Just Felt This Flick: Sex And The City 2

Actually, I didn't feel this flick. The costumes and set designs are insanely pretty. Other than that, the film is just a hodgepodge of awkward dialogue and underdeveloped storyline. It's as if the creators had all these awesome (and they are awesome) fashion ensembles and needed an excuse to show them on film.  I went to see it with some girlfriends and was more entertained with our what-the-eff-moments chatter than I was by the actual film.

My rant review (and spoilers) begin now ...

The conversation between Carrie and Aidan, who ran into each other on the other side of the planet in a street market in the dessert, should have been the conversation of their lives! Instead we were treated to a conversation that could have been between two old casual friends from college that went something like, "Yeah, my wife and kids are awesome. I'm happy how 'bout you?" That's the conversation that lead to the big forbidden kiss that neither of them could resist? In the series Carrie and Aidan had the craziest chemistry and some really deep and meaningful exchanges. Where was all of that in the film? And painting Mr. Big as a clueless couch potato husband was so out of character for Big and ridiculous and cliché.

And speaking of ridiculous and cliché, Charlotte never suspected her husband of being unfaithful. But Samantha (of all people) makes a comment about her bra-less nanny and all of a sudden, Charlotte can't sleep at night? Really? And what was up with her mini-nervous breakdown over being a mom...with a FULL TIME NANNY?! I had grown use to feeling  for Charlotte and being emotional with her over the years, even through the first film. The writers did a horrible job of drawing me into Charlotte's conflict either way. My biggest emotional reaction to anything related to Charlotte's character in the film occurred when her child slapped two big red icing hand prints on the back of Charlotte's white vintage skirt. And that lasted all of 2 seconds because my next reaction was to ask why the hell would you be icing red cupcakes in a white vintage ANYthing?!

And Samantha. Samantha, my favorite SATC character. Just wow. She had an opportunity to take her business international and possibly expand into another industry and all she could think about was sex and hot flashes. And not ONE word about it when it was all compromised? The same strong, powerful Samantha who was all about staying ahead of the PR game...and sex...is now, apparently all about sex? It was so tired and boring--two words I never thought I'd use when describing Samantha.

Miranda was the only character who was actually entertaining to watch throughout the whole film. Not one what-the-eff moment with Miranda. Her actions were consistent with the Miranda we all know from the series. She, more than any of the other ladies,  actually carried on like she had just gotten a once in a lifetime, free trip to Abu Dahbi. Her story was relatable and made sense for her character. When the picture of Miranda at her new law firm flashed on the screen during Carrie's closing narration, I actually cared more about that than I did about Carey in her robe/evening gown chilling with Big on their boring couch or Charlotte's once debilitating fear of her husband sleeping with the nanny being miraculously assuaged all because...oh! the hot bra-less nanny likes girls, and that makes her hot bra-lessness less appealing to my heterosexual male husband. Really. And I don't even remember how Samantha's story was wrapped up. That's how much I cared.

The first Sex and The City film was exciting and well-written and the female characters were strong and their bond pulled me in and made me care about their friendship and hope for their futures in family and life--the way a film following an awesome HBO series with a cult-like following should. We all left the theater wanting, hoping for a Sex And The City 2. This second effort just made all the women (except Miranda) look silly and irrational and at times, just plain stupid. The costumes (and Box Office) were obvious winners, but Sex And The City 2, in my humble opinion, was an epic fail. If you haven't seen it yet, you might just want to watch the trailer and all these clips --save your money. If you're really into fashion, specifically, Sex And The City's fashion, definitely go see it. Otherwise, that's 2 hours and 27 minutes of your life you will never get back.

And F.Y.I. if I were a gay dude, I would be offended by the whole first part of the film. It was very stereotypical and over the top. I know that was all the point, but Liza Minnelli, Broadway chorus singers, and the handsome straight guy being afraid to be hit on at a gay wedding? 

And P.S. if I were a Muslim woman in Abu Dahbi or anywhere, I would be offended as well. And insulted.

Comments

[Chai]

summed up perfectly!

[Wounded Healer]

oh my god this is hilarious! i was truly wondering what could they do in a sequel -- but mostly i was worried about sexy and old. i dug sexy and 30, sexy and 40, but i was worried about sexy and over the hill. anyway, i didn't make it this weekend and now i am not sorry i missed it. i haven't heard one person say anything (whether they liked it or not) other than "costumes" and "what-the-eff"

[Nikia]

I concur with Chai. Your review is so on point.

[Jameka]

Great review. I had to work two local premieres and pre-screening events for SATC2 so I didn't even have a chance to get excited for the movie...I found it entertaining in the strictest sense of the word. I did not cry (I cried during the 1st one), I laughed uncomfortably during the outlandish gay jokes, and I was in awe of the fashions. Let's just say I was happy that I didn't spend money to see the movie and was able to see it on someone else's dime.

[Homegirl Quel]

Jameka, you're very lucky. A friend of mine was just saying how she would have spent money twice to see SATC1, but this newest installment is so unworthy. And I agree.

Nikia and Chai, thanks for the co-sign!

Wounded Healer, yea, I think we've seen Samantha doing it way too much. This movie could have done without that. It was boring, and old--in every since of the word. lol

[Tid]

I LOVE IT!!! These are the best SATC photos I have seen so far....NOW I'm etxecid!!!!The SATC girls are in London right now for the London premiere - which may be tonight I think. I SO want to go and stalk them!! And I so want to get stuck in an elevator with Big....but that's a whole other story LOL!!!Have just done a link on my blog to this post :)Have a great day!! xo

[Henrique]

Dear 洋梨:Yes, you are right on. One of my purposes to have this blog is to find an exucse to connect with people who are ready to leap with faith joining this tribe, either as a most loyal silent partner or a co-creator of this blog.I really want to see more connection among all readers. Now, it is still two ways dialogue. Some one made a comment and I responded.As you said so well that one single philosophy for life is dangerous. Please help me to respond if you feel you have something to share on someone else comments. I welcome this horizontal dialogue as long as it is not mean spirit or lack of decency. Empathy is a term we all learned when we are young in 倫語, however, we never really intentionally practice in our daily life, especially, when we don't agree with someone's point. It is an uphill battle when you try to inspire people to be kind to the mistake people committed and not too self righteous. We should learn not to judge people and lump sum people as a habitual criminal. Most ot the time, people just made a bad or stupid decision. Thank you, 洋梨, for being a friend to me.Ping