The Worst Movie Sequel of All Time: 'Sex and the City 2'

I've never been a fan of movie sequels, because for the most part they are either disappointing or simply awful. Unfortunately since the late '70s and early '80s is when sequels began their long descent into movie theaters. They have never left the building since. In earlier times there were ongoing series of films with the same actors and similar plots, but those were intended that way at the start of production.

Why Movie Sequels at All?

Today's movie sequels are more or less riding on the coattails of a successful film, then trying to squeeze as much money from its ongoing successes. There are numerous worst movie sequels I could list, but one in particular sticks out in my mind. It is unfortunate the film's sequel has all but damaged its incredible legacy. "Sex and the City", once upon a time, was a highly-successful HBO television series. When the show ended a feature film was made. It was a treat for fans to see everyone back together, even for one last time.

However, the movie became a box office hit. That meant a sequel needed to be done to cash in on its gravy train. The plan for a successful sequel backfired. It was decimated by critics, fans of the series and moviegoers. When I saw the movie trailer for "Sex and the City 2" on TV I knew this was going to be a bomb at the box office. The clips showed them in unrealistic settings. It is time to retire the "Sex and the City" franchise for good.

SATC2 Received 7 Razzie Nominations and 3 Golden Raspberry Awards

If this doesn't spell out the worst in films I don't know what does. Every year on the eve of the Oscar nominations and the Academy Awards ceremonies is the parodic ceremony honoring the worst in films for the year. "Sex and the City 2" was up for this dis-honor and it won big in 2011. All four of the main actresses: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon each won for Worst Actress. The entire cast each won for Worst Screen Ensemble. Finally, it took home the biggest dis-honor of Worst Sequel. It was also nominated for Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay, Worst Director and Worst Supporting Actress for Liza Minnelli.

What Happened to the Premise from the HBO Series and First Film?

That is a very good question. It was completely unrecognizable from its overall storyline centered on Carrie and her three best friends in the series and first feature film. New York City was always the backdrop to their careers, relationships, and interests. When you took them out of the city they became completely different, but extremely uncharacteristic. When they have a chance to go to the Middle East they treat it as if they are going to South Beach in Miami (which is where they should have gone).

These are supposedly highly intelligent, cultured and mature career women. Instead they treat Abu Dhabi as a spring break destination, especially the character of Samantha. The four gal pals have no regard for the Middle Eastern customs, especially for Muslim women. The screenwriters attempt at comedy was appalling. Here were some gems from the dialogue: "Lawrence of my labia", "Abu Dhabi doo" and references to camel toe and I don't mean the desert animal. To make matters worse the movie is way too long at nearly two hours and thirty minutes.

It's a shame a good thing got ruined, but that is the price you pay when you make a sequel for no other reason then to ride on its coattails like with "Sex and the City 2." When is Hollywood ever going to learn?

SOURCES:

Chris Nashawaty, "The 25 Worst Sequels Ever Made", EW.com

"Sequels, Remakes and 3-D Rip-Offs Dominate 2010 Razzie Award "Winners"", Razzies.com

Sex and the City 2 (2010), Yahoo! Movies

Sex and the City 2 (2010), Rotten Tomatoes