Sex and the City: The Movie
Reviewed by Lauren Smelcher
The night before Christmas is invariably more exciting than Christmas itself, isn't it? The anticipation of it all mounts and mounts, and you just can't wait for the day to arrive. Until, of course, it does arrive and you're left with nothing more than memories of said expectations.
Yesterday, I assumed that finally seeing Sex and the City: The Movie would induce a similar reaction to post-Christmas deflation. I was wrong.
At one point in the film, Miranda refers to Valentine's Day being "on steroids this year." The same can be said of the film - it's like the TV show, only bigger, brighter, bolder and better. It's like the show on steroids.
While I'm conscious that not everybody rushed out to see the movie on opening night, and I don't want to spoil it for you, here's the gist.
The style
Watching all 300 outfits sashay across the screen was like fashion porn. I loved Samantha's 80s silhouettes and bold block colours; I loved Carrie's irreverent high-low dressing and I loved Charlotte's adorable maternity style.
I was baffled by Miranda's seemingly endless supply of gigantic earrings, and Samantha's fishbone heels. Speaking of shoes, by the film's end, you will be coveting Carrie's Balenciaga gladiator heels - I'm heading out to scout for a (slightly cheaper) pair today.
The romance
It wouldn't be Sex without the romance, and there was certainly no shortage of it. From Miranda and Steve's goofy-but-cute connection to Charlotte and Harry's perfectly happy ending, the film is chockers with fairytale moments. The ultimate Cinderella moment is there, too - but I don't want to give too much away.
The friendships
You'll be pleased to know that they're as strong as ever. Samantha remains brash and brusque, Miranda is loyal and blunt and Charlotte is more confident but no less angelic. The girls still do the kinds of things they did in the show - eat at the coffee shop, drink Cosmos, offer and ask for advice and dance around Carrie's apartment. But, keeping with the 'bigger-is-better' theme, they also visit New York Fashion Week (a runway show was recreated for the film), have a sleepover at the Four Seasons and vacation in Mexico.
My favourite scene
Carrie is chosen for Vogue photo shoot, and the scene features real life Vogue-ettes Plum Sykes, Gucci Westman, Andre Leon Talley and Patrick Demarchelier. Love it! This scene, too, is fashion porn - bridal fashion porn, to be precise. Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, Christian Lacroix and Vivienne Westwood gowns all make appearances.
And finally...
We're not sure about the addition of Jennifer Hudson as Louise, Carrie's assistant. She didn't quite fit in, and frankly, I was astounded by the idea that Carrie would need an assistant (particularly as all she seems to do is RSVP to parties on Carrie's behalf and open mail). Jennifer is also involved in a particularly unfunny scene concerning "Louise from St Louis who loves Louis Vuitton." Hilarious.
My advice?
Grab your girlfriends, stash some cupcakes in your handbag (I love Babycakes by Renee and The Cupcake Bakery), remember your tissues and enjoy!
The Cosmo girls attended Sex and the City: The Movie courtesy of ghd.
Want more? Check out our other Sex and the City stuff - like how to make the perfect Cosmo, red carpet looks from the film's NYC premiere, Sarah Jessica Parker's style file, how the show has influenced fashion and our exclusive Sex and the City quiz.
