The producers of the much-awaited film Sex and the City (SATC) take the film forward from the point where the four characters were left off in the series. Three years on, the two Ls are still carrying the storyline along: labels and love. In the first half-hour we're bombarded by so much brand placement that one might as well be witnessing an extended Vogue photo shoot brought to life.
The triumph of capitalism is as unabashed as it always was but given, if possible, a greater ironic twist. In 20 years, Carrie Bradshaw, the lovelorn journalist, has come a long way: she is engaged to a billionaire, who can offer her a walk-in wardrobe and lots more than she can ever dream of - but the consumer Cinderella has a crash heading her way.
And as the film progresses, the seemingly adult and perfect lives of the four fortysomethings start to show cracks.
Miranda's husband Steve commits an act she may never be able to forgive him for while Samantha's ego threatens to derail her relationship with Smith Jerrod. Just Charlotte seems to have escaped the New York clique's curse.
In the end, the movie’s success rests on Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie. She’s the team captain, which means that she’s not only narrating but guiding the plot. Looking radiant and charming as ever, Parker couldn’t be better. She’s pithy and sexy. That’s some package.
Kudos also to director/writer Michael Patrick King for writing a new character, Carrie’s assistant Louise, played by Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson. This gives (SATC) its needed diversity. Hudson is just as terrific as she was in "Dreamgirls," a welcome addition to the (SATC) repertory.
It is only in the last 10 minutes that we find out whether the fairytale has the happy ending the audience so desperately seemed to crave. But one thing's for sure: fans of the series will lap this film up.
The four female stars — not to mention Chris Noth as Mr. Big, David Eigenberg as Steve and Evan Handler as Harry — are the most appealing ensemble of the year.
