At the beginning of the highly-anticipated "Sex and the City," protagonist and shoe-maven Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) states that there are two reasons young women flock to New York City: Labels and love. But there is another reason why hoards of women bombarded theaters last weekend, dressed in their finest: Closure.
And closure is what they received. When the HBO series ended in 2004, millions of fans were left wondering if Carrie and Mr. Big (Chris Noth) would stay together for real, if the promiscuous Samantha (Kim Cattrall) would ever settle down, if Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) could adjust to family life and if Charlotte (Kristin Davis) would ever see the glass as half empty. The film not only addresses all of these issues, but does so while traveling to a new, deep place where half-hour episodes could never venture.
The film starts off fluffy and fabulous, with Carrie in at least 10 different designer outfits within the first five minutes. The joy of seeing the four girls back together, finally getting everything they want, sends hearts aflutter, until Mr. Big messes up, yet again. Carrie’s world immediately spirals downward, and this time it can’t be solved with a bitch fest, shopping or rebound sex.
The girls find it hard to stay strong for Carrie when their own lives are just as confusing. The most heartfelt side story is the crumbling of Miranda’s marriage. Tony Award-winning Nixon not only gets points for excelling in her role, but also for being in the movie’s most explicit (and convincing) sex scene — even though in real life she’s a lesbian.
"Sex and the City" has never been about superior acting or screenwriting. In fact, the only awards the movie will garner will be for the exquisite costuming. Instead, it’s about a bond forged between four women and millions of their fans — fans who have faithfully followed along through every breakup, bad date and shopping spree since 1998. Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte strike a chord with every woman — making this the sure-to-be chick flick of the century.
There are, of course, some flaws with the movie, namely the blatant product placement which made the film feel like a commercial — with a brand name dropped every few minutes. But since the clothes are essentially the fifth main character, it’s easy to dismiss.
So, for SATC fans, this movie is perfection and wraps up a 10-year legacy. But for those concerned with Oscar-worthy performances, riveting plot twists and eloquent metaphor, don’t bother.
