Sex and the City 2 (2010)

Directed by: Michael Patrick King | 146 minutes | comedy | Actors: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Chris Noth, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler, Jason Lewis, Mario Cantone, Willie Garson, Miley Cyrus, Penélope Cruz, Max Ryan, Alice Eve, Neal Bledsoe

The original series of “Sex and the City” ran for six seasons, but that was more than enough to completely captivate women worldwide. At the last broadcast in 2004, the high-heeled and short-skirt adventures seemed to be over, but in 2008 that changed to the delight of the fans. The success of the first film was unparalleled and it became clear that a lot of women still adore the four girlfriends in New York. The series became popular because it gave a new picture of single women over thirty in the big city. No pathetic types without a relationship, but self-confident and independent women. Certainly in the beginning this was taboo-breaking and recognizable: women work, have sex and enough money for a few Manolos. For younger women, the series also offered a new perspective on life as an adult woman, setting the standard. Certainly in the field of television: no weak housewives humour, but crude jokes, strong one-liners and lots of sex and fashion.

Two years have passed since the last film: Charlotte has her family, Samantha her freedom, Miranda her career, and Carrie has finally married her Mr. Pig. And what happens next, or as the film’s apt tagline: What happens after you say I do?

The friends get the chance to go on a luxury vacation to Abu Dhabi. A place full of mystery and enough exotic surprises for hilarious adventures. Of course, this film also had to have a wedding. This time a hysterical gay wedding complete with swans and Liza Minnelli. The film shows that the characters have grown from single ladies to grown women with ditto responsibilities. Traditions play a major role, especially the way in which the four friends try to give it their own twist.

But what happens after the yes? Not so much, but of course it’s never quite right for a little woman, so there’s always plenty to make another movie about. It’s a shame that just like in the series, Carrie’s role in the second film has grown disproportionately compared to the other ladies. In the first film, the roles were surprisingly well divided, which made the film varied and representative of the series. It is again mainly the jokes and worries of the others that amuse and also charm. But it is Carrie who gets a lot of attention, while her comedic talent does not always convince. A reference to her latest film ‘Did You Hear About the Morgans?’ says enough. The strength of the series lay with the four women and the possibility for the viewer to identify with one of the girls. It’s a shame that the emphasis has come to be so much on Carry, especially because she isn’t always sympathetic. A striking parody in South Park was therefore inevitable.

The success of ‘Sex and the City’ is still unheard of, women absolutely love it. The tête à tête between Samantha and youth idol Miley Cyrus in the same dress proves that the younger generations of women still feel addressed. It is an action movie, intended for women. Michael Patrick King is the Michael Bay of romantic comedy. It doesn’t matter how thin the story is, as long as the action is good. As long as the dresses are lavish, the heels high and the men’s swimming trunks small; is it good. No explosions for us women, but cocktails and couture on a camel. Of course it is a mediocre film, but it is what it should be: ‘Sex and the City’. This is just another stretched episode of the series, but to the umpteenth power. As far as the undersigned is concerned, they can continue with this for years to come.