances

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere anchor Pretty Woman 2 with performances that blend nostalgia with nuance. Roberts, at 57, brings a seasoned warmth to Vivian, capturing her character’s evolution from wide-eyed dreamer to confident matriarch. Her iconic laugh and radiant smile remain potent, but it’s her quieter moments—reflecting on her past or mentoring Emily—that showcase her dramatic depth. Gere, now 75, imbues Edward with a weathered gravitas, portraying a man confronting his legacy while retaining the charm that made him a heartthrob. Their chemistry, though tempered by age, feels authentic, with subtle glances and shared history speaking volumes.

Anya Taylor-Joy shines as Emily Ward, delivering a performance that balances fierce determination with vulnerability. Her character serves as a modern counterpart to Vivian, embodying the same defiance but channeled through activism rather than survival. Taylor-Joy’s chemistry with Roberts is a highlight, particularly in scenes exploring mother-daughter dynamics. Jacob Elordi, as Julian Lewis, brings a brooding intensity to his role, though his character’s arc feels less developed. Elordi’s charisma carries him through, but the script doesn’t fully explore Julian’s motivations, leaving some emotional beats underdeveloped.

The supporting cast, including Laura Dern as a cunning corporate rival and Sterling K. Brown as a community leader, adds depth to the ensemble. Dern’s sharp, calculating performance provides a formidable antagonist, while Brown’s understated warmth grounds the film’s social commentary. However, some secondary characters, such as Emily’s love interest (played by Diego Calva), feel underutilized, serving more as plot devices than fully realized figures.

Direction and Cinematography

Anne Fletcher, known for The Proposal and 27 Dresses, brings a polished, crowd-pleasing sensibility to Pretty Woman 2. Her direction leans heavily on the original’s romantic allure, with sweeping shots of Los Angeles and New York evoking the glamour of the 1990 classic. Fletcher excels in staging intimate moments, such as Vivian and Edward’s quiet conversations, which carry the emotional weight of their decades-long partnership. However, her handling of the film’s more dramatic sequences, particularly those involving corporate showdowns, can feel formulaic, lacking the edge needed to elevate the stakes.

Cinematographer Matthew Libatique (A Star is Born, Black Swan) delivers a visually stunning film that balances nostalgia with modernity. The color palette shifts between the warm, golden hues of the original and cooler, sleeker tones reflecting the contemporary setting. Iconic locations like Rodeo Drive are revisited with a fresh lens, while new settings—such as a tech startup’s glass-walled office—ground the film in 2025. Libatique’s use of close-ups, particularly on Roberts and Gere, captures their emotional nuances, though some action-oriented scenes suffer from overly rapid cuts that disrupt the flow.

The film’s pacing, while generally effective, falters in the second act, where competing subplots slow the momentum. Fletcher’s decision to prioritize character-driven moments over plot-driven spectacle is admirable but occasionally leaves the audience craving more dynamic energy. Nevertheless, her ability to balance humor, romance, and drama ensures that the film remains engaging throughout its 128-minute runtime.

Music and Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Pretty Woman 2 is a love letter to the original while embracing contemporary influences. Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” makes a triumphant return, reimagined as a duet between a modern artist and a classic vocalist, bridging generational appeal. Composer James Newton Howard crafts a score that blends orchestral elegance with pop-infused energy, echoing the original’s romantic sweep while incorporating electronic elements to reflect the 2025 setting.

Contemporary tracks from artists like Dua Lipa and The Weeknd punctuate key scenes, adding a youthful vibrancy that complements Emily and Julian’s storylines. A standout musical moment is a montage set to a cover of Nat King Cole’s “L-O-V-E,” which captures the film’s blend of timeless romance and modern flair. However, some song choices feel overly commercial, as if designed for radio play rather than narrative cohesion. The sound design, from the bustle of Los Angeles streets to the hum of a corporate boardroom, enhances the film’s immersive quality, though it rarely stands out as a defining element.

Technical Aspects and Production Design

The production design, led by David Gropman, meticulously recreates the opulent world of Pretty Woman while updating it for 2025. Vivian and Edward’s penthouse, with its sleek furniture and panoramic views, reflects their wealth but also their evolved tastes. Emily’s nonprofit headquarters, cluttered with posters and community art, contrasts sharply with Julian’s sterile tech office, visually reinforcing their ideological divide. Costumes, designed by Arianne Phillips, pay homage to the original—Vivian’s red dress is echoed in a modern gown—while dressing younger characters in trendy, sustainable fashion that aligns with their values.

Editing, handled by Nancy Richardson, is generally crisp but struggles to balance the film’s multiple storylines. Some transitions between flashbacks and present-day scenes feel abrupt, though the use of visual cues (like recurring motifs of flowers or cityscapes) helps tie the narrative together. The film’s visual effects, used sparingly for scenes involving technology or cityscapes, are seamless but unremarkable, serving the story without drawing attention.

