A fun movie for women and gays

MANILA, Philippines - While I was in Hong Kong over the weekend, I got to read an extremely scathing review of Sex And The City 2. I was not surprised. The newspaper columnist who authored the review was male.

Let us face it. Sex and the City, whether the series or the first movie or this sequel, should not be taken seriously, as it is a fun movie meant to be enjoyed by women (and gays) all over the world who love beautiful clothes, expensive shoes, sparkling accessories and all that bling. It is actually a fantasy movie in the sense that lady viewers picture themselves living the fabulous lives led by the four lead characters in the Big Apple, also referred to as the fifth character in the series. It is a movie we watch not with our husbands but with our daughters. It is a program we enjoy not with our boyfriends but with our loyal girl (and gay) friends. For us ardent fans, SATC 2, with all its opulence, truly delivered.

The movie starts two years after SATC 1 ends and initially deals with struggles women aged 40 and above have to deal with. Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), married for two years to Mr. Big (Chris Noth), is confronted with looming monotony in her marriage. She abhors the idea that her husband would rather watch TV and eat in (with take-outs) than take her out to dinner (as she can’t cook). Charlotte (Kristin Davis) tries her best to show that she is one happy mother when in fact she can’t stand the whining of her children and is getting very insecure with her braless nanny. Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), as the hardworking lawyer eternally shut off by her boss who hates her guts, contemplates whether or not she should look for another job. And the scene-stealing, incredibly funny Samantha (Kim Cattrall – said to be not really in good terms with the three actresses in real life) is bent on beating the ravages of time by taking 40 plus vitamins and creams to maintain her sexual appetite. All of the women need time for themselves and with each other to escape and resolve problems plaguing their personal lives. Their “escape” neatly falls on their lap with a grand, all-expenses-paid luxury vacation to Abu Dhabi offered by an Arab sheik.

Sets and sceneries of SATC 2 work magic to the eyes of women hungry for beauty. As early as the start of the movie, where a grand wedding of two gays is enacted, up to the very end, the audience is lavished with beautiful people and wardrobe (which cost $10-M), wonderful music (including a spot number from Ms. Liza Minnelli and the four girls themselves in an enjoyable rendition of Helen Reddy’s apt anthem, I Am Woman), breathtaking sets (in a magnificent hotel location shot in Morocco) and colorful, exotic cinematography (an inviting red desert, a busy yet quaint marketplace, and a lovely beachside perfect for private communion with oneself). Aside from Minnelli, there are other stars who do cameo roles, including Miley Cyrus (who was added to show how Samantha looked awkward in teenage attire) and Penelope Cruz. I love the idea of the girls being able to be open up to each other about their inner turmoil and the four of them all trying to help resolve those conflicts. A scene that almost made me cry is when Miranda is able to bring out in Charlotte her frustrations as a mother and her guilt in having such frustrations.

Although men would cringe at the idea of these women spending so much money for fashion, girls absolutely have fun watching each costume change, comparing who had better attire than the rest (my vote, of course, goes to Parker who, incidentally, co-produces the show.) The male species would also not feel good about Carrie deciding to have dinner with an old flame that ends in a kiss, and being gifted a beautiful ring by Mr. Big in return (we love you Mr. Big!). And, although the movie may strike one as too condescending on the strictly conservative Arab culture vis-à-vis Samantha’s loose ways, it moves on to show that everywhere in the world, there are women who want to have their own voice, be what they want to be, and have friends who will understand.

As for someone who is 40 and above, and married with children, my personal advice to the Fab Four: 1. For Carrie: Accept that your husband will sometimes (or rather, always, hahaha) prefer TV to a night-out with you; 2. For Charlotte: Be ready for more problems in raising your kids which will all be completely for naught when they hold, hug you and tell you how much they love you; 3. For Miranda: Find a stress-free workplace and have more time with your loved ones (which she actually did — yes!!!); and, 4. For Samantha: Accept that you are above 40 and will have wrinkles here and there but with exercise, the right diet, passion in everything you do, and a positive attitude, you will always feel good and beautiful and appreciated. (P.S. Don’t ever forget to hang on to and cherish that circle of steadfast girl (and gay) friends, too, to give you these important reminders, keep you grounded and yet be there with you and for you in your fantasies.)

(E-mail author at [email protected] or text 0927-50008. Help build houses for the poor through the Gawad Kalinga by calling 718-1738 to 41 or text 09175239777.)