Sex and the City 2 movie review
Sex and the City 2 is the second movie in the series to rank in the top 10 movies. It is the sequel to the 2008 release Sex and the City, the first film in this romantic comedy series directed by Michael Patrick King. The original television series was conceived and written by Darren Star, a writer for the top-rated movies. This sequel takes place two years after the first film and begins with a gay wedding where the four friends have been invited.
Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Big (Chris Noth) are going through a rough patch in their married life, but it’s nothing unusual for married couples. Carrie likes to go out, while Big prefers to spend time watching old movies on TV. Charlotte (Kristen Davis) finds her life a rollercoaster with her two children who are more trouble than she would like them to be. The charming and lovely Samantha (played by Kim Cattrall) still braves the altar and continues her journey in a unique way, just as portrayed in her best movies.
The real plot of Part 2 begins when a wealthy sheikh invites Samantha to Abu Dhabi. He has to mount a public relations campaign for his vast business empire. Inseparable as they are, they begin this sponsored Arab sojourn in unity. But can trouble be far away? First, Carrie gets a chance to meet her ex-boyfriend Aidan of hers, i.e. John Corbett, a star of many top 10 movies. Old memories flare up and a little spark doesn’t last long.
The real problem with the quartet is their overzealous feminism and this begins to conflict with the puritanical feminism of the Arab world. Sparks fly and they mock the liberal views of Americans, ultimately leading to their branding as anti-Muslim. King has successfully exploited this situation to his advantage, when at an Abu Dhabi nightclub the four are tasked with giving a karaoke performance of Helen Reddy’s ‘I am Woman’, a song fit for the top 10 movies. The situation becomes desperate for them with all the men rushing at them and the foursome are rescued by Muslim women who give them their black robes to get them out of the club. Beneath their black robes, Muslim women wear Western garb, just as is often shown in top-rated movies.
King has a lot of weak links in his script. Carrie has been given more images, highlighting her minor marital issues. While Miranda and Charlotte’s real-life dilemmas are downplayed. However, Carrie needs sympathy in one sense: not being able to choose between Noth and Corbett, they are both so adorable on screen. Penelope Cruz and Liza Minnelli’s hilarious cameos are a joy to watch.
Technically the film is superb. King has been fortunate to have a fabulous all-star cast and excellent crew on board.
Maybe the macho will try to tear it to pieces, but King has a masterpiece. No matter what viewers think or say, SATC 2 is here to stay.