There's nothing quite like reuniting with old girlfriends.
Not the frenemy types (gals who, deep down, you loathe) -- but genuine women who you just haven't been able to catch up with for, say, four years.
The Sex and the City movie is just that. A reunion. And from a megafan's perspective, let me tell you darlings -- it's fabulous. The second Sarah Jessica Parker pops onto the screen in her exaggerated Carrie Bradshaw flower frock, it's like slipping into a twice-worn pair of Mahnolos. You almost forget it has been 51 months since the beloved HBO series was swept off the airwaves, taking with it six seasons of countless Cosmos, girlie gab sessions and sex -- lots of sex.
Carrie's BFFs Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon), Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) and Charlotte Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) enter the scene looking equally chic. Aside from the inevitable pound or two, the ladies -- now fortysomethings instead of thirtysomethings -- haven't aged much. Whether they have Botox to thank for that is irrelevant -- the girls are back, for crying out loud!
What is missing, however, is a pinch of the racy spunk (no, not that kind) that still has my pals and I busting a gut when we gather over pink drinks and reruns. Miranda -- a devoted mother to Brady -- has toned down her bitter wit; Carrie doesn't cringe when Charlotte's 3-year-old daughter, Lily, asks her to read her Cinderella; Charlotte is disgustingly happy; new L.A. resident (but frequent NYC vacationer) Samantha doesn't begin every breakfast confab with a head-turning statement about her man du jour's genitals. And let's face it: They're not having "it" as much as they used to.
All that maturity is a slight disappointment -- but understandable. Besides, you can't talk about your f--- buddy with Lily in that copycat phase kids go through. And it's not as appropriate for Sam to strut around nude on the big screen as it is on HBO.
There are plenty of other goodies to keep fans giddy, anyway.
Director Michael Patrick King has said New York City was the TV show's fifth star, but the movie has found a sixth spotlight hog in its wardrobe. SATC style goddess Patricia Field has really outdone herself this time. No fabric, accessory, or designer label goes unused. And the shoes, well -- I could go on. Couture gowns are practically daywear -- especially during a Vogue wedding photoshoot starring Carrie as a blushing bride in Chanel, Carolina Herrera and a stunning Vivienne Westwood number that's worth the price of admission alone.
Yes, Carrie and Big (Chris Noth) -- make that John James Preston -- are tying to knot. After dragging Ms. Bradshaw back from Paris in the series finale, Big agrees it's finally time to settle -- and seals the deal with a living room-sized closet in the lovebirds' new Fifth Ave. penthouse.
Sounds perfect, right? True SATC fans probably know Carrie's world ain't that easy. As quickly as she shifts into wedding mode, she finds herself heartbroken and confused.
Playing out like a very extended episode, Sex and the City delves into the others characters' issues as well. Samantha's mojo with hot actor Smith (Jason Lewis) is MIA, Miranda's hubby Steve (David Eigenberg) makes a devastating confession and Charlotte and Harry (Evan Handler) get preggers.
Surprise perks? Jennifer Hudson as Carrie's endearing assistant, Louise, an all-girl vaca, and bonding time between gay characters Stanford and Anthony.
It sounds like a lot to fit into a movie -- but there's nearly 21/2 hours for that. And from a fan's perspective, let me tell you darlings -- it's not enough.
(This film is rated 18-A)
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