May 25, 2010
Burkas and Birkins
I Watched 146 Minutes of Sex and the City 2 and All I Got Was This Religious Fundamentalism
Craig Blankenhorn
SEX AND THE CITY 2 YAP YAP YAP YAP YAP YAP YAP YAP AYP BOCK BOCK YAP YAP HEW HAW ZZZZZZZZZ.
Tools
We've been thinking it for two long years. All of us. Gnawing our cheeks at night, clutching at sweaty sheets, our faces hollow and gray, our once-bright eyes dimmed by the pain of too many questions. Sometimes we cry out, en masse, to a faceless god and a cold, indifferent universe that holds its secrets close. What... rasps the death rattle of our collective sanity. What is the lubrication level of Samantha Jones's 52-year-old vagina? Has the change of life dulled its sparkle? Do its aged and withered depths finally chafe from the endless pounding, pounding, pounding—cruel phallic penance demanded by the emotionally barren sexual compulsive from which it hangs? If I do not receive an update on the deep, gray caverns of Jones, I shall surely die!
Please don't die. The answer is... fine. Samantha's vagina is doing fine. She rubs yams on it, okay? She takes 48 vagina vitamins a day. It accepts unlimited male penises with the greatest of ease. Now let us never speak of it again.
Stranger Personals
Sex and the City 2 makes Phyllis Schlafly look like Andrea Dworkin. Or that super-masculine version of Cynthia Nixon that Cynthia Nixon dates. Or, like, Ralph Nader (wait, bad example—Schlafly totally does look like Ralph Nader in a granny wig). SATC2 takes everything that I hold dear as a woman and as a human—working hard, contributing to society, not being an entitled cunt like it's my job—and rapes it to death with a stiletto that costs more than my car. It is 146 minutes long, which means that I entered the theater in the bloom of youth and emerged with a family of field mice living in my long, white mustache. This is an entirely inappropriate length for what is essentially a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls. But I digress. Let us start with the "plot."
Carrie Bradshaw: At the end of the first SATC movie (2008)—after eleventy decades of chasing his emotionally abusive jowls through the streets of Manhattan—Carrie finally marries Mr. Big, the man of her shallow, self-obsessed dreams. It has now been two years since their nuptials. Carrie already hates it. She hates that he sits on the couch. She hates that he eats noodles out of a take-out box. She hates that he wants to spend quality time with her in their incredibly expensive and gaudy apartment. She hates that he bought her an enormous television. When Big suggests that they spend a couple of days a week in separate apartments (they own TWO apartments, because life is hard!), Carrie screeches, "Is this because I'm a bitch wife who nags you?" Congratulations. You have answered your own question.
Miranda Redhairlawyerface: Miranda is a lawyer who has red hair. She also has a child. As a working woman, Miranda is forced to miss every single one of her child's incessant science fairs (as though children know anything of science!). Also, her lawyer boss is a cartoon dick. Miranda quits her job, and everyone is much happier. This is because women should not work. It is terrible for the children.
Charlotte Goldsteinjewyjewsomethingsomethingblatt: Life for Charlotte is unbelievably difficult. As a wealthy stay-at-home mom with two children and a live-in, full-time nanny, she sometimes has to bake cupcakes! Also, one time her little child got finger paint on a piece of vintage cloth. Therefore, Charlotte cannot stop crying. "How do the women without help do it?" Charlotte (crying) asks Miranda. "I have no fucking idea," Miranda replies. Then they toast their disgusting glasses of pink syrup. To "them." To the "women without help." "If I wasn't rich, I'd definitely just kill myself right away with a knife!" says everyone in this movie without having to actually say it. Clink!
Samantha Jones: I told you we are never to speak of this.
In order to escape their various imaginary problems, our intrepid foursome traipses off to dark, exotic Abu Dhabi ("I've always been fascinated by the Middle East—desert moons, Scheherazade, magic carpets!"). When they arrive, Carrie, because she is a professional writer, announces, "Oh, Toto—I don't think we're in Kansas anymore!" Each woman is immediately assigned an extra from Disney's Aladdin to spoon-feed her warm cinnamon milk in their $22,000-per-night hotel suite. Things seem to be going great. But very quickly, the SATC brain trust notices that it's not all swarthy man-slaves and flying carpets in Abu Dhabi! In fact, Abu Dhabi is crawling with Muslim women—and not one of them is dressed like a super-liberated diamond-encrusted fucking clown!!! Oppression! OPPRESSION!!!
This will not stand. Samantha, being the prostitute sexual revolutionary that she is, rages against the machine by publicly grabbing the engorged penis of a man she dubs "Lawrence of My-Labia." When the locals complain (having repeatedly asked Samantha to cover her nipples and mons pubis in the way of local custom), Samantha removes most of her clothes in the middle of the spice bazaar, throws condoms in the faces of the angry and bewildered crowd, and screams, "I AM A WOMAN! I HAVE SEX!" Thus, traditional Middle Eastern sexual mores are upended and sexism is stoned to death in the town square.
At sexism's funeral (which takes place in a mysterious, incense-shrouded chamber of international sisterhood), the women of Abu Dhabi remove their black robes and veils to reveal—this is not a joke—the same hideous, disposable, criminally expensive shreds of cloth and feathers that hang from Carrie et al.'s emaciated goblin shoulders. Muslim women: Under those craaaaaaay-zy robes, they're just as vapid and obsessed with physical beauty and meaningless material concerns as us! Feminism! Fuck yeah!
If this is what modern womanhood means, then just fucking veil me and sew up all my holes. Good night. 
Find Lindy West every day on Slog, The Stranger's hot-fudge-covered blog.
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1
Doesn't this uber-materialistic chick flick seem jarringly tone-deaf, since it's like a Depression and stuff?
2
"a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls."
What a fantastic summary of this whole franchise.
What a fantastic summary of this whole franchise.
5
Oh, for the love of...Lindy, I love you. I honestly love you.
I rented the first SATC from the library, because I sure the freck wasn't going to pay to be demoralized. But, I did want to get angry!
The single most brilliant line in this review:
"It is 146 minutes long...This is an entirely inappropriate length for what is essentially a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls."
A stretched out and exagerated vision of
what it means to be a woman is an ultimately depressing affair. I couldn't give a fart-damn-hell about the troubles of the rich and dumb.
I rented the first SATC from the library, because I sure the freck wasn't going to pay to be demoralized. But, I did want to get angry!
The single most brilliant line in this review:
"It is 146 minutes long...This is an entirely inappropriate length for what is essentially a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls."
A stretched out and exagerated vision of
what it means to be a woman is an ultimately depressing affair. I couldn't give a fart-damn-hell about the troubles of the rich and dumb.
6
Gah! Vomit! I feel defiled just by reading this shit. Not the review, the review was good. But the movie sounds like an extreme realization of our culture's deepest psychoses.
It makes me sad to think that my childhood idol (well, that's overstating it, but) Matthew Broderick could be cought up in this, even if by association. Do want to play a game? Tic Tac Toe? Global Thermonuclear War? Nah... Well, maybe just one missle, please.
It makes me sad to think that my childhood idol (well, that's overstating it, but) Matthew Broderick could be cought up in this, even if by association. Do want to play a game? Tic Tac Toe? Global Thermonuclear War? Nah... Well, maybe just one missle, please.
8
This review is the best. thing. ever. I read it while I was on hold with the IRS and it truly made even a grueling task as that seem fun, thank you Lindy.
11
Lindy: I suspect I'm going to agree with you on this film since I felt similarly about the first one.
That said, were you a fan of the show at all? I was, actually. Although occasionally it felt like "a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls" it had so much good stuff too.
That said, were you a fan of the show at all? I was, actually. Although occasionally it felt like "a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls" it had so much good stuff too.
12
Yes! I'm so excited you gave this movie I haven't yet seen an awful review so I can now feel better about already hating it and glaring down my nose at all the silly fools unbothered by a couple hours of over-the-top escapist fantasy.
14
I must be missing the part of the gay gene that is supposed to make me love SATC crap. I tried to watch a couple of episodes and just could not stomach any of it.
Maybe this will hit the DVD discount bin by the end of next week?
Maybe this will hit the DVD discount bin by the end of next week?
18
I was going to quote a line or two of this in an email, but I couldn't pick one line. Or even two lines. The entire review is solid gold. No, make that diamond.
19
i've been trying to explain to my friends for years why i NEVER watch that goddamn show. but i could never explain it quite so well as you, lindy: "SATC2 takes everything that I hold dear as a woman and as a human—working hard, contributing to society, not being an entitled cunt like it's my job—and rapes it to death with a stiletto that costs more than my car."
20
Those beyatches are toasting me? Me, who "suffers" with comfortable shoes and changing my own kid's diapers? Oh, the horrors of my life, raising my kid, wearing slippers, and never visiting Abu-Dhabi.
I hope they get fatty livers.
I hope they get fatty livers.
24
@12 - are you Lindy's dad?
The whole series, while sometimes fun, did always have the cartoonish stereotype thing going on - women's characters written by men who apparently did not know any actual women, and simultaneously fetishized them and were terrified of them. But, see, I'm not from New York, don't know any wealthy New Yorkers, and the characters were like people from the planet Zircon to me, completely alien. Maybe there are people like that, people who actually want to buy and wear $600 shoes while living in cockroach-infested closets with a bathtub in the kitchen.
Some of the episodes were fun to watch, but it was very much like watching sci-fi. The women were all essentially heartless moneygrubbing harridans or blithering idiots, like all Noel Coward's female characters.
I do, however, cringe at the idea that a 52-year-old is past sex, or even through with menopause. But the whole Barbie dolls being played with by gay men idea is spot on.
The whole series, while sometimes fun, did always have the cartoonish stereotype thing going on - women's characters written by men who apparently did not know any actual women, and simultaneously fetishized them and were terrified of them. But, see, I'm not from New York, don't know any wealthy New Yorkers, and the characters were like people from the planet Zircon to me, completely alien. Maybe there are people like that, people who actually want to buy and wear $600 shoes while living in cockroach-infested closets with a bathtub in the kitchen.
Some of the episodes were fun to watch, but it was very much like watching sci-fi. The women were all essentially heartless moneygrubbing harridans or blithering idiots, like all Noel Coward's female characters.
I do, however, cringe at the idea that a 52-year-old is past sex, or even through with menopause. But the whole Barbie dolls being played with by gay men idea is spot on.
26
I love you to death, Lindy.
also-can we just remove the first comment? or move it down a couple notches? cause its stupid.
also-can we just remove the first comment? or move it down a couple notches? cause its stupid.
28
@11 Special Brew, I agree. I used to love the show... I liked how they let women actually have and enjoy sex, and how the characters talked about sex like real women. That was a real rarity back when the show was young and good. But now...ick. I think maybe I've outgrown it? Or maybe the over the top costuming and wealth has just made it too unpalatable and unrealistic. Really, Abu Dhabi? Come on. The show used to be about single girls talking about their sex lives in a coffee shop. But camel riding in stilettos? Really? Gross.
31
Until a review comes out that is scathing about the absurdity of Transformers or ANY of the Indiana Jones movies or when people decide to dimiss a film because the male star is in his 40s and still likes sex or when a reviewer will obsess over how 007 is shallow and obsessed with his material possessions I don't see how you can say this review is not sexist and demeaning. I am a man and many people call me a feminist, however I object to that word. The idea of feminism is simply believing in full equality between men and women. By this definition I like to think that everyone is a feminist but articles and reviews like this consistently prove me wrong.
36
@31: "Feminist" may be what people call you to your face, dude, but "wanker" is what they call you at all other times.
In other news, Lindy is hilarious.
In other news, Lindy is hilarious.
37
@ 24 / Geni - " the cartoonish stereotype thing going on - women's characters written by men who apparently did not know any actual women"
Sadly, SatC was originally written and therefore characterized by a woman, and the series was mostly written by women.
Sadly, SatC was originally written and therefore characterized by a woman, and the series was mostly written by women.
39
"Until a review comes out that is scathing about the absurdity of Transformers or ANY of the Indiana Jones movies or when people decide to dimiss a film because the male star is in his 40s and still likes sex or when a reviewer will obsess over how 007 is shallow and obsessed with his material possessions I don't see how you can say this review is not sexist and demeaning."
Start reading Filmdrunk, retard. We were calling that BS movie "Indiana Jones and His Kingdom of Werther's Originals" long before you thought up this ridiculous post, asshat.
Start reading Filmdrunk, retard. We were calling that BS movie "Indiana Jones and His Kingdom of Werther's Originals" long before you thought up this ridiculous post, asshat.
40
"Until a review comes out that is scathing about the absurdity of Transformers or ANY of the Indiana Jones movies or when people decide to dimiss a film because the male star is in his 40s and still likes sex or when a reviewer will obsess over how 007 is shallow and obsessed with his material possessions I don't see how you can say this review is not sexist and demeaning."
Start reading Filmdrunk, retard. We were calling that BS movie "Indiana Jones and His Kingdom of Werther's Originals" long before you thought up this ridiculous post, asshat.
Start reading Filmdrunk, retard. We were calling that BS movie "Indiana Jones and His Kingdom of Werther's Originals" long before you thought up this ridiculous post, asshat.
41
@31 that's because society judges men as individuals. women are judged not as individuals, but as representatives of all women, just as with any non-privileged group.
42
"Posted by Fozziebare13"
You're not a feminist, you're an Uncle-Tom sexist. Let's see if I can summarize your thoughts here:
You think that, because the author didn't take it upon herself to correct YOUR perceived inequities in dealing with sexist and culturally imperialist undertones in two movies which have nothing to do with and are not really comparable to Sex & The City, that makes her review sexist and demeaning.
You are wrong on several levels. First off, you either assume that the author is silently approving of Indiana Jones and Transformers because she hasn't brought them up or you assume that because the entire industry hasn't lived up to your standards, this author is playing into it.
Second, SATC doesn't compare to Indiana Jones or Transformers. If you want to compare it, use 'Entourage', which is a rip-off of SATC aimed at men. The ideas of blatant materialism, unchecked hedonism, and which roles men & women should be playing are the exact same. Both shows suck equally because of that, not because some sexist hack thinks that women can't think for themselves, but because it's insulting to characterize either gender as these vapid toys.
You easily find things about which to get offended and then call them sexist or demeaning when they disagree. It's May and I'd be willing to be that you've called a dozen people Nazis by this time of year, simply because they disagree with you.
