Writer: Jacqueline Rowena

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects: NA
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: "27 Dresses" and "Material Girls".

The eagerly awaited 'Sex And The City' is finally here! After missing out on its US May 24 release, the movie finally meets Malaysian fans against all censorship odds. Oh and yes, expect to be confused when certain scenes are cut.

The favourite four New York IT girls are gracing the big screen, following the successful HBO series. Chronicling the girls' constant struggles in dealing with their personal relationships, the movie pleasantly reaches out to the audience, especially fans who have a mature collection of romantic mishaps. If you haven't met the girls, they are Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Samantha (Kim Cattrall), all four beaming with their own persona but sharing one thing in common - the importance of love in their lives.

Personally, I think the movie does not work as well as the series. In the latter, there is the psychology of eagerly waiting for next week's episode. In the former, it is a larger one-time package, so when scenes are cut, it becomes more disappointing at one go because the sexual element is important to the film. Without that, the movie is rather slow.

On another note, this movie is much more mature than the series. Miranda and Charlotte for example, are now both married and faced with real domestic challenges, as compared to the early days of the series when life was single and carefree. Speaking of being carefree, the movie was very much a fashion show for me, as if I'm browsing through an online clothes catalogue. It even made me consider stopping by Zara and MNG immediately after watching it! The girls paraded their exquisite wardrobe from head to toe. It was a sight to behold!

Better yet, what makes me glad but sad at the same time is the fact that the girls are so honest with each other, sharing secrets regardless of consequences. I was superbly amazed by the shelter, love and care that these four best friends provide for each other, it almost makes me want their friendship!

All in all, "Sex and the City" is bittersweet because it has everything a girl hopes to observe and learn in love and life - but it's probably not as full-heartedly fulfilling for fans.

Cinema Online, 23 September 2008