Summer Review #2 -- Sex and the City

One of the most highly anticipated small-to-big screen adaptations in recent years, the Sex and the City film is not only a perfect addition to the series, it also stands on its own as a witty and charming romance. There is passion and fashion, girl talk and intrigue... in short, every ingredient you need for the perfect cinematic summer cocktail.

As the series fans know, the show followed four New York friends -- romantic optimist Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), sex-crazed Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), traditionalist Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) and sarcastic and big-hearted Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) -- through their careers and love affairs. The film picks up four years after the show's finale, following the storylines that the last season opened the path for. While there is romantic bliss, there is also trouble on the horizon for a few characters and significant changes coming up in their lives. Throughout it all, a few new characters pop into the picture, and the girls' bond remains steadfast as ever...

Effervescent and bubbly are only two of the words one could use to describe the film's screenplay. With its focus being on the personal growth and the more mature exploits of the ladies, the sharp and funny writing manages to keep the light-yet-contemplative spirit of the series. I did not think some of the subplots, such as the one with Carrie's assistant (Jennifer Hudson) and the one with Samantha's new neighbor (Gilles Marini), were extremely necessary to the story; however, that is just a minor qualm, since these subplots were well thought out.

The acting is also excellent, highlighting the incredible chemistry the four leads share and building the effectiveness of the more emotional moments on this connection. Even though all the actresses are perfect for their roles, Nixon and Cattrall show again that they are the stronger performers. Nixon is capable of expressing all depths of emotion using just her eyes, while Cattrall should trademark the role of Samantha. Having said all that, Parker and Davis get some amazing moments to work with, and, well... they work them. The supporting cast is also excellent in exploring the different facets of their own characters and using these to the story's advantage.

This movie is a sweet and mostly light-hearted ode to friendship, womanhood and relationships. I would not be surprised if it also received a few Golden Globe nods next year, in the writing and acting categories. It is a great cinematic segue for the series and it is, above all, an entertaining film. Enjoy.

9/10