Sex and the City: The Movie

Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, and language

Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and the girls have officially made the jump to the big screen. As with all TV shows turned movies, the smoothness of the transition seems a constant gamble. So how well did they pull it off? For an over two-hour runtime, they did so surprisingly well. In fact, admittedly not being a huge fan of the TV series, I found the depth of the movie to be impressive for a romantic comedy. From commitment and love to infidelity and fear, the film did an excellent job of exploring serious topics in a genuinely entertaining way.

That being said, virtually no one will be visiting the City for a life-lesson, so the question remains as to whether Sex and the City is a worthwhile and entertaining outing. The answer is an enthusiastic "yes!" Sarah Jessica Parker carries the film splendidly, helping give character to a genre often ridden with clichés. The other girls pull their weight as well, with Kim Cattrall (as Samantha Jones) often stealing the scene with her characteristically unsubtle sense of humor. Cynthia Nixon (as Miranda Hobbes) provides the most dramatic and serious elements of the film, giving a sensitive performance to a role that could have easily been overplayed. Rounding out the group is Kristin Davis (as Charlotte York). Kristin is the "sweet one" of the group, feisty and sensitive as necessary. She often provides for the more light-hearted comic relief as the film borders on heavy-handed at times, at least for a comedy.

The film, while not often truly hilarious, is pleasantly funny throughout. However, one scene involving a Mexican getaway an Charllotte left nearly everyone in my theater in stitches. Let's just say that no one will feel quite as comfortable drinking water in a foreign country. Newcomer Jennifer Hudson also gives a solidly humorous performance as Carrie's personal assistant. Her down-home sense of humor gives a new dimension to the somewhat stuffy nature of the series.

And as far as the plot is concerned, Sex and the City delivers as a romantic comedy, key phrase being "romantic comedy." I've heard complaints about the scripting from series fans, but to those relatively unfamiliar with the show, the script will seem quite superior for the genre. While not groundbreaking, the film is also well-directed, with a distinct sense of self and confidence.

If you're looking for a popcorn flick to see with a group of friends, Sex and the City is an excellent choice amidst the string of yawn-inducing films of this genre that litter the theaters.

*** out of ****