To start with, here is a list of people who I think probably won't like the film:
- Men
- Gay men
- Intellectuals
- Old people
- Anyone who doesn't like Beyonce or Liza Minnelli
I was talking to a gay friend yesterday who gave the film 1/10 and I started to think about why. His reasons included that the film was too long, Samantha was a parody of herself, it was racially insensitive and that the only good part was Liza Minnelli.
Without being offensive, I think this movie doesn't appeal to gay men in the same way the tv show used to. The films have had to move on from single life for all four gals as their audience moves on to another stage in their lives as well. The movie had so much more to offer by way of its message (as opposed to the first movie which had huge emotional climaxes).
This film doesn't nearly climax as much as the first one, but it does give us some insight into the characters, their experiences with the changes in their lives and how they're coping with babies, marriage, careers, men and the like (almost like real people - minus a few of the designer items, fabulous luxury holidays and huge custom built walk in wardrobes).
Without ruining the story for those that haven't seen it yet, here are some of the things I took away from the movie:
- Marriage and relationships are hard work
- Kids are hard work
- Jobs and bosses are hard work
- It's ok to be insecure sometimes and admitting that you find life hard isn't the worst thing in the world
- Friends are there to help you get through life with a smile (or a cocktail!)
- Life is what you make it, no matter whether the world agrees with your choices as to how you live it
I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciated the underlying sentiments in the film which made the crassness and sillyness of the film a little more worthwhile. As for racial stereotyping criticisms, people naturally look to the differences between culture when they go to another country. I don't think it is insensitive for them to make a joke about it and not take themselves too seriously - it's a hollywood film for goodness sake! It wasn't a documentary!
If you expect a light, fun, girly movie that might include a cocktail or two with your girls then that is exactly how it will play out.
Grab your girls and check it out - you'll get a laugh if nothing else. I'm so ready for the backlash from those of you who didn't like it. Bring it.
