script was ostentatiously lazy (and relied too much on screeching to convey joy), but visually the movie drew in and held the eye and emotionally it often made sense. Like the show, you can welcome it into your life no matter how you're feeling -- it's like an aspirin taken in ice cream. And there were some funny lines, maybe about 20 of them! First off, a word to address to those who will charge that the movie is bad for women or bad for everyone. The film, like the show, takes place on a fictional plane of reality and should not be berated for that. Once we understand "Sex" like we understand "The Simpsons," and see Carrie's shoe collection as we see Homer's donuts (or whatever)-- then we can kick back and enjoy the real and sticky jelly-joy that awaits us behind the glazey sprinkley exterior.
Enchantment has its uses. Unlike Anthony Lane, I can only conclude that the writers did a great job stretching the material to cover 2.5 hours. The story, though grand in its events, is simple in its messages: that forgiveness is better than bitterness, and that there a exist a muliplicity of Goods and Good Lives, and that it's up to each one of us -- like children on a scavenger hunt -- to make a Good Life from the Goods that work for us. We must make our own treasure maps.
Though simple to understand, this message is not easy to live by, and it's a good thing the movie is so fun and ridiculous and illogical -- all qualities that make its moral even more memorable, as attractive to contemplate as it is difficult to realize.
All four actresses were good in the film, with Sarah Jessica Parker taking a few unexpected trips into telenovela-acting territory. But Kristin Davis deserves special recognition for her gifts as a comedienne (Yes! Lucy style!), including the jumpiest cartoon eyes this side of Itchy and Scratchy.
4 comments:
That is a very fair and insightful review of the film. I finally got to see it! Could not agree more with the excessive screeching (so painful) and Kristen Davis' underrated comedic skills. I've always thought she was the best actress on the show - she really manages to layer what could be a terribly one-dimensional character.
You are definitely more forgiving than I am of the messages. The always-present material worship of the show was in overdrive, but in fairness was only really offensive during the first part of the film. I was surprised at the chronological expanse, and didn't think it was too long at all. When can we expect the sequel?!
I thought it stunk.
Sex and the City seems to have a polarizing effect on both men and women... people either love the movie or they hate it
Good point, Patrick. This is why I thought I'd post my little review. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it. The not hating it was a revelation!
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