Adapting a beloved television series to film four years after the show went off the air is likely no easy feat. In addition to creating refreshing story lines, the filmmakers have to ensure that fans will still flock to see their favorite television show adapted to the silver screen.
Luckily for Sex and the City, the latter was not a problem (a $55 million opening weekend box office never is) but the plot…Eh. Written by Michael Patrick King, the script picks up four years after the series ended. The story comes off as predictable and lackluster, not to mention devoid of any real humor.
Spoiler-Free Sum-Up
Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) is still the quirky sex columnist and still with suave Mr. Big (Chris Noth). Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) continues to fill her role as the traditionalist in the group, after converting to Judaism and adopting a daughter from China, her life is smooth sailing for most of the film. Practical Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) is perhaps the most realistic and relatable character, as she juggles her lawyer career and family. The group’s oldest and most scandalous member, Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) has moved to Los Angeles to be an apt girlfriend and agent to the much younger Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis).
Not intentionally giving away plot points, here’s a watered down, generalized sum up: Carrie and Big toy with the idea of marriage with some bumps on the way, Charlotte endures some digestive problems, Miranda deals with trouble in her marriage, and Samantha has to control her hormones and learn to not jump on her hot LA neighbor.
Where's The Funny?
The trademark men-and-sex humor of the show was lost in translation, nowhere to be found in the bigscreen adaptation. The few laughs in the film seemed forced and ill conceived. And with a 148 minute run time, the movie ran more like a dragged out TV marathon than some cinematic epic. The lack of humor was perhaps the biggest disappointment and truly deflated the film of the spunky female-driven humor that made the television series a smash hit.
The four lead women put up their best efforts in terms of acting. Cynthia Nixon was the only one who truly shone as she brought a thorough conviction to her role. Nonetheless, Parker, Davis and Cattrall have also come to own each of their own respective characters, what other actresses could play Carrie, Charlotte and Samantha?
Manolos Are A Girl's Best Friend
Sex and the City did not disappoint thread-wise, however. The array of colorful, label-filled fashions and footwear were the envy of many a-women. Famed costume designer Patricia Field upped the ante with all of the girlfriends’ signature clothes.
Diehards are likely to leave the theater happy with the outcome of the film, whilst casual watchers of the TV show may leave asking how two and a half hours crept by so slowly and how badly four women can age in four years.
