"Sex and the City" Review

Movie: Sex and the City	In Theaters:	May 30, 2008
Runtime: 148 minutes	Directed by:	Michael Patrick King
MPAA Rating: R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity and language	Gecko Rating:

I sure have missed my Sex and the City girls, because seeing them again on the big screen is like going home again. True to the HBO TV series on which this film is based, it’s all about love, forgiveness, relationships, and especially friendships. If you were addicted to the TV series as I was, I can almost guarantee you’ll love this movie. And even though it would be fun to see it with girlfriends, I didn’t mind seeing it alone. The girls on screen were my best girlfriends for those 148 minutes (yes, it’s a tad long).

And if you don’t like the movie, let me know why in the comments section at the bottom of this review!

More after the jump, including a trailer (I promise not to reveal too much of the plot)…

The story begins with a catch-up on our favorite characters. Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mr. Big, a.k.a. John Preston (Chris Noth) have been together since the finale of the TV series, where they met in Paris and he told her, “You’re the one.” They’ve both kept their own places, but they’re shopping for a nice piece of NYC real estate where they can live together. But Carrie’s not too sure she wants to sell her old apartment, especially since Big is buying the new place, and she’d have no legal recourse if they went kaput.

Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Steve (David Eigenberg) are now living in Brooklyn with their son, Brady. Playdates and PTA meetings are a far cry from Miranda’s former workaholic life. Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Harry (Evan Handler) are happily ensconced in their beautiful digs with Lily, their lovely adopted daughter. And Samantha (Kim Cattrall) is living in L.A. now, sharing a pad with Jerry “Smith” Jerrod (Jason Lewis), whose burgeoning career she also reps. But she can’t keep her eyes off the Adonis who lives next door, aptly named Dante (Gilles Marini).

I won’t give away any major plot-points, but will say that the girls are all in fine form. Their friendships endure through thick and thin, their bodies are in better shape than ever (how can that be? Oh yeah, personal trainers and chefs), and the fashion! The entire film is a feast for our fashionista senses, sorely depleted ever since the TV series ended.

I love that the film nods to the TV series in assorted ways — Carrie’s old-fashioned dial phone, the outfit she wore in the series’ opening credits, and plenty of other little details that will make you smile. Returning faces include Stanford Blatch (Willie Garson), Anthony Marentino (Mario Cantone), Magda (Lynn Cohen), and Carrie’s Vogue editor, Enid Frick (Candice Bergen). New on the scene is the wonderful Jennifer Hudson, who plays Carrie’s assistant, Louise.

But what I love most about this film is the friendships between these women. Guys come and go, but their friendships are truly forever, whether it’s sharing a long-standing joke or spoon-feeding you breakfast when you’re so depressed all you want to do is sleep. We should all be so lucky.

Note to Parents: Plenty of sex talk and a few graphic scenes, including private parts in a few instances, so keep the little ones at home. I’d say this movie is ok for kids 17 and older.

Trailer: