A Wreck in the City

I viewed the film, Sex and the City 2 by Michael Patrick King for my movies in the real world assignment. I have enjoyed the television series and watching them with my family helped us by more open about sex and talking about sex when I was younger. I appreciated the television series because it was unlike other female protagonist shows even though some of the mindless topics and conversations made me cringe. I saw the first Sex and the City film on its opening weekend in theaters and enjoyed it. However, I had heard such terrible things about the sequel that I went into the theater with very low expectations. In viewing the trailer, it seemed to push the limit as to how much money could be squeezed out of Sex and the City fans as the films content was obviously nonsensical. I went to the theater in my area, Shattuck Cinemas, a landmark cinema on one of the main drags in Berkeley. My ticket cost eight dollars since I went to the matinee screening, which still felt like a pricey cost based on my expectations for the film. The film was premiering on two screens and the theater was very comfortable in that there were spacious and comfortable couches for us to lounge in while we watched. The experience and ambiance was enjoyable and the audience mainly consisted of groups of giggly female friends. The film felt somewhat like the television series at first in that it took place in New York City except everyone, especially Carrie seemed to be extremely wealthy and have a lot of time on their hands. I guess the show departed from reality to an extent as well but the film felt all the more cheesy. After each of the four main characters divulged their individual over dramatized problems they escaped to Abu Dabi, even though they actually filmed in Morocco. The film had already had an extreme downfall at the wedding of two gay men that were best friends with Carrie and Charlotte, the wedding was O.K. except for Liza Minnelli's performance which left me with my teeth clenched in awkwardness. Once the gang was in Abu Dabi it became so farfetched. I thought I should just enjoy it as eye candy in scenery and fashion which is what most viewers probably got out of the film. But the remarks on Abu Dabi culture and male and female relations was so ignorant, obtrusive, and illogical that it was difficult to pay attention to the importance placed on the characters insignificant problems, such as Charlotte unable to get cell phone service in the desert because a pair of breasts is making her so insecure. The movie overall was pretty terrible but the acting wasn't half bad and I just hope they don't get the go ahead for another film because that really says something about our culture and audience in terms of the art of cinema. The audience's reaction to the jokes and climax in the film fell flat as did my own. The jokes were very calculated and the characters laughed at each other in a very inorganic manner. When the credits role after the anti climactic ending everyone seemed to have the same feeling as they fast pacedly rose from their seats and rushed out of the theater, to escape the horidness they had gotten their hopes up for. I was expecting the film to be bad and it was, but their were times that I enjoyed just simply seeing the characters all back together again and the scenery of the good old New York City streets, mainly becuase I was a fan of the television series. It seems audiences and my self are trying to hold on to what they enjoyed in the show in coming to the film, but the writing and plot did not deliver.