Review: Sex and the City

PLOT: Four years after a tearful goodbye, NYC’s sexiest BFF’s reunite for more sex, love, fashion, Manolos and Cosmos on the big screen. The hot ensemble cast returns as Carrie – the successful, fashion-obsessed, columnist, author and narrator of the show; Samantha – the assertive, vivacious, independent, powerful and sexually liberated publicist; Charlotte – the traditional and idealist princess; and Miranda – the tough lawyer turned mom and wife. Together they face new challenges such as marriage after forty, infidelity, infertility, forgiveness and monogamy.

REVIEW: As a devoted fan of HBO’s SEX AND THE CITY show, it was with great sadness and reluctance that I sad goodbye to my favorite cast four years ago. Consequentially, I was excited by the too-good-to-be-true rumors circulating of a possible movie to bring back the hip, sex-talking, boy-chasing quartet. Despite production stalls and alleged rumors of cast catfights, the SATC movie finally made it to the silver screen. Needless to say, the screening was an exhilarating experience as the we squealed, laughed, cried and giggled from beginning to end.

The film opens to Carrie Bradshaw’s voice narrating the film as it once did on the renowned series. “Year after year, twenty-something women come to New York City in search of the two ‘L”s: labels and love. Twenty years ago, I was one of them. Having gotten the knack for labels early…I concentrated on love.” First we zoom in on a young girl window shopping on Fifth Avenue and then a newer generation of four, hot, fashionistas, reminiscent of the stars, strutting and complimenting a decked out Carrie crossing their paths. Remixed to the backbeat of SATC’s theme song, as Fergie’s opening tune Labels or Love kicks in, I nostalgically succumb to thousands of goosebumps and near joyful tears. Call me a sap but the theme song has that kind of effect on me.

Whether yapping over brunch, shopping in boutiques, walking down the street or toasting over cosmos, these fabulous four ladies share an unbreakable bond with one another and a love for sex AND the city. A little older and wiser each lady is faced with new problems, dilemmas and challenges. Sarah Jessica Parker’s portrayal of Carrie is marvelous as always. The super fit columnist and successful author deliberates the possibility of marriage with longtime love Mr. Big.

Kim Cattrall is outrageously amusing and witty as the bold, group vixen Samantha. Living with her younger gorgeous boyfriend Smith who has found stardom in Hollywood, Samantha battles a case of the homesick blues and struggles with the unfamiliar restraints of a monogamy. As a result, the beautiful fifty year old delivers some of the film’s best lines and most memorable scenes. Cynthia Nixon’s performance as Miranda is compelling and moving as she encounters unexpected marital problems. Finally, Kristen Davis sparkles as the lovable Charlotte, who lives in marital bliss with hubby Harry and adopted daughter. What more can she possibly ask of life after having achieved all her dreams? Equally outstanding are Chris Noth as Mr. Big, Jason Lewis as Smith, Evan Handler as Harry and David Eigenberg as Steve.

SATC’s creative writer-director Michael Patrick King’s genuine vision, honest translation and imaginative storytelling translates beautifully on the big screen. Without repetition, each character evolves and progresses into the future with realistic dilemmas and new situations. King’s use of vibrant candy colors are visually stimulating and his set locations, curiously enticing and trendsetting. I found myself easily immersed in the characters, plot, relationships and scenes. Lastly, kudos to the music producer for selecting a perfect palate of songs to compliment the film. I was incredibly pleased at how every tune stimulated the scene by evoking certain emotions, which generated the right mood.

Despite its two-and-a-half-hour length, SATC moved at a decent and painless pace. Filled with unexpected twists, interesting events, humorous scenarios and plenty of sexual innuendos, SATC had me laughing, crying, ooh-ing and aah-ing from beginning to end! Whether a fan or a skeptic, guy or gal, this film has plenty of irresistible chuckle that is bound to win you over at one point or another. I highly recommend it.

SCORE: 7.5/10