All I can say is that I hope all the poon you're getting for pretending to be offended for women is worth your nutsack.
You're not a feminist, you're an Uncle-Tom sexist. Let's see if I can summarize your thoughts here:
You think that, because the author didn't take it upon herself to correct YOUR perceived inequities in dealing with sexist and culturally imperialist undertones in two movies which have nothing to do with and are not really comparable to Sex & The City, that makes her review sexist and demeaning.
You are wrong on several levels. First off, you either assume that the author is silently approving of Indiana Jones and Transformers because she hasn't brought them up or you assume that because the entire industry hasn't lived up to your standards, this author is playing into it.
Second, SATC doesn't compare to Indiana Jones or Transformers. If you want to compare it, use 'Entourage', which is a rip-off of SATC aimed at men. The ideas of blatant materialism, unchecked hedonism, and which roles men & women should be playing are the exact same. Both shows suck equally because of that, not because some sexist hack thinks that women can't think for themselves, but because it's insulting to characterize either gender as these vapid toys.
You easily find things about which to get offended and then call them sexist or demeaning when they disagree. It's May and I'd be willing to be that you've called a dozen people Nazis by this time of year, simply because they disagree with you.
All I can say is that I hope all the poon you're getting for pretending to be offended for women is worth your nutsack.
43
"Posted by Fozziebare13"
You're not a feminist, you're an Uncle-Tom sexist. Let's see if I can summarize your thoughts here:
You think that, because the author didn't take it upon herself to correct YOUR perceived inequities in dealing with sexist and culturally imperialist undertones in two movies which have nothing to do with and are not really comparable to Sex & The City, that makes her review sexist and demeaning.
You are wrong on several levels. First off, you either assume that the author is silently approving of Indiana Jones and Transformers because she hasn't brought them up or you assume that because the entire industry hasn't lived up to your standards, this author is playing into it.
Second, SATC doesn't compare to Indiana Jones or Transformers. If you want to compare it, use 'Entourage', which is a rip-off of SATC aimed at men. The ideas of blatant materialism, unchecked hedonism, and which roles men & women should be playing are the exact same. Both shows suck equally because of that, not because some sexist hack thinks that women can't think for themselves, but because it's insulting to characterize either gender as these vapid toys.
You easily find things about which to get offended and then call them sexist or demeaning when they disagree. It's May and I'd be willing to be that you've called a dozen people Nazis by this time of year, simply because they disagree with you.
All I can say is that I hope all the poon you're getting for pretending to be offended for women is worth your nutsack.
You're not a feminist, you're an Uncle-Tom sexist. Let's see if I can summarize your thoughts here:
You think that, because the author didn't take it upon herself to correct YOUR perceived inequities in dealing with sexist and culturally imperialist undertones in two movies which have nothing to do with and are not really comparable to Sex & The City, that makes her review sexist and demeaning.
You are wrong on several levels. First off, you either assume that the author is silently approving of Indiana Jones and Transformers because she hasn't brought them up or you assume that because the entire industry hasn't lived up to your standards, this author is playing into it.
Second, SATC doesn't compare to Indiana Jones or Transformers. If you want to compare it, use 'Entourage', which is a rip-off of SATC aimed at men. The ideas of blatant materialism, unchecked hedonism, and which roles men & women should be playing are the exact same. Both shows suck equally because of that, not because some sexist hack thinks that women can't think for themselves, but because it's insulting to characterize either gender as these vapid toys.
You easily find things about which to get offended and then call them sexist or demeaning when they disagree. It's May and I'd be willing to be that you've called a dozen people Nazis by this time of year, simply because they disagree with you.
All I can say is that I hope all the poon you're getting for pretending to be offended for women is worth your nutsack.
47
Wow. Do you have the other half of this amulet?
Here is the Sex and the City review I wrote about a year ago(complete with typos...sorry).
I was prepping to go this weekend and see this one as well- but who can follow you!?
http://jmelstuff.blogspot.com/2009/04/fa…
Here is the Sex and the City review I wrote about a year ago(complete with typos...sorry).
I was prepping to go this weekend and see this one as well- but who can follow you!?
http://jmelstuff.blogspot.com/2009/04/fa…
48
At the risk of being stoned at the altar of feminism - I don't agree. Mind, I don't agree with every conclusion arrived at by these four women, and I certainly don't have the kind of money they have. However, I enjoy the occasional foray into and celebration of my girlie side, for want of a better word, my, "femininity." I've actually found watching the, (highly-privileged, yes, to the point of being cartoonish,) struggles of these women, empowering. Trying to figure out what we want, how to have it, what compromise means, who we are - all of those things are real. Judging the characters solely by milieu, is unrealistic and unfair. BTW: Many women in the middle east who are required to be covered, do actually play fashionista beneath the veil. Like it, don't like, whatever - rendering it utterly invalid because you don't like it, is circumscribing any woman's choice. You do your thing, I'll do mine. Fair enough? I just happen to want a Cosmopolitan once in a while, as I soldier on through a world that judges me quite enough, thank you.
51
"Your watch will tell you that a shade less than two and a half hours have elapsed, but you may be shocked at just how much older you feel when the whole thing is over." -- New York Times review.
"It is 146 minutes long, which means that I entered the theater in the bloom of youth and emerged with a family of field mice living in my long, white mustache." -- Lindy's review.
Congratulations, Lindy. In a sentence-to-sentence contest you have out-written the NYTimes.
"It is 146 minutes long, which means that I entered the theater in the bloom of youth and emerged with a family of field mice living in my long, white mustache." -- Lindy's review.
Congratulations, Lindy. In a sentence-to-sentence contest you have out-written the NYTimes.
52
the stranger! loves to hate, everything. its so easy to hate! good job!!! seattle is funny!! LOL ROFL TCBY!
53
Wait: the plot of the movie REALLY IS that Carrie et al travel to the middle east and free all the oppressed Muslim women?
SERIOUSLY?
They don't hate us for our freedoms, people. They hate us for this.
SERIOUSLY?
They don't hate us for our freedoms, people. They hate us for this.
55
Actually, (rich) women in Abu Dhabi *do* wear designer clothes underneath their traditional dress. That's probably the most realistic part of the movie.
56
As someone from the Middle East, I just want to say that the depiction of Muslim woman wearing expensive clothing and make-up underneath the veils is in fact not erroneous and offensive, but actually completely accurate. Sure, it isn't every woman, but it is certainly a large part of the population.
Shallow people are in every country and in every religion.
Shallow people are in every country and in every religion.
60
Isn't Nixon currently mowing down on Andrea Dworkin? I know she's dead! Her fossilized baby-cave can't be too much different from Samantha's fly trap. It's cold, it's grey, and it's the only cunt you get to pound till the end of time.
61
Fantastic!
I've read it at least 3 times, and will probably read it several more tonight.
Who else but Lindy creates gems like "emaciated goblin shoulders"?
I've read it at least 3 times, and will probably read it several more tonight.
Who else but Lindy creates gems like "emaciated goblin shoulders"?
64
And now I officially cannot see this movie. Clearly the burqa is soooo oppressive and we are so forward thinking by not wearing one even though (here I speak to the movie) 99% of the women wear it by choice. And it's connected to religion not cultural oppression. This may not always be the case, but damn it SATC2 for relying on old stereotypes to sell a movie to completely ignorant audiences. And yes, that was a long ass sentence.
67
64, just because something is connected to religion doesn't mean it's not oppressive. And honestly, a religion that dictates that women should be completely covered in public (even if it's "by choice") sounds pretty sexist to me. (If a similar standard of dress were set for men, that would be a different story.)
But I'm not defending the film at all. Reading about the plot here makes it sound even worse than it looked on the previews, especially the part about convincing the women to remove their burkas....like the only thing they needed to convince them to abandon their way of life was a group of rich, slutty American tourists! Wow! Barf.
But I'm not defending the film at all. Reading about the plot here makes it sound even worse than it looked on the previews, especially the part about convincing the women to remove their burkas....like the only thing they needed to convince them to abandon their way of life was a group of rich, slutty American tourists! Wow! Barf.
70
This is the single best movie review I have ever read. I enjoyed watching the show (hated all the characters, but for some reason liked the show), but the first movie was awful, and this one sounds like it's trying to scrape THROUGH the bottom and out the other side--maybe using Carrie's goblin shoulders as a shovel?
I would quote a line, but as someone else said, there are just too damned many good ones.
I would quote a line, but as someone else said, there are just too damned many good ones.
71
This is the single best movie review I have ever read. I enjoyed watching the show (hated all the characters, but for some reason liked the show), but the first movie was awful, and this one sounds like it's trying to scrape THROUGH the bottom and out the other side--maybe using Carrie's goblin shoulders as a shovel?
I would quote a line, but as someone else said, there are just too damned many good ones.
I would quote a line, but as someone else said, there are just too damned many good ones.
72
A wonderful piece. The sad truth, alas, is that a highly significant number of women in Abu Dhabi (and most of the other Emirates) *do* clad themselves in designer labels and wear their burqa on top. Although they also would never be seen walking the streets - they have a car and driver. And male family escort, of course.
73
I'll join thoser who say this is the best review ever. I usually don't like the genre -- tend to make up my own mind about movies, usually in an independent, I-disagree-with-all-the-pundits way -- but you've really nailed it here. Thanks, thanks, and thanks again for this wonderful text!
76
Actually, friend of mine trains doctors in Dubai and long since confirmed that under the burkas, wealthy women do indeed wear the same old clothing as western women. The burqua is merely an optical illusion designed to make themselves and their menfolk believe they are somehow different.
78
Ahhh! That's better. This review was like bursting for a pee on the train, realising that it's not going to make the station, then letting it all go with joyous abandon and watching people's faces.
81
I have no idea who you are Lindy, but I love you, deeply and completely. Never seen SATC in any guise, and now I never will. xx
82
The government scientist Dr. Yamuka has proved a woman's brain is the size of a squirrels brain.
Just like being unable to read maps, this is why women who masturbate go blindera, fastera than men.
It has yet to be determined if this is because of women doing far more masturbating than men being some 4 to 5 times as much or because of their anti-christian tendencies.
Just like being unable to read maps, this is why women who masturbate go blindera, fastera than men.
It has yet to be determined if this is because of women doing far more masturbating than men being some 4 to 5 times as much or because of their anti-christian tendencies.
83
To be honest I find the Barbie dolls and gay men comment pretty gross and homophobic.
Don't forget Ladies, that this stuff is MADE FOR YOU and MILLIONS of your dumb bitch sisters the world over are gonna dress up 'all sex and the city' and LAP THIS SHIT UP. Deal with that.
Don't forget Ladies, that this stuff is MADE FOR YOU and MILLIONS of your dumb bitch sisters the world over are gonna dress up 'all sex and the city' and LAP THIS SHIT UP. Deal with that.
84
Best. Review. Ever. You just made my millennium.
You've restored my faith in the power of cynicism.
Will you pretend-marry me?
You've restored my faith in the power of cynicism.
Will you pretend-marry me?
85
Best. Review. Ever. You just made my millennium.
You've restored my faith in the power of cynicism.
Will you pretend-marry me?
You've restored my faith in the power of cynicism.
Will you pretend-marry me?
86
OMG - I'm off to rub my girlie bits with a yam, hang on a minute I don't have a yam...... will a squash do?
89
The tears. The tears are rolling down my face. On one side the tears cascade from laughter - you're an excellent writer, thanks for the laugh. The other side is because you actually sat through 146 minutes of such drivel... it makes me sad, thinking of an excellent writer suffering so much.
90
Lindy, you are without a doubt my favorite, and the most honest, movie reviewer! Keep up the good work.
91
Fantastic review, totally perfect. Except, dare Ii say, no self-respecting prostitute would behave the way SJP acts in SATC. I'd like to think, as one myself, that I'm too classy, polite, and upfront to engage in the emotional manipulation she does.
92
Yes! I'm hoping that Marcus Nispel does a follow-up film called The Sex in the City Chainsaw Massacre!
93
While you have a very vivid way with words and the movie does sound terrible for so many reasons, I fail to see how you're standing up against sexism by calling Samantha a prostitute because she's a woman who enjoys sex and by picking on Carrie's physical appearance. Oh, and by perpetuating gender stereotyping in your description (and dismission) of Cynthia Nixon's partner.
I'm sure it's all very culturally insensitive and handled badly, but suggesting that Samantha is wrong to rebel against sexism in the guise of traditional mores only helps that sexism to continue. And I've read memoirs by women in Muslim countries, which say that women do wear designer clothes under their more "modest" coverings. That's why designers make so much money in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
I'm sure it's all very culturally insensitive and handled badly, but suggesting that Samantha is wrong to rebel against sexism in the guise of traditional mores only helps that sexism to continue. And I've read memoirs by women in Muslim countries, which say that women do wear designer clothes under their more "modest" coverings. That's why designers make so much money in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
94
THANKYOU
THANKYOU
THANKYOU
What a brilliant review. - i can't remember ever reading anything that made me laugh so hard.
DEEP-FRIED GENIUS!!!!
THANKYOU
THANKYOU
What a brilliant review. - i can't remember ever reading anything that made me laugh so hard.
DEEP-FRIED GENIUS!!!!
96
Linda, this is the first review I read from you as my friend sent it to me via email. But wow! Are you one angry person!! I know you can say this is sarcasm you have, but in all honesty it sounds like you're just angry... I haven't seen the movie... yet, but I actually enjoyed seeing the first film (not that I went crazy and had sleepless nights in anticipation of the film). If you want to see something that depicts real people, go watch a documentary. Big blockbuster films aren't meant to be real life... and so what if they toast to working- middle class women as if they are so poor that the characters of SAT2 wouldn't know how they will survive... I'm sure these are the people that go and watch these movies. Because we know that films like this aren't real. You don't expect to go watching a vampire film and then angrily criticizing that the Vampire bit his love in a church, one of the most sacred places. So... seriously? Is that the review you give to SAT2?
97
What brilliant article, you madam are a fekkin star! Why does Sarah Jessica Parker always remind me of drunk woman's cigarette burnt hair smell?
98
You have taken great pains on your back by viewing the film to create this masterful review, that much is obvious. I feel Society owes you and people like you, a debt of gratitude. If you were able to convince one person not to see this film, then you have truly done a great thing.
Bravo.
Bravo.