Cultural Impact and Relevance

Pretty Woman 2: A Second Chance arrives at a time when romantic comedies are experiencing a resurgence, driven by streaming platforms and a desire for feel-good escapism. The original Pretty Woman was a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $463 million worldwide and cementing Julia Roberts as a star. However, it also faced criticism for glamorizing sex work and perpetuating classist tropes. The sequel addresses these critiques head-on, portraying Vivian as an advocate for sex workers’ rights and emphasizing her agency in shaping her destiny.

The film’s exploration of generational differences—between Vivian and Edward’s traditional romance and Emily and Julian’s modern ideals—resonates with contemporary audiences. Its focus on corporate responsibility and social justice aligns with 2025’s cultural zeitgeist, though some viewers may find the messaging heavy-handed. By centering a romance between older characters, the film challenges Hollywood’s youth-obsessed norms, offering a refreshing perspective on love and legacy.

However, the sequel’s attempt to modernize the Pretty Woman formula doesn’t always succeed. The original’s fairy-tale simplicity is both its strength and its limitation, and the sequel’s more complex narrative occasionally sacrifices charm for relevance. Additionally, while the film diversifies its cast and perspectives, some critics may argue that it doesn’t go far enough in challenging the original’s problematic elements, such as its idealized view of wealth.

Reception and Audience Response

As of May 11, 2025, Pretty Woman 2: A Second Chance has garnered mixed-to-positive reviews, with a 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 180 reviews. Critics praise the chemistry between Roberts and Gere, as well as the film’s nostalgic appeal, but some note that it struggles to match the original’s effortless charm. Audience reactions, based on posts on X, are largely enthusiastic, with fans lauding the return of Vivian and Edward and the introduction of Taylor-Joy and Elordi. However, some viewers express disappointment over the cluttered plot and perceived pandering to modern sensibilities.

Box office performance has been solid, with the film grossing $85 million worldwide in its opening weekend, driven by strong turnout from older audiences and romantic comedy fans. Its streaming release on major platforms is expected to broaden its reach, particularly among younger viewers drawn to the new cast. The film’s long-term legacy will likely depend on its ability to balance nostalgia with innovation, a challenge it meets with mixed success.

Comparisons to the Original

Comparing Pretty Woman 2 to its predecessor is inevitable, given the original’s iconic status. The 1990 film was a product of its time, blending Cinderella-esque romance with a glossy Hollywood sheen. The sequel, by contrast, is more self-aware, grappling with the original’s flaws while trying to forge a new path. Where the first film leaned on Vivian and Edward’s chemistry to carry a simple plot, the sequel ambitiously expands its scope, incorporating family dynamics and social issues.

The original’s strength lay in its unabashed romanticism, while the sequel’s is in its emotional depth. However, the first film’s tight pacing and memorable set pieces (like the shopping scene) outshine the sequel’s more uneven execution. Fans of the original will appreciate callbacks—like a reimagined polo match or a nod to Vivian’s opera moment—but may find the sequel’s heavier tone less enchanting.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

Lead Performances: Roberts and Gere deliver heartfelt, authentic performances, while Taylor-Joy and Elordi add fresh energy.
Nostalgic Appeal: The film successfully recaptures the original’s romantic spirit while updating its context.
Thematic Depth: Its exploration of second chances, family, and social responsibility adds layers to the fairy-tale formula.
Visual Craftsmanship: Libatique’s cinematography and Gropman’s production design create a visually rich world.

Weaknesses:

Pacing Issues: The second act drags due to competing subplots, diluting the emotional momentum.
Underdeveloped Characters: Some supporting roles, particularly Julian and secondary figures, lack depth.
Tone Inconsistency: The balance between fairy-tale romance and gritty realism doesn’t always gel.
Overambition: The film’s attempt to tackle multiple themes can feel cluttered, sacrificing the original’s simplicity.

Conclusion

Pretty Woman 2: A Second Chance is a heartfelt, if imperfect, sequel that honors its predecessor while carving out a new story for 2025. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere remain the beating heart of the franchise, their chemistry undimmed by time, while Anya Taylor-Joy and Jacob Elordi inject youthful vitality. Anne Fletcher’s direction, paired with Matthew Libatique’s cinematography, crafts a visually appealing film that balances nostalgia with modernity, though pacing issues and an overstuffed narrative prevent it from reaching the original’s heights.

For fans of Pretty Woman, the sequel offers enough charm and emotional resonance to justify its existence, with callbacks that delight and new characters that intrigue. For newcomers, it’s a standalone romantic drama with enough heart to stand on its own, though familiarity with the original enhances the experience. While it doesn’t recapture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of 1990, Pretty Woman 2 succeeds as a love letter to its characters and their enduring legacy, proving that second chances can be worth taking.

Rating: 7.5/10
Recommendation: A must-see for Pretty Woman fans and romantic comedy enthusiasts, best enjoyed with an open heart and a touch of nostalgia.