I read the reviews of SATC2 with a heavy heart – they were dreadful. Some were even offensive. Those four girls had long been my much loved companions as over the years I have watched all episodes of all the TV series more times than Carrie changes her shoes in an evening…
If I am honest I was underwhelmed when I put on my Manolos and stepped out with my friends to drink cocktails and see the first SATC movie. Frankly, I found the first film rather flat – even though Carrie got her man. But then again, I figured that no film would ever capture the essence of the witty banter, day-to-day sisterly closeness and unbelievable fashions that unfurled during all those TV programmes.
So it took some real effort to put on some bright clothes (I’d seen the clips with the multicoloured fashions in the Middle Eastern scenes) and drag myself away from my Saturday afternoon to go and see the second film. Whilst I avoided the Cosmopolitans (cocktail of choice for SATC fans) I downed a few Mojitos and even a champagne cocktail at the lovely Bar Estilo opposite my local cinema and took solace in some rather tasty tapas dishes. If I were to be disappointed, then at least it would be on a full stomach. But I am delighted to report that SATC2 was really rather enjoyable – a laugh out loud movie that pressed all the right buttons and I came out of the cinema with a huge smile and a spring in my step.
It starts with Carrie reminiscing about when she first arrived in New York – with some great flashbacks to how she, Miranda, Charlotte and Sam had looked in the 1980s. Those stylists and make up artists are brilliant! And we see the self-indulgent, over-obsessive Carrie fretting about whether her two year old marriage to Big is starting to flag – then she gets a bad review of her latest book. Not all is well in the Preston household (doesn’t she know that all guys like to switch off in front of the TV sometimes? Doesn’t she ever do it either? Doesn’t she know when she has it so good?)
Then we are into the fabulously over the top gay wedding of Stanford and Anthony. What a treat – there were even swans. Carrie did us proud with a tuxedo outfit (and frivolous hat) as best man. But stealing the show (the whole film?) was Liza Minelli doing Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” – cinema magic. This was also the first Samantha cringe moment – who did her hair? Nasty. But a laugh out loud moment with Charlotte’s busty and bra-less nanny – the Irish accent contributing significantly to the comedy.
The decision to set the latter half of the film in the Middle East (North Africa) was brilliant. The opulence of the jet set Arabic life style and the over-the-top hotels was the stuff that escapist movies are made of. The bar scene where Miranda gets Charlotte to open up about the challenges of motherhood (“Sip!”) has already been much repeated in my circles. I am still laughing at the camel foot gag as well. The souk scene – where Carrie finds Aidan again – was mildly nauseating. And I must agree with the critics that whoever suggested they included the scene where the rescuing Muslim women unwrap their burkas to reveal designer fashions should be shot. Samantha’s display of overt sexuality in an Arab country really made me cringe again – sorry, but a top PR would NEVER be so stupid. Menopause is not an excuse.
The fashion throughout the film was so much better than the first – and one of the outfits worn by Miranda (a modest white floating affair that covered her entirely) was simply amazing. And I hope we see more of the new male eye candy – Samantha’s plaything who we see adventuring across the sand dunes (Max Ryan) – a sort of rougher, older and altogether more credible version of Daniel Craig. Yes!
At the end, Carrie’s silliness (the fact that she whinges and tells Big, not that she kissed Aidan) is rewarded by a black diamond. Which goes to show that Big really is Big – and probably far too good for the likes of Carrie. So, the film is far from perfect, but as you would accept an old friend with a few flaws so we embrace SATC2. And it’s good to know that you can still look that good when you are closer to 50 than 30!
