π¬ Pretty Woman: Forever (2025)
Director: Garry Marshall Jr.
Main Cast: Julia Roberts (Vivian Ward), Richard Gere (Edward Lewis), Emma Mackey (Grace Lewis), Henry Golding (Daniel Chen), Laura Dern (Marianne Harper)
β¨ Introduction
Thirty-five years after the release of the iconic Pretty Woman (1990), Pretty Woman: Forever (2025) dares to revisit one of cinemaβs most cherished love stories. With Garry Marshall Jr. taking the directorβs chairβpaying homage to his late father, Garry Marshall, who helmed the originalβthe film attempts to bridge nostalgia with modern romantic drama. This sequel is not just a continuation of Vivian and Edwardβs fairy tale, but also a meditation on love, family, and the enduring power of second chances.
π Storyline
The narrative begins with Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) preparing to step away from his corporate empire. Retirement brings unexpected anxieties: Who is he without business deals and boardrooms? Meanwhile, Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) has flourished in philanthropy, running a foundation to support vulnerable young womenβa career that mirrors her own journey of transformation.
The coupleβs marriage appears stable, but beneath the surface, both wrestle with unspoken doubts. Their daughter, Grace Lewis (Emma Mackey), embodies the modern generationβambitious, outspoken, but also burdened by the weight of her parentsβ legacy. When Grace falls in love with Daniel Chen (Henry Golding), a socially conscious entrepreneur who challenges Edwardβs old-school values, generational conflicts arise. At the same time, a former associate, Marianne Harper (Laura Dern), resurfaces, stirring tension in Edwardβs business and personal life.
The plot oscillates between romance, family drama, and rediscovery. Edward and Vivian must confront whether their love storyβonce a whirlwind of passion and charmβcan withstand the realities of aging, regret, and change.
π Performances
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Julia Roberts is radiant, giving Vivian a perfect blend of maturity and playfulness. Her character has evolved from Cinderella to a queen in her own right, yet Roberts preserves the vulnerability that made audiences fall in love with her decades ago.
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Richard Gere brings gravitas to Edward. No longer the confident billionaire, he portrays a man grappling with mortality, relevance, and fatherhood. His subtle, restrained performance complements Robertsβ warmth.
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Emma Mackey is a standout, injecting freshness and intensity as Grace. Her rebellious yet sensitive portrayal ensures that the younger generation is not overshadowed by the returning icons.
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Henry Golding adds charm and charisma as Daniel, representing the modern world of ethical business and progressive ideals.
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Laura Dern delivers a sharp performance as Marianne, the antagonist whose presence tests both Edwardβs values and his marriage.
The chemistry between Roberts and Gere remains magnetic. Their small gesturesβa glance, a hand squeeze, a shared laughβare enough to remind audiences why Vivian and Edward became one of cinemaβs most beloved couples.
π₯ Visuals & Cinematography
The film shines visually, balancing glamorous Beverly Hills settings with more grounded locations. Cinematographer Linus Sandgren uses warm, golden tones in intimate moments, while sweeping wide shots of Los Angeles and luxury settings recall the glitz of the original. The contrast between lavish parties and Vivianβs foundation work highlights the filmβs exploration of wealth, privilege, and humanity.
πΆ Music & Soundtrack
The soundtrack smartly blends nostalgia with modern flair. Roy Orbisonβs βOh, Pretty Womanβ reappears in a reimagined orchestral version during the filmβs opening, immediately connecting audiences to the past. New tracks from artists like Adele and John Legend add emotional depth, while jazzy instrumentals accompany lighter, playful scenes. The music feels less pop-driven than the original but more emotionally resonant.
π Themes & Tone
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Enduring Love: The film asks whether fairy-tale romances can last after decades of real life.
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Identity & Legacy: Edward struggles with purpose after retirement; Grace wrestles with finding her own path.
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Social Transformation: Vivianβs foundation highlights modern issues of empowerment and equality.
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Generational Conflict: Old vs. new values create both drama and growth.
Unlike the sparkling rom-com tone of 1990, Forever leans toward reflective romantic drama, though it still sprinkles in humor and charm through Robertsβ wit and Gereβs dry delivery.
β Strengths
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Powerful performances from Roberts and Gere.
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Emotional storytelling with meaningful themes.
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Elegant cinematography and a well-curated soundtrack.
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Successful balance of nostalgia and modern relevance.
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Strong supporting cast, particularly Emma Mackey.
β Weaknesses
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Pacing occasionally drags, especially in the second act.
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Fans expecting a bubbly rom-com may find the tone too serious.
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The antagonist subplot (Laura Dernβs character) feels underdeveloped compared to the family drama.
π¬ Verdict
Pretty Woman: Forever (2025) is more than just a sequelβitβs a celebration of enduring love and personal growth. While it doesnβt capture the giddy, fairy-tale energy of the original, it offers something more profound: a look at how love matures, bends, and survives. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere deliver unforgettable performances that remind us why their romance became legendary, while fresh faces ensure the story resonates with a new generation.
π Final Rating: 8.2/10 β A heartfelt, stylish, and emotionally resonant sequel that respects the legacy of Pretty Woman while daring to ask deeper questions about love and life.