99
This review is witty and makes a few good points, but what's kinda obnoxious is all the reader comments competing to out-do each other with gushing, sycophantic praise of the reviewer herself. What's with the reader circle-jerk over what's essentially pretty standard Stranger fare, snarky sarcasm and all? I'm sure it's gratifying when your hatred of a pop-culture phenomenon like SATC is publicly validated by a "professional", but in fields like film, music, literature and art, when did the critics become the big heroes?
100
Lindy, this review is the first time I've ever heard of you, but I love you already. Words can't really do justice to the level of disdain I feel towards this franchise. By no means will I see this movie. I saw the last one. Sitting through 2.5 hours of that garbage, only to see that entire emotional redemption of the film came when the down-on-her-luck, rags-to-riches black girl finally got FUCKING PURSE was enough.
101
Ok, I admit I haven't seen the movie (yet) but this review just shrieks of "BITTER". Jeee-zus lady, get a freakin' life. It's just a movie for cryin' out loud. It's *supposed* to be escapist clap-trap, you harpie! Chill.
103
Posted by The Mighty Feklahr:
"Start reading Filmdrunk, retard. We were calling that BS movie "Indiana Jones and His Kingdom of Werther's Originals" long before you thought up this ridiculous post, asshat."
I think you lost credibility when you called me a retard. I'm saying that the guise of hating this movie under the veil of feminism is in my opinion very anti-feminist. A well-drawn character like Carrie can have flaws like materialism and being a self-obsessed. Male characters, such as Indiana Jones or Sam from Transformers, rarely seem to be criticized for similar flaws. Whereas a movie like 007 is the prototypical alpha-male extreme of having fast cars and lots of women and tons of really awesome guns, SATC is the polar opposite where the women really like shoes and clothes and jewelry to a heightened extent. 007 rarely gets criticized, at least not with the hate and vitriol that seems to be reserved only for SATC, for this extremism. The clothes and accessories are just that, accessories, to a story about women who date, have sex, have kids, have jobs, and lives. Becoming mired in the gloss of the film seems to be preventing people, including the above critic, from reviewing it fairly.
And P.S. For some reason I feel I have to state that I am gay. Like crazy, hardcore gay. So gay I left my body when Liza sang Single Ladies so I'm not saying any of this to "get poon" as a commentor suggested.
"Start reading Filmdrunk, retard. We were calling that BS movie "Indiana Jones and His Kingdom of Werther's Originals" long before you thought up this ridiculous post, asshat."
I think you lost credibility when you called me a retard. I'm saying that the guise of hating this movie under the veil of feminism is in my opinion very anti-feminist. A well-drawn character like Carrie can have flaws like materialism and being a self-obsessed. Male characters, such as Indiana Jones or Sam from Transformers, rarely seem to be criticized for similar flaws. Whereas a movie like 007 is the prototypical alpha-male extreme of having fast cars and lots of women and tons of really awesome guns, SATC is the polar opposite where the women really like shoes and clothes and jewelry to a heightened extent. 007 rarely gets criticized, at least not with the hate and vitriol that seems to be reserved only for SATC, for this extremism. The clothes and accessories are just that, accessories, to a story about women who date, have sex, have kids, have jobs, and lives. Becoming mired in the gloss of the film seems to be preventing people, including the above critic, from reviewing it fairly.
And P.S. For some reason I feel I have to state that I am gay. Like crazy, hardcore gay. So gay I left my body when Liza sang Single Ladies so I'm not saying any of this to "get poon" as a commentor suggested.
105
FWIW, Fozziebare13, I think Lindy did a fine job in exposing how loud, dumb, and shallow Transformers 2 was.
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/dear-…
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/dear-…
106
Yap yap yap yap yap yap yap yap YAp bock bock yap yap hee haw zzzzzzzz.
Sums up the majority of the comments here. Awesome review though. Seems to be pissing off all the right people.
Sums up the majority of the comments here. Awesome review though. Seems to be pissing off all the right people.
107
The comments system ate my link, despite the fact that it was link back to The Stranger. Grumblecakes.
TF2 review by Lindy West: http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/dear-…
The same level of hate and vitriol? No. Judo-chopping nerds with their own bubbling, oblivious enthusiasm for violence, sexism, and racist stereotypes? YES.
TF2 review by Lindy West: http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/dear-…
The same level of hate and vitriol? No. Judo-chopping nerds with their own bubbling, oblivious enthusiasm for violence, sexism, and racist stereotypes? YES.
110
love love love love
there was something about the vapid shallow materialistic series that was ok as escapism once in a while
i didn't see the first movie -- all reports said it was merely bad
i just might see the 2nd movie when it comes out on dvd: it sounds ***epic*** bad
there was something about the vapid shallow materialistic series that was ok as escapism once in a while
i didn't see the first movie -- all reports said it was merely bad
i just might see the 2nd movie when it comes out on dvd: it sounds ***epic*** bad
111
I appreciate how I a banner ad for SATC2 ("Click here to watch the trailer") is sitting next the The Stranger masthead as I re-read the review.
112
This review is made of shiny platinum awesome and I would love you for it, but my mother is insisting we see the movie tonight and I'd rather have my eye sockets raped by a magic lamp.
113
Easily the best review I've read thus far on this atrocity. Fuck the glib one-liners and nauseating puns that so many film reviewers sprinkle on their pieces, we need more gut reactions and fiercely polemic statements, especially with the shallow, creatively bereft movies we're dealing with today.
114
I will also join the chorus of commenters screaming your praises, I love you! You are funny, funny, funny. Please write a book, please? You make me laugh out loud, very rare these days. Did I mention you should write a book?
116
Great review. Quite funny and insightful, and it makes me happy that this movie is being almost universally panned (I walked out of the first movie). One criticism, and I don't think I'm being an overly sensitive cake-boy when I say this...as a gay man, I can find great humor in "a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls". However, there seems to be an edge of malicious delight in some of the comments over this image.
Just sayin'....off to play with my Bratz dolls now.
Just sayin'....off to play with my Bratz dolls now.
117
LOL.
Why am I not surprised at this, - sex and the city was OK as a show, if you wanted something mindless to watch while you paid bills/cleaned/did homework you had been procrastinating all week. The first movie was complete crap. I'm not surprised the second movie is crappier
Why am I not surprised at this, - sex and the city was OK as a show, if you wanted something mindless to watch while you paid bills/cleaned/did homework you had been procrastinating all week. The first movie was complete crap. I'm not surprised the second movie is crappier
119
@103: "Becoming mired in the gloss of the film seems to be preventing people, including the above critic, from reviewing it fairly."
Because the gloss is all there is to it.
Because the gloss is all there is to it.
120
That was the best movie review EVER WRITTEN. You are a god...a soothsayer of the silver screen. I bow down!
121
Many Muslim women DO wear expensive clothes under their robes. I, for one, am thrilled there's a movie celebrating women who are fabulous at ANY age. "Sex and the City" never claimed to be "Norma Rae" and will no doubt do well with its longtime fans who just want silly jokes about sex and fun fashion.
However, if you'd still like to sew up all your holes, good for you! With an attitude like that, I'm guessing they don't get much use anyway.
However, if you'd still like to sew up all your holes, good for you! With an attitude like that, I'm guessing they don't get much use anyway.
123
Why are so many writers and readers of this paper so in love with the word "vapid"? Stop saying vapid! Please. Try saying dull or tasteless or anything else.
124
i am glad the movie exists just so it could give rise to such a hilarious and sharp review. love you lindy!
125
Beyond brilliant - this made my day. And it made listening to the jewel encrusted hag wearing 400 pounds of make-up at the coffee bar amusing rather than hateful when she took nine hours to order her skinnynowhiplightsyrupvanillahazelnutlatte and sent it back twice. My black cup of joe and I laughed all the way to work. yep, that's right, work.
Cheers all!
Cheers all!
126
I am looking forward to the movie because, unlike everyone here, I don't watch SITC for political commentary, but for beautiful clothes, New York extravagances, and open talk about sex and sexuality from a women's perspective. The reason why you were so disappointed by the movie is cause you were expecting something that it never purported to do in the first place. its like looking for life-lessons from an Archie comic and then being disappointed ... treat it like it is! (Carrie has been using cliches like "toto, we are not in Kansas anymore." since the beginning of the show, why does that offend you?)
Also, for someone that aims to make an argument for feminism, to use the phrase "rape it to death" in such a callous way undermines the whole premise of your editorial.
Also, for someone that aims to make an argument for feminism, to use the phrase "rape it to death" in such a callous way undermines the whole premise of your editorial.
127
This movie was made for the fans, which you clearly are not. You shouldn't have written this review when you obviously had pre-determined opinions about what you were going to see. The movie wss supposed to be about sex, glamour and fantasty, and anyone worth watching the film went into it expecting just that. You call the movie offensive yet you refer to high fashion as "hideous, disposable, criminally expensive shreds of cloth and feathers" ....again, something to which you obviously have no idea. I'm not saying the movie was Oscar worthy, but I think it served its purpose to be purely entertaining and light-hearted, you took it way too seriously.
Hopefully you'll have more fun with your vibrator tonight.
Hopefully you'll have more fun with your vibrator tonight.
128
I love how someone taking a stand on behalf of feminism and applying critical theory to pop culture is considered by some to be sexless and therefore needing to get laid. This is clearly and desperate defense mechanism of someone who has failed to ever examine that by which they are entertained. Go ahead, enjoy this celebration of unexamined privilege and materialism. Don't worry your little head about the many ways in which such things have fucked humanity and the planet. Pass the popcorn.
129
Veiled Muslim women actually do dress up under their robes, as I learned from an adventure in Dubai. It is for this reason I came to more firmly believe that women dress up for each other, not for men. The women never show themselves to men outside immediate family (generally) but often disrobe among other women when they meet up. On the other hand I have a sexy friend from Shanghai who states she dresses up to attract men. So I guess it's either/or. But one can tell which one the girl is going for to some extent (which is the intent is it not?). I digress.
To restate in a different way: In my travels I realized the mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, women, men... across the world they are fundamentally the same. Indeed there are scoundrels everywhere. In the same light, just because women wear veils or robes does not mean they don't still like to dress up under the cover. And of course among the women, there are a lot of ridiculously wealthy and extreme women among them, just like those from this show.
To restate in a different way: In my travels I realized the mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, women, men... across the world they are fundamentally the same. Indeed there are scoundrels everywhere. In the same light, just because women wear veils or robes does not mean they don't still like to dress up under the cover. And of course among the women, there are a lot of ridiculously wealthy and extreme women among them, just like those from this show.
130
Although this is well-written and made me laugh a couple of times in spite of myself, it is also highly offensive to those of us feminists who do not fit into your stereotypical mold. How you dress does not determine your beliefs and ideals. Nor does caring about your appearance make you an anti-feminist. What a narrow world view.
131
Great review.
This is the ultimate ANTI-feminist & anti-progressive movie.
Culturally ignorant and ethnocentric, Sex and the City basically conveys that all that matters in life for a woman is material possessions and getting fucked.
Is there any other message conveyed by SATC other than get money and get fucked and be ignorant? After all that is a woman's only true purpose in this world, right?
Disgusting.
Thank you, Sex and the City, for not contributing to humanity or society in any productive or progressive way.
This is the ultimate ANTI-feminist & anti-progressive movie.
Culturally ignorant and ethnocentric, Sex and the City basically conveys that all that matters in life for a woman is material possessions and getting fucked.
Is there any other message conveyed by SATC other than get money and get fucked and be ignorant? After all that is a woman's only true purpose in this world, right?
Disgusting.
Thank you, Sex and the City, for not contributing to humanity or society in any productive or progressive way.
132
Great review.
This is the ultimate ANTI-feminist & anti-progressive movie.
Culturally ignorant and ethnocentric, Sex and the City basically conveys that all that matters in life for a woman is material possessions and getting fucked.
Is there any other message conveyed by SATC other than get money and get fucked and be ignorant? After all that is a woman's only true purpose in this world, right?
Disgusting.
Thank you, Sex and the City, for not contributing to humanity or society in any productive or progressive way.
This is the ultimate ANTI-feminist & anti-progressive movie.
Culturally ignorant and ethnocentric, Sex and the City basically conveys that all that matters in life for a woman is material possessions and getting fucked.
Is there any other message conveyed by SATC other than get money and get fucked and be ignorant? After all that is a woman's only true purpose in this world, right?
Disgusting.
Thank you, Sex and the City, for not contributing to humanity or society in any productive or progressive way.
133
@AnitainToronto and anyone claiming that people are expecting too much from this movie: I am a a fan of the series and thought the first movie was atrocious. The writing has taken a nose dive a result of Michael Patrick King taking on all the writing duties. Thus, the characters I used to love have become caricatures, the situations ridiculous and fashion used as a crutch to distract you from noticing.
"The reason why you were so disappointed by the movie is cause you were expecting something that it never purported to do in the first place."
Sorry for us normal human beings hoping for a decent plot with engaging and believable characters. Hope you know you've just basically equated yourself to that of the fans of such classics like Transformers 2. I shudder for you, Anita, shudder.
"The reason why you were so disappointed by the movie is cause you were expecting something that it never purported to do in the first place."
Sorry for us normal human beings hoping for a decent plot with engaging and believable characters. Hope you know you've just basically equated yourself to that of the fans of such classics like Transformers 2. I shudder for you, Anita, shudder.
134
Dear Lindy West,
As your one and only uncle (and one who once changed your diapers in total disgust) I find your final words quite hilarious. "Muslim women: Under those craaaaaaay-zy robes, they're just as vapid and obsessed with physical beauty and meaningless material concerns as us! Feminism! Fuck yeah!If this is what modern womanhood means, then just fucking veil me and sew up all my holes. Good night." I love your writing soooo much!!! Keep up the great humor! I will pass this on to Kelsey, Annika and Kaari!
As your one and only uncle (and one who once changed your diapers in total disgust) I find your final words quite hilarious. "Muslim women: Under those craaaaaaay-zy robes, they're just as vapid and obsessed with physical beauty and meaningless material concerns as us! Feminism! Fuck yeah!If this is what modern womanhood means, then just fucking veil me and sew up all my holes. Good night." I love your writing soooo much!!! Keep up the great humor! I will pass this on to Kelsey, Annika and Kaari!
137
I actually thought that Lindy's review is hilarious, and I think that a second SATC movie was probably a mistake the moment it was conceived.
There were probably so many product placement deals locked in to the thing that it would be impossible for it not to be some 145-minute luxury goods infomercial. I'm sure Abu Dhabi bankrolled half the movie to get the play it received in there.
