sex and the city
A return to the ‘City’
by Brittany Kemp/A&E editor
Maybe four years, just like all the men in Manhattan, weren’t enough for the “Sex and the City” girls. It’s hard to write a review for the film and try to not let your inner Carrie Bradshaw shine through, but, seeing as I have none, this should be easy.
Heading to DVD on Sept. 23, and recently shown as part of the film series at the Pogue Student Center, it’s hard to think of a “chick flick” this summer that topped “Sex and the City.”
Likewise, it’s hard to think of another TV adaptation this summer that has worked so well. “X-Files” and “Get Smart” tanked, while “Sex and the City” took in $26.93 million on its first day alone. It continued to fare nicely, collecting more than $300 million worldwide by mid-August.
And ask Michael Patrick King (writer and director), it must be a difficult job to take such a wildly successful series, which ran for six seasons, and compact it into 145 minutes, as opposed to the standard hour.
For the crowds that devoured it over the summer, the trusted formula works, but to me “Sex and the City” felt like an oversized episode.
Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily, but there are times when it gets a little tedious. When “Sex” arrives to its decisive conclusion, a snarky part of you might shout, “Thank God!” There is a reason most shows don’t go past that hour mark.
Fans of the show should be, and, typically are, pleased. Considering some people showed up to its opening night dressed up like the Charlottes or Samanthas they most identify with, similar to a “Star Wars” debut only more attractive, it’s not a surprise.
And under King’s direction, the movie does feel like a natural progression from that last episode in which Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) chose the notorious and suave Mr. Big (Christopher Noth) over her Russian suitor. The movie begins with a rational proposal, of all things, from the commitment-phobic Big. Hey, everybody’s got to grow up some time. Even those of us nicknamed “Big.”
Others have moved on since the last time we saw them. Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) has hit a rough patch in her marriage to sweet, dopey Steve, who drops a tremendous bombshell on her. The delightfully outrageous Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) has moved west to support her movie star boyfriend’s career and work as his manager, with plenty of commutes back to New York.
Still, stability is not something Samantha’s heart neatly adjusts to. She must avoid possible infidelity with her tempting Dante, who certainly puts her in a sort of hell. Of the main four, perky Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) has the most tranquility in her life, raising her adopted daughter with husband Harry. Even her tranquility, though, is easily rocked.
There are some additions, such as “Dreamgirls” star Jennifer Hudson as Carrie’s assistant. Hudson acts well, and her seemingly innocent charm is genuine, but her character feels a little tacked-on, almost a “Mary Sue.” If nothing else, she does belt out a nice song for the soundtrack.
King and his crew should be commended for the kinks they throw in the lives of the beloved foursome. While “Sex and the City” may not be considered one of the best movies to come out this year, it does do some things quite unconventionally.
For example, there is a shot of Carrie Bradshaw in despair, where Parker allows herself to be seen without make-up. Although it may not seem it, this is huge. Considering the flack that she receives for her unique appearance (“Maxim” named her the ugliest woman alive), Parker deserves to be applauded for showing herself in such a state, one that most actresses, even those considered better looking, wouldn’t dare dream of.
Despite its shortcomings, and luckily there aren’t a lot, the “Sex and the City” movie feels like slipping back into your favorite pair of heels, Manolo Blahniks or otherwise. Overall, it’s a comfy and predictable fit, ready to be re-worn in the future.
-
This was published on September 16, 2008.
by Brittany Kemp/A&E editor
Maybe four years, just like all the men in Manhattan, weren’t enough for the “Sex and the City” girls. It’s hard to write a review for the film and try to not let your inner Carrie Bradshaw shine through, but, seeing as I have none, this should be easy.
Heading to DVD on Sept. 23, and recently shown as part of the film series at the Pogue Student Center, it’s hard to think of a “chick flick” this summer that topped “Sex and the City.”
Likewise, it’s hard to think of another TV adaptation this summer that has worked so well. “X-Files” and “Get Smart” tanked, while “Sex and the City” took in $26.93 million on its first day alone. It continued to fare nicely, collecting more than $300 million worldwide by mid-August.
And ask Michael Patrick King (writer and director), it must be a difficult job to take such a wildly successful series, which ran for six seasons, and compact it into 145 minutes, as opposed to the standard hour.
For the crowds that devoured it over the summer, the trusted formula works, but to me “Sex and the City” felt like an oversized episode.
Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily, but there are times when it gets a little tedious. When “Sex” arrives to its decisive conclusion, a snarky part of you might shout, “Thank God!” There is a reason most shows don’t go past that hour mark.
Fans of the show should be, and, typically are, pleased. Considering some people showed up to its opening night dressed up like the Charlottes or Samanthas they most identify with, similar to a “Star Wars” debut only more attractive, it’s not a surprise.
And under King’s direction, the movie does feel like a natural progression from that last episode in which Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) chose the notorious and suave Mr. Big (Christopher Noth) over her Russian suitor. The movie begins with a rational proposal, of all things, from the commitment-phobic Big. Hey, everybody’s got to grow up some time. Even those of us nicknamed “Big.”
Others have moved on since the last time we saw them. Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) has hit a rough patch in her marriage to sweet, dopey Steve, who drops a tremendous bombshell on her. The delightfully outrageous Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) has moved west to support her movie star boyfriend’s career and work as his manager, with plenty of commutes back to New York.
Still, stability is not something Samantha’s heart neatly adjusts to. She must avoid possible infidelity with her tempting Dante, who certainly puts her in a sort of hell. Of the main four, perky Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) has the most tranquility in her life, raising her adopted daughter with husband Harry. Even her tranquility, though, is easily rocked.
There are some additions, such as “Dreamgirls” star Jennifer Hudson as Carrie’s assistant. Hudson acts well, and her seemingly innocent charm is genuine, but her character feels a little tacked-on, almost a “Mary Sue.” If nothing else, she does belt out a nice song for the soundtrack.
King and his crew should be commended for the kinks they throw in the lives of the beloved foursome. While “Sex and the City” may not be considered one of the best movies to come out this year, it does do some things quite unconventionally.
For example, there is a shot of Carrie Bradshaw in despair, where Parker allows herself to be seen without make-up. Although it may not seem it, this is huge. Considering the flack that she receives for her unique appearance (“Maxim” named her the ugliest woman alive), Parker deserves to be applauded for showing herself in such a state, one that most actresses, even those considered better looking, wouldn’t dare dream of.
Despite its shortcomings, and luckily there aren’t a lot, the “Sex and the City” movie feels like slipping back into your favorite pair of heels, Manolo Blahniks or otherwise. Overall, it’s a comfy and predictable fit, ready to be re-worn in the future.
-
This was published on September 16, 2008.
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