On Friday night, I was invited to a private screening of Sex and the City 2 at the Odeon cinema in Covent Garden by the people at Lactofree. The commercial that Lactofree have made was also airing for the first time at this particular screening which is designed to raise awareness of how lactose intolerance affects a huge number of people and how the lactose free products made by Lactofree can help to combat this, and allow sufferers to make a simple lifestyle change without feeling neglected of lactose or the essential nutrients contained within it.
So, as for the film itself? Well, the excitement and anticipation was evident as we all settled in our seats, cocktail and popcorn in hand, wondering what was in store. Ok, to be blunt, Sex and the City 2 doesn’t have a gripping storyline and I was a little disappointed that the majority of the film was set in Abu Dhabi when it is that essence of the girls living in New York that makes the series and the first movie so easy to become submersed in and as viewers and fans; what we are familiar with. Also, the fact that Carrie is now married is just something that is difficult to get used to and though I hate to say this, it just seems like they are all a little too old now to be doing this.
However, Sex and the City was probably never intended to boast gripping and thought provoking plots and let’s face it, it is the fashion, the shoes, the boyfriends, the cocktail bars and Samantha’s hilarious sexual antics that provide our escapism when watching. Indeed, there are some beautiful outfits although again, there are only so many head scarves and maxi dresses you can take before you’re willing Carrie to return to her ballerina skirts and sky high Louboutins that define her sassy character and New York lifestyle. Some people have said that they found some of the elements within the film disrespectful to Arabic culture and also that Samantha’s constant referral to the menopause was a little offensive – to be honest, I didn’t think too much about it and I think in contrast, there were some lovely and somewhat poignant moments such as where Charlotte and Miranda admit to one another that they find motherhood a struggle. Miranda’s less-uptight character is fabulous in this movie and of course, Samantha’s one-liners are typically hilarious proving that after all of these years, her character hasn’t really changed at all - on the inside.
It does frustrate me a little that the film critics go to the utmost effort to claim that the film is awful, ghastly, appalling blah blah blah. No, it isn’t as good as the first one and yes, it does move away from the Sex and the City that we all know and love and no, there are no Oscar worthy performances. I don’t think it would be a great idea if they made a third film – I’m not entirely sure where they could go with it from here. But if they did, would I go and watch it? Hell yes, of course!
Many thanks to Nadine and to the rest of the Lactofree team for the lovely evening and gorgeous goody-bag (including the divine smelling SJP NY perfume!)