But seriously, were any of you commenters expecting any more? How are you trying to expect Hollywood to produce anything other than the reflections of our solipsistic American society? They got bills to pay! Hollywood could give a ufck about making you less of a numb-skulled consumptive drone than you already are.
I promise you, not even die-hard SATC fans are going in that theater expecting 'The Killing Fields.' People usually go to the movies to escape reality. Get over yourselves.
There were probably so many product placement deals locked in to the thing that it would be impossible for it not to be some 145-minute luxury goods infomercial. I'm sure Abu Dhabi bankrolled half the movie to get the play it received in there.
But seriously, were any of you commenters expecting any more? How are you trying to expect Hollywood to produce anything other than the reflections of our solipsistic American society? They got bills to pay! Hollywood could give a ufck about making you less of a numb-skulled consumptive drone than you already are.
I promise you, not even die-hard SATC fans are going in that theater expecting 'The Killing Fields.' People usually go to the movies to escape reality. Get over yourselves.
138
Thank you so much for this. I just had to (or couldn't resist) elbowing my way through a throng of women waiting in the rain to see this crap to get home and felt so depressed that so many people buy in to this shit and reverse all the work feminists have done.
Is anyone else suddenly judging their friends that asked them to go see 'a matinee of SATC2!??!!'
Is anyone else suddenly judging their friends that asked them to go see 'a matinee of SATC2!??!!'
140
"it's connected to religion not cultural oppression"
You say that as if you're speaking of two distinct concepts.
You say that as if you're speaking of two distinct concepts.
141
It's a fantasy. Escapism. Men have James Bond. And Ocean's 37 or whatever number. And the various incarnations of The Hangover, American Pie & their ilk.
Why can't a woman be strong, & smart, & independent -- and have some fun on her own terms too? Must we all lose our sense of humor? Spare me a world where we cannot laugh at ourselves & the ironies of life.
Oh, and btw-Muslim women DO wear outrageously expensive lingerie & clothing under their burkas. Strange, but true.
Why can't a woman be strong, & smart, & independent -- and have some fun on her own terms too? Must we all lose our sense of humor? Spare me a world where we cannot laugh at ourselves & the ironies of life.
Oh, and btw-Muslim women DO wear outrageously expensive lingerie & clothing under their burkas. Strange, but true.
144
No @Quacky, no one loves Lindsay more than I do right now, except maybe Roger Ebert who will be eternally grateful to have been shown how to write a proper movie review.
149
I enjoy that you find this movie offensive as a feminist, all the while on this site you have posted your review on there are ads for local single girls looking to play on Lustlab and Sands Showgirls who spend their lives selling their bodies. Way to go!
150
As I was paging through the Stranger I came across this artical and was very excited to read it because I love sex and the city. Yes it is a little shallow but aren't we all? I'm not a rich person I'm actually jobless, but I don't take it out on a series. A movie. Sex and the city came out years ago when women who have tons of sex were labled as "sluts" and men were "studs". It made a path way for women express their sexuality, whether it be, you like to sleep around or your actualy looking for love. It might have spiraled out of control in the second movie but that is all it is...A MOVIE! What happen to a sense of humor? If you want something real rent a documentary.
151
The reviewer is correct: SATC 2 is not a good film. But this review is every bit as easy, tawdry, petty, and shallow as the film it criticizes. "Charlotte Goldsteinjewyjewsomethingsomethingblatt?" Really? That's brilliantly funny to you? Insightful? Probing? Superior to the humor in the movie? I don't think either film is good. But I'd wager most of my life savings against the reviewer being able to come up with anything as vivid as some of the middling episodes of the TV show in its prime.
153
You are a witty and humorous writer but I'm afraid you're missing the point of this movie and the first. It is intended to be a piece of entertainment fluff that distracts the viewer from the drudgery of every day issues and should not be analyzed within an inch of its life. Have a cosmo and relax.
154
I am so grateful and relieved for having found this review. I just came out of the theater and I'm simply disgusted. Great job spelling out the atrocity!
156
The author of this article is clearly full of self-loathing. I cannot imagine why she would want to spend two and a half hours watching this purportedly horrible feminine minstrel show when she could have been doing things like shaving her very thick armpit hair, protesting in favor of Palestine, and making herself a vegan bacon sandwich out of tempeh and alfalfa cheese.
158
This review is incredible (duh). My favorite part, however, was that while I was reading it there was a massive advertising banner for the movie across the top of the page. Way to go, Stranger-ad-placement team :)
160
Soooo! You're saying this movie is about 3 hookers and their mother?
Never saw the series, didn't see the first movie, don't really care.
I did love the review.
Never saw the series, didn't see the first movie, don't really care.
I did love the review.
161
An absolutely fantastic review. As a newcomer to the film critique world, I sincerely hope that one day I can write about film with even a fraction of your eloquence and wit. Despite how funny your review is, it also effectively highlights just how tragic the mainstream success of a film like this really is.
163
Confused about the whole registration and confirmation thing. Not sure if what I'm about to post or re-post has been said before. So, here goes. "Simply the bestest, funniest, most humorroid-swelling film review EVER!" Ok, apologies if this turns out to be a repeat. But that's what I wrote the first time, you can COUNT on it!
164
Thank you so much! reading your article was cathartic bliss. i am a long term rejectionist of the SATceunt brain insulting, infantile phenomenon that has been sold to us hapless females. I see a future where very few will even admit to ever being a fan of that show. Eeaw
166
Love this review, sums up everything that always irked me about the depiction of SATC as feminist. While I often enjoyed the show in a popcorny brainless way it never had anything to do with feminism. It always reinforced the worst stereotypes. All these women EVER talked about was men and clothes.
As to the comments mentioning that rich Middle Eastern women often dress lavishly under their abayas, I think you miss the point. A cultural* garment is not the be all and end all of oppression, the message in the film was essentially "look these women are all liberated deep down because they have stupidly impractical wardrobes too".
Very very few women in Islamic countries where face & full body covering is the norm (and there's plenty of Islamic nations where this isn't the case) feel that their clothing is their biggest (or even a relevant) issue.
SATC took the Laura Bush approach to Middle Eastern feminism - as long as you can wear what you want it's all "mission accomplished". It's offensive, ignorant and dismissive.
On Samantha, I didn't read anywhere in this piece that the reviewer had an issue with a middle aged woman HAVING sex, just that the character of Samantha (like ALL of SATC) is so pathetically one dimensional. ALL she does is fuck, once again we have a portrayal of a woman who's only interest is men (albeit in a different guise to the version where we all want to get married and have babies)
If any of the characters showed ANY interest in ANYTHING, EVER, than shopping and men it might not have sparked such a brilliantly vitriolic review.
*in a correction to a comment above - Women's (and men's) robes in the Gulf States are cultural NOT religious - abaya's & niqabs - as distinct from the burqa - were around LONG before not only Mohammed but Moses as well. They were eminently sensible in a hot desert climate
More...
As to the comments mentioning that rich Middle Eastern women often dress lavishly under their abayas, I think you miss the point. A cultural* garment is not the be all and end all of oppression, the message in the film was essentially "look these women are all liberated deep down because they have stupidly impractical wardrobes too".
Very very few women in Islamic countries where face & full body covering is the norm (and there's plenty of Islamic nations where this isn't the case) feel that their clothing is their biggest (or even a relevant) issue.
SATC took the Laura Bush approach to Middle Eastern feminism - as long as you can wear what you want it's all "mission accomplished". It's offensive, ignorant and dismissive.
On Samantha, I didn't read anywhere in this piece that the reviewer had an issue with a middle aged woman HAVING sex, just that the character of Samantha (like ALL of SATC) is so pathetically one dimensional. ALL she does is fuck, once again we have a portrayal of a woman who's only interest is men (albeit in a different guise to the version where we all want to get married and have babies)
If any of the characters showed ANY interest in ANYTHING, EVER, than shopping and men it might not have sparked such a brilliantly vitriolic review.
*in a correction to a comment above - Women's (and men's) robes in the Gulf States are cultural NOT religious - abaya's & niqabs - as distinct from the burqa - were around LONG before not only Mohammed but Moses as well. They were eminently sensible in a hot desert climate
167
If this film really annoys you so much just dont watch it. SIMPLE! plenty of ppl will watch it and enjoy it for wat it is.
168
Lindy! Best thing I've read, anywhere, all week! Hilarious! Keep it up! (Ironically, it makes me want to watch the movie now.)
170
First of all, that was a witty and brilliant review, Lindy.
I've never ventured near any part of the franchise and would never do so as I simply don't get it.
I would just like to appeal to the defenders that describe it as escapist fun for women with a 'sense of humour'. Please speak for yourselves.
Crap like this obviouls appeals to only a certain breed of women of which I and so many others are not part of.
I like my escapist fun, I watch some chickflicks and I have good sense of humour (enough to appreciate this piece of witty writing) but I have a bottom line and SATC is way below that line.
I know we live in age when commonsense is no longer common but we have the right to call crap crap and you have the right to admit you like crap without claiming we have no sense of humour.
I've never ventured near any part of the franchise and would never do so as I simply don't get it.
I would just like to appeal to the defenders that describe it as escapist fun for women with a 'sense of humour'. Please speak for yourselves.
Crap like this obviouls appeals to only a certain breed of women of which I and so many others are not part of.
I like my escapist fun, I watch some chickflicks and I have good sense of humour (enough to appreciate this piece of witty writing) but I have a bottom line and SATC is way below that line.
I know we live in age when commonsense is no longer common but we have the right to call crap crap and you have the right to admit you like crap without claiming we have no sense of humour.
172
I thought the whole point was that this was post-modern satire. We are supposed to laugh at the vacuousness. It is not drama it is comedy!
174
I'm gay and you must have converted me coz I had an erection the whole time I was reading that! Thanks for a brilliant (and totally accurate!) review.
176
Great review, great comments. Why didn't I know about this website? Lindy, you frighten me but you also attract me. You're a genius of a writer and a burster of powerful but ultimately insidious illusions and I thank you for that
178
thank you so much!!! this was brilliant! Makes me want to print this out and use it as notes when I watch the movie just to have visuals to laugh again and again. ROTF LMAO!!!
180
Great review, great comments, and why haven't I heard of this website before?!?! Lindy, I fear you, but I also lust after you because you're so god-damn sharp! A great writer and a piercer of those illusions of our age which seem fairly harmless but are in fact quite insidious, in my view. Well done and thanks. And to the person who castigated people for complimenting Ms. West, you disagree. That's fine.
181
Great review, great comments, and why haven't I heard of this website before?!?! Lindy, I fear you, but I also lust after you because you're so god-damn sharp! A great writer and a piercer of those illusions of our age which seem fairly harmless but are in fact quite insidious, in my view. Well done and thanks. And to the person who castigated people for complimenting Ms. West, you disagree. That's fine.
182
It seems that when there is a film where WOMEN have a blatantly criminally expensive lifestyle people get vexed. SATC preaches that WOMEN do not have to apologize for choosing a material life.
No one complains about the hundreds of films where MEN have criminally expensive lifestyle. Ocean's Eleven for example (greedy men in designer suits tiring to steal money). Brad Pitts 'character' laughs about buying another hotel.
Double Standard Alert
No one complains about the hundreds of films where MEN have criminally expensive lifestyle. Ocean's Eleven for example (greedy men in designer suits tiring to steal money). Brad Pitts 'character' laughs about buying another hotel.
Double Standard Alert
183
It seems that when there is a film where WOMEN have a blatantly criminally expensive lifestyle people get vexed. SATC preaches that WOMEN do not have to apologize for choosing a material life.
No one complains about the hundreds of films where MEN have criminally expensive lifestyle. Ocean's Eleven for example (greedy men in designer suits tiring to steal money). Brad Pitts 'character' laughs about buying another hotel.
Double Standard Alert
No one complains about the hundreds of films where MEN have criminally expensive lifestyle. Ocean's Eleven for example (greedy men in designer suits tiring to steal money). Brad Pitts 'character' laughs about buying another hotel.
Double Standard Alert
185
I'm a gay man and I think you just converted me - I had an erection the whole time I was reading this! Thanks for a brilliant and totally accurate review.
186
Thanks for the review! Now I really can't wait to see this movie.....but then again, I'm a gay man, in the fashion industry, with an extraordinary amount of disposable income...
187
It's just a movie people it's not suppose to save the world....enjoy the funny and the pretty clothes and forget your life for 145 minutes. You want reality watch the news.
188
I agree with most of this review, but not the part about Miranda's storyline. Her boss is not a cartoon - there are SERIOUSLY men like that. She doesn't quit b/c it's bad for her child and she's going to become a stay-at-home-mom. She quits to find a job that respects her as a human being, which she does find at the end and finds very fulfilling. I didn't have a problem with that storyline.
The rest though... yeah.
The rest though... yeah.
189
Another message movie from Hollywood covering the completely unexposed oppression of women int he Muslim world. I'm sure for many this will be a utter shock and newsflash of oppression in the Islamic religion.
Thank you to the writers and the actors for putting their careers on the line to create this piece of art to illuminate the issue for all to be aware.
Godspeed, SATC2, may SATC3 cover some other worldly woe. We cannot wait in my family for the next episode of where SATC goes next!
Where's the Nobel committee on this? If an Inconvenient Truth wins one, I cant fathom how they could ignore a serious work like this.
Thank you to the writers and the actors for putting their careers on the line to create this piece of art to illuminate the issue for all to be aware.
Godspeed, SATC2, may SATC3 cover some other worldly woe. We cannot wait in my family for the next episode of where SATC goes next!
Where's the Nobel committee on this? If an Inconvenient Truth wins one, I cant fathom how they could ignore a serious work like this.
191
Take a chill pill bitch, it is just a movie!
I guess fantasy is not in this woman's expansive "mind"
Her idea of a fun movie is probably watching grass grow
I guess fantasy is not in this woman's expansive "mind"
Her idea of a fun movie is probably watching grass grow
192
Wow - what a ragingly misogynistic piece of crap this review is. Seriously - the movie may be shite, but your issues stand out even more, Lindy.
194
Please let me congratulate you on such a wonderfully accurate and gorgeously written review.... it should be emailed to every single fan of the franchise immediately..
Let me say that at first I personally thought the first few seasons were great..... use of irony, hilarious, frank, no holds barred comedy about four 30-something women celebrating being single, childless and enjoying their careers and sex-lives as equals to men in a mans world...
