Carrie Bradshaw Preston (Sarah Jessica Parker) stars in another adventure that takes the girls out of their beloved New York City and jets them to the sands of the Arabian desert, where customs, mores and credos mystify their Big Apple senses and magnify their ignorance of cultural protocols. But as Carrie says, "Sometimes you have to get away with the girls!"
SATC has always had a prime purpose of stepping on social conventionality with an overpriced 5" designer heel. The dreams and fantasies of these four are not your normal, everyday working woman's or housewife's thoughts. The problems the mostly now married female quartet encounter can be commonplace, but are generally out of the ordinary for most women and their particular sense of solution is always a fascination to observe. Watching SATC is like slipping into a comfortable pair of snugly PJ's, sipping hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream -- all in heightened anticipation of experiencing the zany adventures these four constantly undertake. There's always consequences and lessons to be learned, but the show is certain to put a smile on your face and offer a new perspective to life. But, because these four are not your usual mid-American gals, you'd better watch with an open mind and be prepared to cover your ears if you're sensitive to expletives!
Sex and the City 2 perpetuates the same "bad girl" tradition as the movie and television series. Carrie, the writer, opens up her heart and mind as she travels through life's entangled and twisting curves. SATC 2 sees the girls traveling to the Middle East with their wardrobes, attitudes, and expectations to land in a realm of opulence beyond their wildest dreams ... but with two very strong commandments: no public displays of affection and no inappropriate attire! Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Kristin Davis) and Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) respectively abiding by the social customs and the law have no problem, but Samantha (who knows no sexual or cultural boundaries) and Carrie, (who believes that fashion is anything you have a desire to wrap around your body or head) seem to have a little bit of trouble with the system.
Sex and the City 2 is all about breaking tradition. The two prominent and delightful gay characters of SATC, Stanford Blatch (Willie Garson) and Anthony Marantino (Marlo Cantone) are tying the knot in an elaborate Cape Cod wedding with swans, an all-male choir - and with Carrie as the best man and Liza Minnelli officiating and performing. What a kick-off! Girls, there's lots of fashion to watch and the man-candy is XXX-rated. The contemporary twist in this marriage is that Stanford was able to spend as much money as he wanted on the ceremony in exchange for Anthony's ability to "cheat" on his spouse in the 45 states where gays are not legally married. A marriage made in Heaven? Perhaps not, but do married couples have the right to make their own rules or do they have to abide by tradition's regimented grip?
The girls have naturally aged somewhat and are wrestling with their own personal problems and this oasis-in-the-sun retreat is a timely answer to their frustrations. Samantha is fighting menopause woes with Suzanne Somer's book on vitamin therapy. It seems she has rediscovered her youthful vitality and sexuality, but unfortunately, all of Sam's life-rejuvenating vitamins are confiscated at customs. With them she remains calm and composed, but without them she becomes a raving hormonal lunatic ripping off her clothes in public to appease hot flashes, and, in practically every way, insulting the customs of the people and the country!
Carrie, on the other hand, is afraid her two-year-old marriage is losing its "sparkle" because Mr. Big (Chris Noth) is exhibiting signs of complacency and wants stay-at-home movies and take-out. The lush enchantment of the Middle East will find her acting impulsively by kissing ex-beau Aidan (John Corbett) and consequently struggling with thoughts of marital guilt and betrayal. Charlotte is maxed out in diapers and the perpetual screaming of her toddler and just needs a break away from motherhood. Her home escape is to hide in the pantry and cry. She does have a nanny to take away some of the stress, but she wonders if hubby Harry (Evan Handler) is enjoying this bra-less employee far too much for marital security. A magazine article on promiscuous cheating nannies keeps Charlotte worrying about her marriage the entire trip, even to the point where she falls off a camel trying to place an international call home to check on her husband. Miranda's maternal obligations are curtailed by an iron-fisted male chauvinistic boss who's intimidated by strong women with a sense of worth and forthright ability. When overlooked at a meeting and vocally suppressed, she makes a life-changing decision to quit her job. However, she is the "rock" of the SATC girls with her legalese, common sense and research on Middle Eastern culture to keep the girls in line.
When ex-lover and movie star Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis) calls Samantha and invites her to share the Red Carpet at his latest movie premiere, she accepts with gusto. Afterwards she is introduced to the film's producer, Sheikh Khalid (Art Malik), who Smith convinces that Samantha is the sole reason for his promoted film success. The Sheikh tells the publicist of his new hotel in the progressive global city of Abu Dhabi that is the epitome of culture, commerce and style and the new future of the Middle East. Samantha and her lady friends are invited for a week's vacation at the hotel and to perhaps discuss business about promoting it as an international star among hotels.
It seems the girls are cast into the hub of tradition in the Middle East where womens' customs and behaviors are extremely protected and any show of public affection is prohibited and unlawful. Miranda warns that "women are required to dress in a way that does not attract sexual attention." Care to venture how long it takes this sexy quartet to get into the hot muhamarrah? Not long at all, and Samantha is the leader of the pack. Illegal black-market shopping, nightclubbing and karaoke, belly-dancing, exotic foods, spices and sands find the girls lumbering through the desert on camels, lounging poolside while servants attend to their every need, partaking a little too much of exotic cocktails, and, of course, attracting the discerning and engaging eye of many an Abu Dhabi admirer and curiosity seeker.
The Special Features include "Revisiting the 80s" and "Sex and the City 2 Soundtrack: Behind the Scenes with Alicia Keys." I was a little disappointed by the lack of features. "Revisiting the 80s" is a special showing the "then and now's" of the four New York ladies featuring writer/director/producer Michael Patrick King commenting on where these girls came from, how they met, and how they evolved. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon and costume designer Patricia Field comment on styles and nightlife of the 80's.
"Sex and the City 2 Soundtrack: Behind the Scenes with Alicia Keys" is a short commentary on the musical interpretation of the movie. Alicia Keys and Salaam Remi discuss integrating the culture of New York and the two styles of song they thought best represented Sex and the City 2, Blondie's "Rapture" and "Empire." The original motion picture soundtrack features music from Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Leona Lewis, Cee Lo, Dido and Liza Minnelli.
Personally, I would have loved seeing deleted scenes and just basically more of the making of the film. I thought Miley Cyrus' walk-on was a plus, but I was hoping to see Suzanne Somers promoting her own book in the film.
Sex and the City 2 takes you on a tour of forbidden experiences, mystique, chance meetings and judgmental convictions in a world of ecstasy and riches in all its natural beauty and artistry. However, it is quite racy and sexually graphic with vocabulary to match, and is rated "R" for strong sexual content and language. So adults only please! I love following Carrie Bradshaw-Preston on her emotional and physical rollercoaster rides and the rest of the clan are just as amusing and interesting. I recommend any fan of the Bradshaw group to partake of this zany movie; you won't be disappointed.
