SATC 2

Just back from Sex and the City 2 and the verdict? I liked it. Let's face it, like most hard core SATC fans I'm easily pleased. Just put the girls up on the big screen in an array of fabulous outfits, in glamorous locations and there I'll be, grinning from ear to ear for 2.5 hours. OK so there were a few scenes where I felt myself cringing (Samantha's declarations of, "YES! I have sex!" to a throng of unimpressed Muslim men in in a souk), but I didn't cringe because I felt it inappropriate. I cringed because I was embarrassed for her. Samantha is glamorous, confident and in control. Always. So to see her fall apart at the seams, in a public place is a little is uncomfortable for me.

Many serious film critics have panned the film for being culturally insensitive and inappropriate but I disagree. The girls asked questions that I too would ask. How do Muslim women eat french fries while wearing the traditional veil? No, I wouldn't humiliate a woman by asking her that but I can see myself pondering this while enjoying a drink with my friends. And no, personally I'm not comfortable with the idea that women must cover themselves in public and not speak, walk alongside a husband or have a job. No, those ideas don't wash with me but I understand that it happens and I show tolerance and respect the decision of women who choose live in this way.

As for laugh-out-loud moments, I can't say there were that many for me, certainly less than the first film although i do recall letting out a big belly laugh at the sight of Miranda circa 1986 sporting that horrific mushroom haircut. But despite not laughing as much as many of the other girls in the screening I attended, I still very much enjoyed it. I guess it was more of a savoring thing. I just enjoyed seeing the girls in all their glory again. They don't have to do much to impress me.

And then there's the eye candy. When it comes to SATC, largely for me, it's about the clothes. There are many items of clothing in this movie I'd very much like to own but sadly cannot afford. So, to the fashion... my wish list from the film includes:

Carrie's Galliano for Dior newspaper dress for looking so great on her all those years later, Samantha's gold harem pants - a knockout and beautifully matched with that sawdust belted jacket, Miranda's Etro print pant suit (arriving at the hotel in Abu Dhabi) and the fabulous shrug worn with it, not to be confused with her camel riding outfit with geometric patterns up top, didn't like that at all. Then there was Carrie's vintage j'adore Dior t-shirt worn with silver short sleeved bolero and violet ball gown skirt (shopping in the souk) which was genius.  As was her stunning midnight blue evening gown with split to thigh worn to drinks with Aiden. There was a also a fabulous white cropped jacket with crystal detail on the arms (Carrie), a dreamy print lightweight kaftan (worn as nightgown by Carrie) and that fabulous burnt orange pleat maxi dress (Carrie again).

Interestingly, we didn't see much of Steve, Smith and Harry which was a bit of a shame. I like seeing the girls in their relationships but I guess that was SATC1 - this film was all about the ladies. Oh, and was it just me or did Big look particularly hot? I've never really fancied Big. Charming, charismatic, chic - yes, yes and yes. But devilishly handsome? Comme ci comme ca. But in SATC2? Yep, I get it. I see it. And that fabulous vintage Rolex did little to dampen his allure.

The close-ups revealed that a little botox and restalyn has been indulged in by the ladies but who can blame them. Competing with twenty-somethings in Hollywood and trying to stay out of the trashy mag "Stars Without Make-Up" editions must be a daunting task.

Since the TV series finished we fans have been starved of Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda and this film just gives us another taste of the fun, friendship and fashion we've missed. Like sherbet is to a healthy diet, SATC2 is pretty bad as a film but wonderfully sweet and enjoyable nonetheless.