HOWEVER....
it quickly and seamlessly turned into the Carrie show, which now featured four thirty-something women consumed by ridiculously and outrageously expensive clothes, lifestyles and who's lives were now INCOMPLETE unless they found 'the one' and conforming to the 2.4 children/white picket fence scenario except on 5th Avenue.
Well guess what, not every woman is white, wealthy, straight, married and maternal.....
What started off as fairly intelligent and diverse writing and very entertaining satirical comedy has completely turned into marshmallow,
diamond encrusted, cocktails and essentially a warped view of what sex, relationships and social status means to the majority of people who have a brain!
p.s. i am a gay man, and agree with Lindy that the gay mafia who write and produce this show have effectively given Sarah Jessica Whatever the fuck her name is, a platform to live out their drag queen fantasies because we all know if Sex and the city would have been four gay guys, it would have never been the success it has been.
So Miss Lindy West, you are my new hero and look forward to reading more of your work :-)
Let me say that at first I personally thought the first few seasons were great..... use of irony, hilarious, frank, no holds barred comedy about four 30-something women celebrating being single, childless and enjoying their careers and sex-lives as equals to men in a mans world...
HOWEVER....
it quickly and seamlessly turned into the Carrie show, which now featured four thirty-something women consumed by ridiculously and outrageously expensive clothes, lifestyles and who's lives were now INCOMPLETE unless they found 'the one' and conforming to the 2.4 children/white picket fence scenario except on 5th Avenue.
Well guess what, not every woman is white, wealthy, straight, married and maternal.....
What started off as fairly intelligent and diverse writing and very entertaining satirical comedy has completely turned into marshmallow,
diamond encrusted, cocktails and essentially a warped view of what sex, relationships and social status means to the majority of people who have a brain!
p.s. i am a gay man, and agree with Lindy that the gay mafia who write and produce this show have effectively given Sarah Jessica Whatever the fuck her name is, a platform to live out their drag queen fantasies because we all know if Sex and the city would have been four gay guys, it would have never been the success it has been.
So Miss Lindy West, you are my new hero and look forward to reading more of your work :-)
195
"I don't see how you can say this review is not sexist and demeaning. I am a man and many people call me a feminist"
I call you a moron, and your friends are morons as well.
PS: The only thing more insulting and demeaning than T&A fests like Transformers are entitlementfests like SATC2. You're a materialistic, shallow, clown of a person.
I call you a moron, and your friends are morons as well.
PS: The only thing more insulting and demeaning than T&A fests like Transformers are entitlementfests like SATC2. You're a materialistic, shallow, clown of a person.
196
All of you who said this was the best review ever should go read Lindy's Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen review.
197
@192 "Wow - what a ragingly misogynistic piece of crap this review is. Seriously - the movie may be shite, but your issues stand out even more, Lindy."
This movie is "feminist" like the War in Iraq was "humanitarian".
This movie is "feminist" like the War in Iraq was "humanitarian".
199
I had to watch this as part of my work. Just so I got this right Carrie was the villain and in the end she won just like Darth Vader at the end of Empire Strikes Back?
Honestly, it made me want to wage a holy fucking jihad against the west. Or at least the oxygen thieves who make this shit.
Honestly, it made me want to wage a holy fucking jihad against the west. Or at least the oxygen thieves who make this shit.
200
I have been shouted at, as a man, for my disgust with the Sex and the City series. Told I am being misogynistic for disallowing female 'liberation'. Don't you worry, I despise male moral-free and vapid affairs just as much as this. And if I am told I am wrong, and that I must conform to 'sexual liberation' then this liberation seems awfully like fascism.
This is consumerist, materialist and SEXIST tripe. This is pushing people further under the boot by making them aspire to be this morally vacuous.
This is consumerist, materialist and SEXIST tripe. This is pushing people further under the boot by making them aspire to be this morally vacuous.
201
This is one of the best reviews I've ever read, probably the most savage.
Reward yourself, this is a gem. Well played!
Reward yourself, this is a gem. Well played!
202
I watched this movie, and yes, I did find that it was superficial as I suspected. I think that the movie would have been better off had it stayed within the parameters of the city and not tried to make any feminist or cultural statements. That being said, I find this review weak and a tad obnoxious. It seems more like a manifesto of hatred toward superficial films which is a tired cliche. I, myself, have studied film and feminism and after watching this film felt that it was not a great film, nor did it tackle feminist issues with the tact and depth they deserve; however, this review offended me more, because it purports to uphold feminist ideals while calling Samantha a prostitute (which I find offensive and immature). I do not see how that is great writing, and frankly I'm disappointed that a critic would say something that so overtly contradicts feminist philosophy. The whole introduction about Samantha's vagina is juvenile. And although the movie is materialist, and not particularly well made, nor is it as philosophical as it wishes it was, I find that this review is perhaps worse. I did not expect great intellectual commentary from this film, but I do, however, expect mature, reasoned, and feminist critique from a published critic. I suppose its easy to arouse readership when you make funny (borderline sexist) jokes that people don't question because you write from a place of authority.
203
"but I do, however, expect mature, reasoned, and feminist critique from a published critic. I suppose its easy to arouse readership when you make funny (borderline sexist) jokes that people don't question because you write from a place of authority."
you're a loooooong way from The New Yorker...
I don't know a whole lot about this series. I guess I can see how it plot and characters could be construed as feminist. likewise, I can see how the stereotyped roles could also contradict feminism. that's not as important as the whole "anti-human" feeling I get from a franchise like this, which Lindy does an actual good job of summarizing, whether that was her intent or not. its hard to imagine it wasn't, what with all the suicide-inspiring scenarios she alludes to. flaws in entertainment like this transcend pedestrian complaints like "how can you call someone a prostitute when you claim to be a feminist?" because the movie is destroying a part of our soul, which is more significant than childish name calling, or the nannying responses to it.
anyway... great job, Lindy. you got me to philosophize about a movie I would never, ever watch.
you're a loooooong way from The New Yorker...
I don't know a whole lot about this series. I guess I can see how it plot and characters could be construed as feminist. likewise, I can see how the stereotyped roles could also contradict feminism. that's not as important as the whole "anti-human" feeling I get from a franchise like this, which Lindy does an actual good job of summarizing, whether that was her intent or not. its hard to imagine it wasn't, what with all the suicide-inspiring scenarios she alludes to. flaws in entertainment like this transcend pedestrian complaints like "how can you call someone a prostitute when you claim to be a feminist?" because the movie is destroying a part of our soul, which is more significant than childish name calling, or the nannying responses to it.
anyway... great job, Lindy. you got me to philosophize about a movie I would never, ever watch.
208
@207 "Loved the movie and completely disagree with your review."
Congratulations on your lobotomy, many happy returns.
Congratulations on your lobotomy, many happy returns.
209
@153 -- You're saying if a major motion picture that's destined to make oodles of dollars wants to exempt itself from all film criticism, then all it has to do is be defined by cultural mavens as "fluff"?
I disagree. I think the fact that this movie will find an audience should make it more open to criticism. Its fluffery should be evaluated and, if the situation warrants, eviscerated.
Even "fluff" has to be adjudicated on whether it detracts from society. In fact, "fluff" is usually the most effective means of disseminating cultural stereotypes. Lindy calls out the filmmaker's bullshit. Your choice to accept the film as harmless fluff is yours, but being the ginormous moneymaker it's destined to be, I'm glad someone is calling out its bullshit. You should be too.
I disagree. I think the fact that this movie will find an audience should make it more open to criticism. Its fluffery should be evaluated and, if the situation warrants, eviscerated.
Even "fluff" has to be adjudicated on whether it detracts from society. In fact, "fluff" is usually the most effective means of disseminating cultural stereotypes. Lindy calls out the filmmaker's bullshit. Your choice to accept the film as harmless fluff is yours, but being the ginormous moneymaker it's destined to be, I'm glad someone is calling out its bullshit. You should be too.
210
Ok, really Lindy, get a clue and stop with the ignorant cynicism....informed cynicism I can stand.
Have you ever been to the UAE or have you even researched it? I spent some time there. My father and step-mother also lived there for several years and I can say that SATC2, the obnoxious neuroticism of Carrie aside, did a decent job of portraying Abu Dhabi and it’s people (with a touch of added Hollywood glamour). The fact that the women are wearing fashionable garb under there veils is actually not so far fetched (which of course you would know had you actually spent time to research this). When in the UAE, I was quite shocked to find the amount of fashion-forward shops between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Apparently the women there actually dress quite provocatively and fashionably under those “craaaaaaay-zy robes” (as you put it). They are after all, allowed to show that to their husbands and immediate family.
I don’t think it’s about being “material”. It’s a very different life there and things are very slowly changing for the better for women from what I have witnessed...very slowly, of course. But that is one of the only ways of expression they are allowed at this time.
Now let’s get to your rampant criticism of the characters. Firstly, I love that Smantha has sex with whoever she wants, whenever she wants and is up front about it....yes, a dumb thing to do (in public) in the UAE, which she learned...but I hardly think that this makes her a prostitute. It is exactly that kind of thinking that oppresses women. Why is it so socially acceptable for men to be sex-obsessesed but not women? I’m actually quite surprised that you would even go so far as to refer to a sexually ‘out there’ woman as a prostitute....and the fact that she talks about menopause, hormones and vaginal lubricants, I applause. These are topics that would never have been uttered in my mother’s generation, even to the closest of friends. But hormonal changes, menopause, and variations in sex drive and physiology are a reality for all women. Why should this be so hushed? I’m not saying that we should all sky write it!...but, I believe, that given that it is a natural thing, we should be able to discuss this with our closest friends as Samantha does in the film.
Secondly, you’re message appears to be that wealthy people should not be allowed to have problems which are similar to the rest of us ‘not-so’ wealthy people. I didn’t take from this movie that any of the women felt sorry for themselves (given their wealthy statuses). They have problems here and there, sure, which are completely human (wealthy or not!), but they are and do end up being very happy and thankful for their lives. Again, this appears to be ignorant cynicism on your part – did you actually watch the movie, or did you have your mind made-up before?
It is not like they are all crying ‘poor me, I can’t stand my life’...they have a few break-downs under stress (a screaming 2 year old is stress!), but ultimately they are very happy with their lives.....and had you watched this show from day one, you would know that they (with the exception of Charlotte) are all characters that started with very little and worked hard to achieve success and wealth.
I, personally, would never be someone that would spend $400 on shoes when there are children starving on the other side of the world. But I’m also not going to stake and burn any women who have worked hard to earn the money to buy those $400 shoes....Equality means the right to chose! And we also don’t seem to lambast men who put thousands into their material pursuits.
So to all those who have judged Sex and The City, without ever watching the shows or the movies, smarten-up and open your minds. I’m not saying you have to like it or agree with it. But I think that the show ultimately displays the importance of friendships in life and also shows that women can love sex just for sex, can love love and can also be successful in business and as mothers/wives all at once. That may not be the deepest or most meaningful of all life lessons, but I definitely do not think it deserves to be so dumped on.
More...
Have you ever been to the UAE or have you even researched it? I spent some time there. My father and step-mother also lived there for several years and I can say that SATC2, the obnoxious neuroticism of Carrie aside, did a decent job of portraying Abu Dhabi and it’s people (with a touch of added Hollywood glamour). The fact that the women are wearing fashionable garb under there veils is actually not so far fetched (which of course you would know had you actually spent time to research this). When in the UAE, I was quite shocked to find the amount of fashion-forward shops between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Apparently the women there actually dress quite provocatively and fashionably under those “craaaaaaay-zy robes” (as you put it). They are after all, allowed to show that to their husbands and immediate family.
I don’t think it’s about being “material”. It’s a very different life there and things are very slowly changing for the better for women from what I have witnessed...very slowly, of course. But that is one of the only ways of expression they are allowed at this time.
Now let’s get to your rampant criticism of the characters. Firstly, I love that Smantha has sex with whoever she wants, whenever she wants and is up front about it....yes, a dumb thing to do (in public) in the UAE, which she learned...but I hardly think that this makes her a prostitute. It is exactly that kind of thinking that oppresses women. Why is it so socially acceptable for men to be sex-obsessesed but not women? I’m actually quite surprised that you would even go so far as to refer to a sexually ‘out there’ woman as a prostitute....and the fact that she talks about menopause, hormones and vaginal lubricants, I applause. These are topics that would never have been uttered in my mother’s generation, even to the closest of friends. But hormonal changes, menopause, and variations in sex drive and physiology are a reality for all women. Why should this be so hushed? I’m not saying that we should all sky write it!...but, I believe, that given that it is a natural thing, we should be able to discuss this with our closest friends as Samantha does in the film.
Secondly, you’re message appears to be that wealthy people should not be allowed to have problems which are similar to the rest of us ‘not-so’ wealthy people. I didn’t take from this movie that any of the women felt sorry for themselves (given their wealthy statuses). They have problems here and there, sure, which are completely human (wealthy or not!), but they are and do end up being very happy and thankful for their lives. Again, this appears to be ignorant cynicism on your part – did you actually watch the movie, or did you have your mind made-up before?
It is not like they are all crying ‘poor me, I can’t stand my life’...they have a few break-downs under stress (a screaming 2 year old is stress!), but ultimately they are very happy with their lives.....and had you watched this show from day one, you would know that they (with the exception of Charlotte) are all characters that started with very little and worked hard to achieve success and wealth.
I, personally, would never be someone that would spend $400 on shoes when there are children starving on the other side of the world. But I’m also not going to stake and burn any women who have worked hard to earn the money to buy those $400 shoes....Equality means the right to chose! And we also don’t seem to lambast men who put thousands into their material pursuits.
So to all those who have judged Sex and The City, without ever watching the shows or the movies, smarten-up and open your minds. I’m not saying you have to like it or agree with it. But I think that the show ultimately displays the importance of friendships in life and also shows that women can love sex just for sex, can love love and can also be successful in business and as mothers/wives all at once. That may not be the deepest or most meaningful of all life lessons, but I definitely do not think it deserves to be so dumped on.
213
Where, oh, where is the Sarah Jessica Parker who appeared in "Ed Wood", the one who could be described by words like "oddball"?
After reading this review, I have a burning desire to gay-marry Lindy West.
Oddball love, Lindy West. Oddball love.
After reading this review, I have a burning desire to gay-marry Lindy West.
Oddball love, Lindy West. Oddball love.
214
This review is way too bitter. Come on, it's just an escapist flick for women. It doesn't have to be realistic and the characters don't have to be virtuous. It's really stupid to take it so seriously.
