10 Reasons Why This Guy is Going to See "Sex and the City 2"

Two years ago, I sat in the critic's row for an advance screening of "Sex and the City," the movie based on the acclaimed HBO television series. Surrounded by women sipping Manhattans from glow-in-the-dark martini glasses, I enjoyed the adventures of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte quite a bit, even though the storyline didn't quite match the failing economy.

In less than two weeks, "Sex and the City 2" arrives in theaters, and here are 10 reasons why I am going back to the theater to see what the girls (and all the shoes) have been up to:

Is the honeymoon over for Carrie and Mr. Big?

Chris Noth's character, John James "Mr. Big" Preston, took 7 years to declare his love for Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw. Their trip to the altar in the first "Sex and the City" movie also was painfully time-consuming, but they finally tied the knot before the final credits rolled. Two years later, I'm curious to see if Bradshaw and Big have settled into marital bliss or complacency.

Is this "Sex and the City 2" or "Sex and the Desert"?

The trailers and press materials are somewhat vague about the plotline of "Sex and the City 2." Based on the previews, Carrie and her friends do travel to Abu Dhabi, but I haven't found a reason for this plot twist. I guess Carrie will have to get used to sand in her designer shoes.

More Cynthia Nixon!

Since her appearance as a nerd goddess in "The Manhattan Project" in 1986, I have nursed an ongoing crush for Cynthia Nixon. A woman who makes a business suit look sexy, Nixon's "Sex and the City" character Miranda is smart, sassy and downright hot. Nixon also had some steamy, onscreen love scenes in the first movie, and I'm hoping she lights up the screen again.

The Steve Brady/Miranda Hobbes relationship

As a guy, I tend to sympathize with Steve Brady (David Eigenberg), Miranda's longtime boyfriend who later becomes her husband. A nice guy and devoted spouse, Steve has a turbulent relationship with Miranda, but he's usually strong enough to handle the ups and downs of life with a driven career woman.

After Steve makes a serious mistake in the first movie, however, his relationship with Miranda almost ends, but the two finally reconcile by the end of "Sex and the City." I wonder, though, if Miranda and Steve can continue to navigate those emotionally choppy waters.

Can "Sex and the City 2" deal realistically with the economy?

When the first "Sex and the City" movie arrived in theaters in 2008, the U.S. economy was starting to melt down, giving the film a bit of a fairy tale feel. In 2010, will moviegoers still care about the perfect pair of Jimmy Choo shoes or believe that Mr. Big can spend millions on an awesome Manhattan loft without blinking?

Carrie Bradshaw: Cheater?

During the original run of "Sex and the City," Carrie Bradshaw had several relationships besides the on again/off again one with John James Preston. Arguably, if anyone could have stolen Carrie from Mr. Big, it would have been Aiden Shaw, played by the talented John Corbett. Aiden was willing to commit to Carrie, but she always carried a "Big" torch for John.

After publicly denying his involvement with "Sex and the City 2," Corbett finally came clean on "The Ellen Degeneres Show" in March. Aiden does return and the trailers show Carrie talking with him while she's overseas in Abu Dhabi. Rumors are circulating, though, that Carrie breaks at least a few of her marriage vows in the second movie with Mr. Shaw.

Samantha Jones: A Nifty 50?

The four female leads in "Sex and the City" represent drastically different types of women. Samantha Jones, wickedly played by Kim Cattrall, is a self-absorbed narcissist whose greatest love affair has always been with herself. At age 50, isn't it about time she finds someone she can love even more than herself?

Charlotte York Needs to Cut Loose

Though she is friends with party girl Samantha Jones, Charlotte York is still the 21^st-century version of June Cleaver. Played by the adorable Kristen Davis, Charlotte is the most proper of the four female leads as well as a super mommy in training. Charlotte has great kids and a loving hubby, but it would be nice to see her cut loose finally in "Sex and the City 2." There's a party girl in there just dying to come out.

Cameos by Liza Minnelli and Miley Cyrus

Jennifer Hudson did a nice job as Carrie's new assistant in "Sex and the City," and the musical guest appearances continue in the sequel. The legendary Liza Minnelli and red-hot Miley Cyrus are scheduled to appear in "Sex and the City 2," but hopefully for more than a musical number or two.

Will lightning strike twice for Michael Patrick King?

Michael Patrick King was the creative force behind the long-awaited "Sex and the City" movie, and his careful direction and writing made the film a hit. Can King hit back-to-back homers or will the sequel strike out?

Resources:

Access Hollywood, "Aiden to return in Sex and the City 2"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samantha_Jones_(Sex_and_the_City)