So, I saw the Sex and the City movie on Sunday... mostly to get out of the heat, and to make sure I'm not the only human on the planet not to see it. A few people have asked me my thoughts, so rather than have actual human interaction to discuss it, I'll just write about it here.First let me say that I have never watched the show. I've seen a few episodes before, but I was never a follower of the series while it was on HBO. I've seen a few eps on DVD, and a few on TBS (which clearly aren't the same as the originals.) I know who the characters are and their basic story lines, so I wasn't completely ignorant going into the film, but I wasn't attached to any of the ladies or their respective lives. I'm by no means an expert on any of the following areas, but it's fun to take a look at things like this from an "outsider's" point of view. Basically, don't lynch me for saying anything critical, you crazy SATC fans.
The movie was good. Even as a guy, and someone unattached to the series, I thought it was a fine and dandy summer flick. Even before the movie started, it was fun to watch the pre-show of all the groups of girls (and gays) dressed up for a night of cocktails and one-night stands when we were actually just seeing a 5:15p movie on a muggy Sunday afternoon. I can't imagine the amount of planning that was done by women seeing the movie on opening night. Clearly, that task was surpassed only by their wedding day. But, I guess that's why Carrie Bradshaw is so idolized by women.
Don't get defensive, but Sarah Jessica Parker is not that pretty. I mean, she's not ugly, I'll even go as far as saying that she's attractive, but I don't think she's pretty. In fact, I think the other 3 ladies (yes, even Cynthia Nixon- sometimes) are prettier. The good news is that SJP, or at least Carrie Bradshaw, is unaware of her mediocre looks and lives her life like she is the hottest thing to walk down Fifth Avenue. That, my friends, is why all the ladies love her. She may not be the most beautiful woman on earth, but she thinks she is, and really, that's all that matters. Women can identify with her, because she's real. Most women can't afford the Louboutin shoes or Gucci dresses, but they can put on their favorite get up from the mall and have cosmos with their girlfriends and feel young and fabulous.
Interesting side note about identifying with the characters- I was waiting to get my hair cut last week and was eavesdropping on a convo surrounding SATC. This middle-aged, stylish woman with long flowing hair was getting it blown about by her stylist. A young, trendy girl was following her around the salon, asking her questions about her life and job, etc. They did not know each other. The girl asked the woman if anyone had ever told her she looked like SJP. The woman proudly laughed and said, "oh yes, all the time... when I'm shopping people stop me because they think I'm her. It's so funny..." (bitch did not look like SJP in the least.) They talked about her Louboutin shoes (yes she was really wearing them) and other Sex and the City-related things. The young girl then asked her what she did for a living. The woman said, "I'm a lawyer" to which the girl responded, "oh, so you're more like Miranda!" The woman snapped her head around and said, "NO. No. I am NOTHING like Miranda. No." Clearly, she was not a fan.
Ok, so back to the film. I think there was too much back and forth between actual story line and fashion/label-related montages. The plot of the movie is pretty good! The pacing of things could have picked up a little, but I really thought it was a good story. Lots of ups and downs. Real-life issues that affect real people were placed upon the four ladies throughout the film. I could see that if I had invested years in the series while it was on TV I might have even got a little choked up at several different points. I can't give too much away, but there were some heavy moments sprinkled in between all the double entendres and name-laden Vogue magazine photo shoots.
I could go on and on about the individual pieces of the movie, but I'll spare you (and my brain) and just get to main issue. My biggest problem with the movie was the fact that although it was a story of love, loss, relationships and lasting friendship, I have a feeling most of the die-hard fans didn't leave theaters with more than a desire for a new wardrobe and a thirst for cosmopolitans.
Maybe that's just me.