And yes, it is sexism when women lose the right to be as shallow, slutty and self-obsessed as men. So enough with this pseudo-feminist BS.
And yes, it is sexism when women lose the right to be as shallow, slutty and self-obsessed as men. So enough with this pseudo-feminist BS.
215
Like the comment @153
went to film last night (UK) with 279 other women & we all enjoyed dressing up glam & having some escapism. Film not as great as I expected but still good entertainment.
Mind you - considering one of my all-time favourite films is Desperately Seeking Susan you might want to overlook my opinion ;)
went to film last night (UK) with 279 other women & we all enjoyed dressing up glam & having some escapism. Film not as great as I expected but still good entertainment.
Mind you - considering one of my all-time favourite films is Desperately Seeking Susan you might want to overlook my opinion ;)
216
I think if you're looking for a movie that reflects or mirrors the everyday modern woman, than this isn't for you. It's not meant to be taken so seriously and I would take a movie like this over the Prince of Persia any day. I saw SATC yesterday, it's not masterpiece theatre, it's not intended to be. I find it interesting how vague disinterest never factors in with SATC reviews. It's either anger or admiration.
222
Genius article. Lindy you are the evil twin of the writer John Niven "Kill your Friends".
Almost as amusing as your laser guided annihilation of this cuntfest are some of the comments left by irritated readers.
How can you; A. Criticise this review? or B. Defend this movie?
Dear Domenica and all your SITC2 fan chums,
Lindy Wests article is very funny, brilliantly written and spot on. Whilst your pseudo intellectual critique of her review and stout support for what is without doubt, a fucking disgrace of a film, betrays your taste, intellect and values. So wise up, take a deep breath and think about it. Maybe you are wrong, maybe it is not alright to like it. Maybe it is not harmless escapism.
It celebrates the worst traits in human nature, and packages them as desirable glossy values for stupid and lazy people to aspire to. Whilst on it's own it maybe of little influence, the normalisation of this type of crap has permeated our culture so completely that it is harmful.
I can imagine Paris Hilton thinking this is a good movie. This is a woman with a forum, money, influence and power to do incredible good in the world. Her contribution to society... a nightvision cock in her gob and a little yappy dog.
Peace and Love.
Dan
Almost as amusing as your laser guided annihilation of this cuntfest are some of the comments left by irritated readers.
How can you; A. Criticise this review? or B. Defend this movie?
Dear Domenica and all your SITC2 fan chums,
Lindy Wests article is very funny, brilliantly written and spot on. Whilst your pseudo intellectual critique of her review and stout support for what is without doubt, a fucking disgrace of a film, betrays your taste, intellect and values. So wise up, take a deep breath and think about it. Maybe you are wrong, maybe it is not alright to like it. Maybe it is not harmless escapism.
It celebrates the worst traits in human nature, and packages them as desirable glossy values for stupid and lazy people to aspire to. Whilst on it's own it maybe of little influence, the normalisation of this type of crap has permeated our culture so completely that it is harmful.
I can imagine Paris Hilton thinking this is a good movie. This is a woman with a forum, money, influence and power to do incredible good in the world. Her contribution to society... a nightvision cock in her gob and a little yappy dog.
Peace and Love.
Dan
225
Thank you, thank you for this great review! I laughed aloud, and that doesn't happen often.
I feel, on some level, that pop culture is digressing, not evolving and not moving forward with it's interpretation of strong, independent women. We got Xena. We got Buffy...now? Does the public really think that feminism is about women who "don't feel bad" about buying tons of shoes, talking about sex openly (gasp!), and sleeping with younger men?
What we should ask is; What would Buffy say? I know what she'd do - she'd use their stilettos to beat the shit out of them.
I feel, on some level, that pop culture is digressing, not evolving and not moving forward with it's interpretation of strong, independent women. We got Xena. We got Buffy...now? Does the public really think that feminism is about women who "don't feel bad" about buying tons of shoes, talking about sex openly (gasp!), and sleeping with younger men?
What we should ask is; What would Buffy say? I know what she'd do - she'd use their stilettos to beat the shit out of them.
228
God, I was so depressed about hating SATC2 when my gay best friend organised an outing to a special screening with celebrities and a dress code and everything. And now I know I am not alone. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
229
Although I agree with some of your points I'm actually disgusted by your review.
The film in it's approach to certain issues was trying to be controversial just as you're trying to be controversial in the language and imagery you use in your review.
Maybe you could also try and explain why thousands..no wait...millions of women will go and watch this film.
Anyway Sex and The City will have a legacy that luckily your vulgar review won't.
The film in it's approach to certain issues was trying to be controversial just as you're trying to be controversial in the language and imagery you use in your review.
Maybe you could also try and explain why thousands..no wait...millions of women will go and watch this film.
Anyway Sex and The City will have a legacy that luckily your vulgar review won't.
230
"a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls."
In this movie and in this article homosexuality was reduced to a couple one liners. Can writers learn to rely on less cliches about gay men to induce laughter out of straight audiences?
In this movie and in this article homosexuality was reduced to a couple one liners. Can writers learn to rely on less cliches about gay men to induce laughter out of straight audiences?
231
@229 "Maybe you could also try and explain why thousands..no wait...millions of women will go and watch this film.
Anyway Sex and The City will have a legacy that luckily your vulgar review won't."
So will Twilight. Both SATC and Twilight are garbage for emotionally stunted children of advancing age.
Anyway Sex and The City will have a legacy that luckily your vulgar review won't."
So will Twilight. Both SATC and Twilight are garbage for emotionally stunted children of advancing age.
232
This review is wonderful and a true indication of how terrible the movie is. The series was entertaining since it was what it was - a 30 minute comedy that allowed people to get away from their day to day lives. The first movie shouldn't have happened since they ended the series quite well. But they should have never made a second movie. There were so many awful and over the top things in the movie but I think the worst is the quote from Miranada 'Abu-Dhabi-Do'. That's right she quotes from the Flinstones - enough said.
233
I loved the series, the first movie, and this movie.
And I don't hate myself or other women. I love shoes and beautiful clothing - and I care about humanity and compassion and giving back. To suggest that one is mutually exclusive of the other doesn't do anything to move women forward either.
I loved that a franchise that is largely about celebrating fun, fashion, and frank talk about sex evolved to the point of touching on motherhood and menopause.
And many Muslim women do wear designer clothes under their "black robes and veils".
It was just supposed to be a fun movie. Being able to indulge in "escapist fantasies" doesn't make a woman less of a feminist, and doesn't do much to continue to attract younger generations to the movement.
And I don't hate myself or other women. I love shoes and beautiful clothing - and I care about humanity and compassion and giving back. To suggest that one is mutually exclusive of the other doesn't do anything to move women forward either.
I loved that a franchise that is largely about celebrating fun, fashion, and frank talk about sex evolved to the point of touching on motherhood and menopause.
And many Muslim women do wear designer clothes under their "black robes and veils".
It was just supposed to be a fun movie. Being able to indulge in "escapist fantasies" doesn't make a woman less of a feminist, and doesn't do much to continue to attract younger generations to the movement.
235
What a great review - I almost want to see the movie now, so I can be in on the joke!
I was a big fan of the TV show, and enjoyed the first movie, but thought that that was enough - everything had been wrapped up, every loose end resolved. I remember thinking "That was good; I hope they don't make another one." But here we are. Please please let this be the end of it all. (Well, maybe at least until about 30 years have passed and we can see if these chicks have moved on at all.)
I was a big fan of the TV show, and enjoyed the first movie, but thought that that was enough - everything had been wrapped up, every loose end resolved. I remember thinking "That was good; I hope they don't make another one." But here we are. Please please let this be the end of it all. (Well, maybe at least until about 30 years have passed and we can see if these chicks have moved on at all.)
236
"Being able to indulge in "escapist fantasies" doesn't make a woman less of a feminist"
Of course not, but it does if you pretend that regressive and cryptoracist trash like this meets any "feminist" ideals.
"And many Muslim women do wear designer clothes under their 'black robes and veils'."
Way to miss the point.
Of course not, but it does if you pretend that regressive and cryptoracist trash like this meets any "feminist" ideals.
"And many Muslim women do wear designer clothes under their 'black robes and veils'."
Way to miss the point.
237
I'm one gay dude who HATES Sarah Jessica Shitface, although I don't hate her as much as I hate her husband, although he does deserve some credit for having the unique distinction of creating an entire acting style out of anemia.
238
Is not insinuating with your oh so cleverly outlined “prostitute” in regards to Samantha, completely shitting on your ideals of feminism that you appear to so strongly support. Samantha is sexually liberated and therefore a whore? It’s the close minded bullshit that furthers the very feminism you rant about. Or in addressing how these girls are so close minded and outdated, deems all women to be grouped as one. These women aren’t intended to represent the entire female population, they are meant to reflect the sexual and feminity side that some women which to express, for purely entertainment, and in promoting the embracing of their beautify and empowering women. I personally find it promoting and enforcing of the fact that one should love their body, love to dress it and take care of it, put themselves first, for fill their own sexual needs rather than denouncing the entire movie as stilly little girls that are continune sexism, ill continue to wear my feminine clothes, talk about sex ,and love myself. But if you feel that or the representation of that is demeaning to women, i would like to know how you suggest society as a whole deals with this then, as are women and mean meant to lack both femininity and masculinity and become one unisex one gendered similarity. If people stopped pointing out “sexism…sexism…”and just realized that there are a billion different people in the world and a billion different lifestyles associated with those very people and grouping anyone in modern day society is incorrect, contrary to what is believed, this was not the intention of the movie.
239
So hoping Absolutely Fabulous gets revived with a guest appearance by Sasha Baron Cohen so that they make a scene for scene parody of SATC2
240
"If people stopped pointing out 'sexism…sexism…' "
I love how every criticism of this review amounts to anti-intellectuals justifying their trashy delusions of grandeur Sarah Palin-style while guzzling velveeta. Everybody wants to be nouveau-riche and fuck everything that moves on top of gaudy fur coats nobody wants to turn their brains on. The series may have held some value at some point, but it's not gasping for relevancy, it's a big hollow cash-grab.
I love how every criticism of this review amounts to anti-intellectuals justifying their trashy delusions of grandeur Sarah Palin-style while guzzling velveeta. Everybody wants to be nouveau-riche and fuck everything that moves on top of gaudy fur coats nobody wants to turn their brains on. The series may have held some value at some point, but it's not gasping for relevancy, it's a big hollow cash-grab.
241
I loved the show. I hated this movie. It was ridiculous. You forgot to mention the most idiotic scene in the movie: singing "I am woman" karaoke. Just thinking about that part makes me want to slam my head into the wall.
Also, can we mention how Samantha is in PR and yet she doesn't do good PR for herself? That fact drove me crazy.
Also, can we mention how Samantha is in PR and yet she doesn't do good PR for herself? That fact drove me crazy.
242
Someone should tell Lindy's editors that raving misogynist rants are not more acceptable when they come from women. I'm sure when you are fifty plus, Lindy, others will find your vagina quite as repellent as you find Samantha's. Of course, yours might be pretty unappealing now in the freshness of your youth. I have no idea, but then you brought up the subject.
(Which is not to say that this movie is good. I'm sure it isn't. But that's not what's bothering me right now.)
(Which is not to say that this movie is good. I'm sure it isn't. But that's not what's bothering me right now.)
245
As a woman well into her forties who has always been outwardly sexual, has a large sexual appetite, and has never apologized for any of it, I find the comments in defense of the Samantha "character" (I put the word in quotes b/c from the little I've seen of the show she's LESS than a cardboard cutout) more than a little hard to understand. Samantha is abhorrent exactly *because* all she does is holler about fucking, with never a word to say about anything else. All I can figure is that maybe if you're a woman who desires to, but has never been been able to assert yourself sexually, or is somehow uncomfortable publicly dressing/behaving sexy b/c you might be labeled a slut, you look at Samantha with envy as someone who is "liberated"? Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with women who prefer to dress and behave sexually conservatively because it is true to their nature. I doubt these women would idolize Samantha, however.
Real women who love sex and aren't ashamed of that fact don't have to go around constantly bleating about the details and bragging about how long/how many/how kinky/how much we love it to prove it. We just are who we are and do what we do. That is not to say we don't dish, it's just not the ONLY thing we ever dish about.
And to youse who say "Lindy you obviously have issues! It's *supposed* to be a fantasy! It's *supposed* to be escapist and fun!" Perhaps. That doesn't mean it doesn't also SUCK DONKEY BALLS. Lindy is merely illuminating that fact. It's her JOB to give an opinion. If reviewers only ever wrote reviews for movies they liked, what would be the damn point?
Real women who love sex and aren't ashamed of that fact don't have to go around constantly bleating about the details and bragging about how long/how many/how kinky/how much we love it to prove it. We just are who we are and do what we do. That is not to say we don't dish, it's just not the ONLY thing we ever dish about.
And to youse who say "Lindy you obviously have issues! It's *supposed* to be a fantasy! It's *supposed* to be escapist and fun!" Perhaps. That doesn't mean it doesn't also SUCK DONKEY BALLS. Lindy is merely illuminating that fact. It's her JOB to give an opinion. If reviewers only ever wrote reviews for movies they liked, what would be the damn point?
246
It must've been love, but it's over now...
Now, I love you and I want to follow your life and live vicariously through you please
Now, I love you and I want to follow your life and live vicariously through you please
247
It must've been love, but it's over now...
Now, I love you and I want to follow your life and live vicariously through you please
Now, I love you and I want to follow your life and live vicariously through you please
248
It must've been love, but it's over now...
Now, I love you and I want to follow your life and live vicariously through you please
Now, I love you and I want to follow your life and live vicariously through you please
249
It must've been love, but it's over now...
Now, I love you and I want to follow your life and live vicariously through you please
Now, I love you and I want to follow your life and live vicariously through you please
250
I consider myself a highly educated liberal feminist, yet I was still able to relax and enjoy SATC2. IMO, it was more enjoyable than the first movie. Granted, my expectations were low due to all the crappy reviews it has been getting but the movie was for the most part (karaoke aside) fun escapism. Three of the four women have careers, and the movie even shows Carrie getting a bad review on one of her books, so there were touches of realism to be had.
The reviewer seems to have used a sledgehammer when a scalpel would have sufficed, and the shot at Cynthia Nixon's partner was completely over the line. I consider the review a woman-hating screed.
The reviewer seems to have used a sledgehammer when a scalpel would have sufficed, and the shot at Cynthia Nixon's partner was completely over the line. I consider the review a woman-hating screed.
251
I consider myself a highly educated liberal feminist, yet I was still able to relax and enjoy SATC2. IMO, it was more enjoyable than the first movie. Granted, my expectations were low due to all the crappy reviews it has been getting but the movie was for the most part (karaoke aside) fun escapism. Three of the four women have careers, and the movie even shows Carrie getting a bad review on one of her books, so there were touches of realism to be had.
The reviewer seems to have used a sledgehammer when a scalpel would have sufficed, and the shot at Cynthia Nixon's partner was completely over the line. I consider the review a woman-hating screed.
The reviewer seems to have used a sledgehammer when a scalpel would have sufficed, and the shot at Cynthia Nixon's partner was completely over the line. I consider the review a woman-hating screed.
252
This article is absolutely peer genius... I have always hated this serious with its pretentious, ridiculous, spoiled bratty lame-ass girls that have nothing but two brain-cells each, and those are chasing each other around...
254
I'm a movie critic in Buffalo, New York who enjoyed the HBO series and disliked the first Sex And The City movie. I am also not thrilled with the second entry. This review is brilliant. I wish I had written it.
255
I think this reviewer is hilarious, however, I also think this review further enforces the idea that women in general and in popular culture are (apparently) representative of their gender and therefore should/should not act in certain ways. That's such a limited perspective, and, written as a 'feminist' perspective it's damaging to feminism. Feminism is not about finger pointing and name calling and Sex and The city has never been about feminism. It was an extravagant show about sex and fashioned obsessed New Yorkers.
Feminism is about equality between men and women, not how many people you sleep with or how expensive your shoes are. I'd like to read a feminist review of this film that appreciates that. Nevertheless, funny article Linda :)
Feminism is about equality between men and women, not how many people you sleep with or how expensive your shoes are. I'd like to read a feminist review of this film that appreciates that. Nevertheless, funny article Linda :)
256
I'm a movie critic in Buffalo, New York. I enjoyed the HBO series, but disliked the first Sex And The City movie. I am also not thrilled with the new entry. This review is brilliant. I wish I had written it.
258
If only we glorified women for having the kind of exceptional intellect and sharp humor Lindy exemplifies in this article as much as we idolise the sexualisation of them (no people, SATC isn't about female liberation - it's about taking male fantasies and stereotypes and trying to - badly - package them as woman-power). I abhor it just as much as watching an over-tanned oil-slicked Megan Fox represent the female population in that highly intelligible masterpiece for the male movie-goer, Transformers. C'mon ladies, stop making it so hard for the rest of us to ever get credibility as equal, intelligent, human beings, workers and nurturers - capable of contributing more than arse, tits, self-obsessed whinging and designer shoes.
261
I found the most interesting part of the review was actually reading all the comments. I didn't originally intend for my comment to go so long, but then I decided to indulge myself, that's what this text box is for after all.
I don't believe that any media, whether it is intended to be 'escapist entertainment' or not, should itself be able to escape critical thought. The people who make these movies aren't going out of their way to provide you with mindless entertainment out of the goodness of their hearts, they are creating films like SATC2 because they KNOW it will profit. They KNOW there is an audience of uncritical viewers who will pay them to switch off for 146 minutes. By classifying films such as this as 'meaningless fluff' and accepting them uncritically we also hand to them their greatest power over us. Also, can you remember the last time a tv series or major motion picture really made you think? We don't seem to be doing much thinking about social justice and the like while we're at work trying to earn a living, so maybe we SHOULD be thinking about these things at home. What more pervasive (and sometimes unnoticeable) way to achieve this than through television? God forbid on your next lunch break you strike up a friendly opinionated conversation about abortion rights or homelessness. I think the last thing our world calls for is a portion of society that wishes to 'switch off'
I don't pretend to be a scholar of feminism but I know enough to say that everybody has their own particularly warped view of what it is and perhaps what it should be. All I want to say on the matter with regards to the SATC franchise, is that this is one of the few, if not the ONLY major tv show or film(s) entirely dedicated to women. Perhaps we could be more accepting of its intended 'lightheartedness' if there were an equally thoughtful counterpart. I am yet to see anything of the sort and I believe it is so dearly needed.
Finally, in a time when there is so much cultural misunderstanding and political conflict between ‘the west,’ the middle east and Islamic religion and I find it morally reprehensible and wildly inappropriate to present such a narrow westernised view in such an uncritical format to so so many viewers. Our cultural hegemony is the first thing that needs deconstructing and understanding in media and then we need to seriously address our understanding of and relationship with other cultures and countries.
More...
I don't believe that any media, whether it is intended to be 'escapist entertainment' or not, should itself be able to escape critical thought. The people who make these movies aren't going out of their way to provide you with mindless entertainment out of the goodness of their hearts, they are creating films like SATC2 because they KNOW it will profit. They KNOW there is an audience of uncritical viewers who will pay them to switch off for 146 minutes. By classifying films such as this as 'meaningless fluff' and accepting them uncritically we also hand to them their greatest power over us. Also, can you remember the last time a tv series or major motion picture really made you think? We don't seem to be doing much thinking about social justice and the like while we're at work trying to earn a living, so maybe we SHOULD be thinking about these things at home. What more pervasive (and sometimes unnoticeable) way to achieve this than through television? God forbid on your next lunch break you strike up a friendly opinionated conversation about abortion rights or homelessness. I think the last thing our world calls for is a portion of society that wishes to 'switch off'
I don't pretend to be a scholar of feminism but I know enough to say that everybody has their own particularly warped view of what it is and perhaps what it should be. All I want to say on the matter with regards to the SATC franchise, is that this is one of the few, if not the ONLY major tv show or film(s) entirely dedicated to women. Perhaps we could be more accepting of its intended 'lightheartedness' if there were an equally thoughtful counterpart. I am yet to see anything of the sort and I believe it is so dearly needed.
Finally, in a time when there is so much cultural misunderstanding and political conflict between ‘the west,’ the middle east and Islamic religion and I find it morally reprehensible and wildly inappropriate to present such a narrow westernised view in such an uncritical format to so so many viewers. Our cultural hegemony is the first thing that needs deconstructing and understanding in media and then we need to seriously address our understanding of and relationship with other cultures and countries.
263
Love the field mice in your long white beard Lindy, but less a fan of the age and sex bashing.
It's necessary to specify Samantha's exact age (52!) to describe exactly how gross it is that a woman over 50 is talking about enjoying sex. Geerrooss! Old women parts are so disgusting!! It's so offensive that she wants attractive younger men, and that they would accept her (when they are clearly entitled to bang young fresh woman parts). Put her in a home!!! UUUGGG! Ageism and Sexism: so funny!!!
In Doha, the capitol of Qatar, women powerwalk in Burkas with their iPod headphones hanging out, and there are luxury malls stuffed with high-end clothes sparklier, featherier, and showier than anything I have seen in the US (short of the SATC franchise).
To those who insist that being forced to cover in public is a small part of life for women in the middle east: if public appearance is so totally unimportant then why should the appearance of women in the SATC franchise bother you AT ALL? It is a single movie which people will see or not see, not a society-wide practice in which every woman is forced to engage.
I don't think that SATC has ever made its characters look like the creators of the system: we get flawed optimistic women who live ridiculous lives with incomes and roles previously reserved for men and try to make sense of it (it makes almost no sense: commercialism, gender roles, wealth and desire for security). They are often way off mark, naive (Charlotte and the nanny), and they occasionally do something which is unwittingly heroic. They try to figure out their worlds, try to find happiness and are bonded together by the unsmooth road and good intentions. The end. That is it.
It's necessary to specify Samantha's exact age (52!) to describe exactly how gross it is that a woman over 50 is talking about enjoying sex. Geerrooss! Old women parts are so disgusting!! It's so offensive that she wants attractive younger men, and that they would accept her (when they are clearly entitled to bang young fresh woman parts). Put her in a home!!! UUUGGG! Ageism and Sexism: so funny!!!
In Doha, the capitol of Qatar, women powerwalk in Burkas with their iPod headphones hanging out, and there are luxury malls stuffed with high-end clothes sparklier, featherier, and showier than anything I have seen in the US (short of the SATC franchise).
To those who insist that being forced to cover in public is a small part of life for women in the middle east: if public appearance is so totally unimportant then why should the appearance of women in the SATC franchise bother you AT ALL? It is a single movie which people will see or not see, not a society-wide practice in which every woman is forced to engage.
I don't think that SATC has ever made its characters look like the creators of the system: we get flawed optimistic women who live ridiculous lives with incomes and roles previously reserved for men and try to make sense of it (it makes almost no sense: commercialism, gender roles, wealth and desire for security). They are often way off mark, naive (Charlotte and the nanny), and they occasionally do something which is unwittingly heroic. They try to figure out their worlds, try to find happiness and are bonded together by the unsmooth road and good intentions. The end. That is it.
264
You are instantly and permanently my favourite person, and though I'm not overly emotional, I feel free in saying: I Love You.
Thank you, have a wonderful day.
Feminism! Fuck yeah!
*chuckles*
Thank you, have a wonderful day.
Feminism! Fuck yeah!
*chuckles*
265
very well written review. i had no interest in seeing this movie at all but now i kind of want to just for the entertainment of being baked and laughing at all the ridiculous things this article points out. props to ya!
266
has anyone ever seen smithereens? i think the same person who wrote and directed that movie created sex in the city [years later].
i've never met anyone who's seen it. but it's really good. i've never seen SATC tho. i've heard it's far from the same thing.
i've never met anyone who's seen it. but it's really good. i've never seen SATC tho. i've heard it's far from the same thing.
267
As a muslim woman from Dubai I applaud you for this article..this is why I've always hated this Godforsaken franchise! Carrie Bradshaw can suck on my left tit!
271
You have summed up perfectly and hilariously everything I hate about this movie and these women. In fact I think this is the greatest review I have ever read of any movie ever. I salute you!
272
I have to admit to a bit of confusion regarding the "feminist" aspect of SATC. I don't recall the series or these films being marketed as feminist. In fact,looking at the way the characters were written,they are clearly "anti-feminist." All Charlotte ever wanted to do was get married and have babies with a wealthy man,of course. All Carrie ever wanted to do was get Mr. Big and buy as many over priced designer shoes as possible . All Miranda ever wanted to do was find a man that could deal with her being a high-priced Manhattan lawyer and not have ego issues. All Samantha wanted to do was have sex with any man she thought was attractive. There are no feminist ideals there.This series and these movies are a testament to excess. If viewed as a live action cartoon--which it most closely resembles, it is semi- tolerable. But for God's sake,stop trying to put some feminist label on it!
273
I have no idea whether in any other aspect of her life, or her reviews, I love/hate/don't care about Lindy West. But THIS is the greatest review I have read since Rolling Stone's review of Funkadelic's 1971 release, "Maggot Brain," which I have memorized verbatim: "Who needs this shit?"
274
Isn't this out of the range of the Stranger? I'm surprised you guys even bothered with this movie. But it is nice every once in a while to shoot fish in a barrel. Or shove a retarded kid on concrete.
275
God Damn, Whoo-ee! This is THEE funniest, best review I've ever read ever. It almost makes me want to see the thing, but, yeah, no. Great job, Ms. West.
276
you are spot on with this review. brilliant. he turned this into a total gayfest with nary a recognizable actual woman in site.
277
oh my god.. I read this review a few hours after a friend invited me to go and got the tickets...
I secretly wished for this review to be overly cynical... I wished for this review to be a hyperbole of what I was going to see...
...alas....
I secretly wished for this review to be overly cynical... I wished for this review to be a hyperbole of what I was going to see...
...alas....
278
I think the critics may be creating a backlash to their backlash against SATC2. When I saw the previews, I thought the movie appeared tacky, derivative and just plain boring. I suspect everyone except for the most rabid Sex fans felt the same, just from seeing the previews. Then, I read all the hyperbolic reviews condemning the film as the worst piece of garbage every spawned from the loins of the Great Hollywood Satan, and I thought, "Hell, if it pisses of the PC limousine liberal set, I have to go see this movie!" I bought two tickets and went with my husband to see it today. We both thought it was fairly entertaining. Yes, it was too long and very fluffy, but then we weren't expecting La Dolce Vita. Or, perhaps since the reviews were so harsh, we expected the film to be far, far worse than it was. Either way, we left wondering what all the fuss was about. Anyone who goes to the movie expecting it to be an insightful feminist critique or a sensitive cross-cultural study is a complete idiot, and deserves to be offended. If Lindsey West and the rest of Sisterhood of the Traveling Victimhood are driven to throw on veils and have their mouths sewn up, then SATC2 is a smashing success in my book.
279
@278 "Anyone who goes to the movie expecting it to be an insightful feminist critique or a sensitive cross-cultural study is a complete idiot, and deserves to be offended
...
If Lindsey West and the rest of Sisterhood of the Traveling Victimhood are driven to throw on veils and have their mouths sewn up"
False dichotomy there, creezy. Fundamentalist Islam is loathsome, but so is this mayonnaise-dripping and corn syrup-soaked pile of trash culture.
With all the regressive and fist-pumpingly stupid themes you might as well be watching some Judd Apatow jackoff comedy.
...
If Lindsey West and the rest of Sisterhood of the Traveling Victimhood are driven to throw on veils and have their mouths sewn up"
False dichotomy there, creezy. Fundamentalist Islam is loathsome, but so is this mayonnaise-dripping and corn syrup-soaked pile of trash culture.
With all the regressive and fist-pumpingly stupid themes you might as well be watching some Judd Apatow jackoff comedy.
281
How nice. What a bunch of misogynistic pseudo-intellectual b.s. It's a movie people! And Lindy, if your personal feminine imagine as a hard working woman contributing to society includes the perverse analogy of being raped to death with a stiletto, you my dear need some therapy and are no lady! See You Next Tuesday...
282
How nice. What a bunch of misogynistic pseudo-intellectual b.s. It's a movie people! And Lindy, if your personal feminine imagine as a hard working woman contributing to society includes the perverse analogy of being raped to death with a stiletto, you my dear need some therapy and are no lady! See You Next Tuesday...
283
After this incredible tour de force, I cannot wait for your review of the next "Twilight" film. I'm going to make 2 gallons of popcorn and buy a paper bag (in case of hyperventilation) and an economy sized package of Depends just for that. I'll need all of that and probably an entire box of Kleenex for the tears of laughter if it's as good as this one.
284
I have never heard of you before Lindy, but you are now my favorite movie reviewer of all time. Killer funny! Can't wait to read you again.
285
Huh, so basically because the woman criticizes the movie she never gets laid, shaves armpits, or is feminine in any way. Who would've guessed that the fans of this show are just as shallow, catty, and disturbed as the characters themselves.
286
U need to chill out and not totally over analyse it SO much. It never wanted to win any oscars!! It's throwaway fun and the whole "it makes me look like less of a woman" shtick is really tired. Sure if u are that insecure about yourself it will but it's a movie. It ain't a manual on how modern women are. Is that not what a lot of movies are about? Fantasy.
288
Hmmmm. I haven't and won't see the movie. This review only serves to affirm my abject hatred of the SATC franchise. I'm not getting the accusations of mysogyny, though. I hate the characters on this show as much or more than I hate the characters on Grey's Anatomy. It doesn't mean I hate women in general. Sarah Jessica Parker's voice bothers me even when she's not spewing the shit the SATC writers have created for her. The goblin shoulders comment and the details of Kim Cattrall's (sp?) dried up puss? I can see how that might offend some people, but maybe those people read The Stranger with the hope that they'll read something that fills them with righteous indignation. Yup, this review was pure fucking hilarity and all of you Lindy haters can lick my hairy, cheese encrusted ballsack.
P.S.--Lindy, I hope you'll consider suffering through a few episodes of Grey's Anatomy and blessing us with a review of that shitbox of a television show.
P.S.--Lindy, I hope you'll consider suffering through a few episodes of Grey's Anatomy and blessing us with a review of that shitbox of a television show.
289
I've constructed an elaborate sequence of events that nearly prevented this from getting printed; Savage all miserly behind a desk, yelling about inches and presses, surrounded by nubile young interns pawing hungrily at his crotch. Then it basically turns into that scene in Transmetropolitan where Spider clocks his editor, but with Lindy and Savage instead of Spider and Mitchell.
290
Fantastic review. Absolutely fantastic. Had me howling with laughter. Lindy West perfectly captures this pile of crap movie. Well said... on every level.
291
Lindy West - I just love you beyond words. You have saved my sanity.
I just wouldn't, couldn't go through these 146 min.
However, through some bizarre circumstances I recently was thrown into the circles of living inflated sex dolls, beach volley ball implants,it bags,shopping, shopping,popping pills, and you name it, etc. of Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, reality. Yes, this world really exists. And it was the most unsettling experience of my life.
I just wouldn't, couldn't go through these 146 min.
However, through some bizarre circumstances I recently was thrown into the circles of living inflated sex dolls, beach volley ball implants,it bags,shopping, shopping,popping pills, and you name it, etc. of Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, reality. Yes, this world really exists. And it was the most unsettling experience of my life.
292
Well done, Lindy West. You have annoyed me to the point of speechlessness. Almost. That whole post looks at the movie in the most negative and assuming way and forgets what people love it for: It's ridiculous but fabulous escapist qualities. Just because it didn't perfectly reflect real life and the waining global economy doesn't mean people can't enjoy it. I understand it's your right to lambaste it to within an inch of it's life. But impartiality and an open mind you obviously have not. Get off the "Me Woman. Me Hate Sex. Me Equal" bandwagon and write reviews of non-fiction novels.
294
A WHOLE THEATER FULL OF PEOPLE LAUGHED THEIR BUTTS OFF.
We had a good time.
Only 2 guys in the theater.
(I was one. Hetero. Committed. With my Honey.)
Suggest that:
1. The movie poked fun at the Arabs no more than we did at the French with Insp Clousou, or the English w. Col. Blimp, Germans w. Col. Klink, etc. Or, for that matter, than The Music Man does at some American peculiarities.
2. The Gay Wedding was sweet, actually a bit romantic.
3. The folks above, and the reviewer, need some ExLax.
Did I mention that a whole theater full of people enjoyed the hell out of this flick?
We had a good time.
Only 2 guys in the theater.
(I was one. Hetero. Committed. With my Honey.)
Suggest that:
1. The movie poked fun at the Arabs no more than we did at the French with Insp Clousou, or the English w. Col. Blimp, Germans w. Col. Klink, etc. Or, for that matter, than The Music Man does at some American peculiarities.
2. The Gay Wedding was sweet, actually a bit romantic.
3. The folks above, and the reviewer, need some ExLax.
Did I mention that a whole theater full of people enjoyed the hell out of this flick?
295
By comment 295, I'm sure this is a trite, hackneyed cliche. As well as being redundant.. ha. I love you.
296
thank you, i needed a laugh this morning!
while i loved the series (the last 2 years weren't my favorite but i liked them anyway), i thought the first movie was just one big commercial and one of the most superficial movies i've ever seen. a damn shame. the second movie looks much, much worse. thanks for confirming.
while i loved the series (the last 2 years weren't my favorite but i liked them anyway), i thought the first movie was just one big commercial and one of the most superficial movies i've ever seen. a damn shame. the second movie looks much, much worse. thanks for confirming.
297
Comment 294 is 1. An idiot. 2. an idiot 3. an idiot. And probably not hetero, methinks he doth protest to much.
With a name like elmo... also I love the logic in arguing for peer pressure. "Did I mention that a whole theater full of people enjoyed the hell out of this flick?" Yes, please elmo, remind us to follow the horde.
“When a well-packaged web of lies has been sold gradually to the masses over generations, the truth will seem utterly preposterous and its speaker a raving lunatic.” - Dresden James
With a name like elmo... also I love the logic in arguing for peer pressure. "Did I mention that a whole theater full of people enjoyed the hell out of this flick?" Yes, please elmo, remind us to follow the horde.
“When a well-packaged web of lies has been sold gradually to the masses over generations, the truth will seem utterly preposterous and its speaker a raving lunatic.” - Dresden James
298
Thank you!! Thank you!! Thank you!!!! I'm so sick these shallow, self-obsessed, fashion-obsessed, skinny bitch label lickers, (who are apparently so intelligent, but always prove otherwise) that we, as women, are supposed to identify with. Because, as always, it's about being skinny and beautiful in order to snag or keep a man.
299
All you people who went to the cinema to see Sex And The City 1 - this is your fault. Hang your sorry heads in shame.
300
@294 "Did I mention that a whole theater full of people enjoyed the hell out of this flick?"
Did someone mention that you're an intellectually stunted man-child?
@298 "who are apparently so intelligent, but always prove otherwise"
They make the cast of Desperate Housewives look like WoMensa.
Did someone mention that you're an intellectually stunted man-child?
@298 "who are apparently so intelligent, but always prove otherwise"
They make the cast of Desperate Housewives look like WoMensa.
301
"COUTURE DOES NOT MAKE YOU POWERFUL"
The film is escapist fluff, and thus entertaining.
But it is also something alot worse. What you're laughing at is
American ignorance. That it's okay to have no couth,
nor discretion, nor to manifest any respect for other cultures... no matter how
backwards you think they are.
They are so shocked to be thrown out of the hotel. They're lucky they weren't all beheaded.
If anyone ever loved Sam, this film will make them feel incredibly sorry for her. The writers and director made her look
like a brainless, total idiot.
I was so wishing they DID put her in jail and left her there, while her friends flew
home, la-de-dah'd...
Her belligerance vis a vis her orgasms
"must have orgasm or I die" is repellent. I am a fifty-something woman with an active sex-life, and Samantha's obsessiveness is an embarrassing cliche. YOu can be sexy and empowered and not act like a 'diamond encrusted clown.' LOVE THAT LINE!!!
Not one of these women have any class, no matter how expensive their clothes are.
The long excruciating scene of Carrie, upset that she kissed another man... what is this, kindergarten? Who bloodie cares? She's just as
crazed a slut as Samantha, and a bigger hypocrite.
Of the several reviews I have read online, only this reviewer
bothered to mention the incredibly offensive scenes of Samantha and her sexual promiscuity. it is actually true, though, that women in burqas do indulge in couture beneath the black veils. That's not fiction.
But in no way doe sit make them powerful.
Not until they are rid of the burqa will they
have a truly powerful existence.
The film is escapist fluff, and thus entertaining.
But it is also something alot worse. What you're laughing at is
American ignorance. That it's okay to have no couth,
nor discretion, nor to manifest any respect for other cultures... no matter how
backwards you think they are.
They are so shocked to be thrown out of the hotel. They're lucky they weren't all beheaded.
If anyone ever loved Sam, this film will make them feel incredibly sorry for her. The writers and director made her look
like a brainless, total idiot.
I was so wishing they DID put her in jail and left her there, while her friends flew
home, la-de-dah'd...
Her belligerance vis a vis her orgasms
"must have orgasm or I die" is repellent. I am a fifty-something woman with an active sex-life, and Samantha's obsessiveness is an embarrassing cliche. YOu can be sexy and empowered and not act like a 'diamond encrusted clown.' LOVE THAT LINE!!!
Not one of these women have any class, no matter how expensive their clothes are.
The long excruciating scene of Carrie, upset that she kissed another man... what is this, kindergarten? Who bloodie cares? She's just as
crazed a slut as Samantha, and a bigger hypocrite.
Of the several reviews I have read online, only this reviewer
bothered to mention the incredibly offensive scenes of Samantha and her sexual promiscuity. it is actually true, though, that women in burqas do indulge in couture beneath the black veils. That's not fiction.
But in no way doe sit make them powerful.
Not until they are rid of the burqa will they
have a truly powerful existence.
302
So . . . . maybe I'm naive, but I think this reviewer took the movie WAAAAY too seriously. I mean, it was totally a satire, right? Of course it's ridiculous, because it's supposed to be ridiculous and over-the-top, and that's why it's amusing and entertaining! I think if you're offended then you missed the point.
Lighten up, Lindy. You're whining sounds much like the wealthy lady characters that you so disdain. This movie had nothing to do with feminism, except perhaps to mock it and in so doing, mock itself.
Lighten up, Lindy. You're whining sounds much like the wealthy lady characters that you so disdain. This movie had nothing to do with feminism, except perhaps to mock it and in so doing, mock itself.
303
Actaully veiled women in the middle east do indeed where very expensive stilettos and designer wear under their robes. They are a major consumer for handbags and goods having much more money than we have here in the US. Behind clothes doors, they dress much more provocatively than the sex and the city girls and will do anything sexually that their husband asks. They are not oppressed however because they choose to wear the veil believing that this makes them more desireable and wholesome whilst western women are just whores thats why men are not good to us.
304
I learned from Jian Ghomeshi on Q (cbc, out of Toronto) that Lindy West's review of SATC II has gone viral. I'm not surprised, the first time I read one of Lindy's movie reviews I knew I was in the presence of greatness. A great read, gloriously snarky. Congratulations, Lindy!
305
I dunno, not that the series or movies are in any way above criticism, but am I the only one who finds the melodramatic hand wringing just a tiny bit unnecessary? Yeah the materialism is annoying but people act like this is the only thing ever that celebrates it this much. I like the show and enjoy snarking on it as well (I love complaining about the awful puns), but the whining about how this is a major feminism fail and how dare anyone make a movie about excess when there are starving kids in Africa blah blah blah, its just tiresome. I'm not saying fluff is above criticism either, but can't we have any reasoned critiques that doesn't devolve into over the top hysteria?
And really, how come you don't see the same massive backlash about movies celebrating shallow, emotionally stunted, privileged middle aged horndog men?
And really, how come you don't see the same massive backlash about movies celebrating shallow, emotionally stunted, privileged middle aged horndog men?
306
Hi MySpoonIsTooBig! You do. Read Lindy's (nearly as hilarious) review of "Do They Serve Beer in Hell". Stupid fucking tripe is stupid fucking tripe, no matter the culture or class that it is sliced from.
Personally, as a hardcore fan of SATC (in 2004, TWO friends bought me the trivia board game, which was as embarrassing as it was endearing), I'm pretty disappointed in the movie. It's not bad, I like clothes more than Lindy, I think maybe, but whereas the first movie seemed a little obnoxious but not without it's own good moments, the second one seemed like exactly what Lindy penned: gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls. It could have been better, and I feel like I have the right to be disappointed that it wasn't.
Personally, as a hardcore fan of SATC (in 2004, TWO friends bought me the trivia board game, which was as embarrassing as it was endearing), I'm pretty disappointed in the movie. It's not bad, I like clothes more than Lindy, I think maybe, but whereas the first movie seemed a little obnoxious but not without it's own good moments, the second one seemed like exactly what Lindy penned: gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls. It could have been better, and I feel like I have the right to be disappointed that it wasn't.
307
Damn! This review is so funny that I'm going to have to see the movie, just to see how bad it is. It's like when you're a kid and some other kid tells you there's a squished, stinking maggoty dead squirrel behind the school...you can't help it, you just HAVE to go look.
308
I haven't seen SATC the movie, and it HAS been yeeeaarrrrs since last seeing the show, But my read on this brilliant review is that this is a case of "life imitating art" or more accurately "the review imitating the reviewed" -
309
Oh I know "I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell" isn't taken too kindly in many places, but I meant more in terms of general dudebro movies celebrating arrested development. IHTSBIH is it's own special kind of awful, whereas most dudebro movies aren't quite so aggressively sexist. But point taken.
I haven't seen the new one yet, so I can't judge it, but I admit it does look cheesy and fun to snark. It's just that the general backlash I see here is a wee bit overblown.
When they first floated around the idea for SATC 2, I heard rumors that it might be a prequel, or at least have flashbacks to how they met or something. I thought that would have been cool, it always annoyed me on the show that they rarely mention any character back-stories.
I haven't seen the new one yet, so I can't judge it, but I admit it does look cheesy and fun to snark. It's just that the general backlash I see here is a wee bit overblown.
When they first floated around the idea for SATC 2, I heard rumors that it might be a prequel, or at least have flashbacks to how they met or something. I thought that would have been cool, it always annoyed me on the show that they rarely mention any character back-stories.
310
If a few Islamist extremists threaten Trey Parker and Matt Stone over a some scriblings of the Prophet on "South Park", you'd think that two-thirds of the Muslim world would rise up, grab a scimitar, get Michael Patrick King, and try to behead him (or at least chop off his cock) for this.
312
golightyly and louisix what is your opinion of blacks? all watermelon and fried chicken all the time? sheesh. try to deploy your stereotypes with a little nuance, please.
313
So wait, the Sex and the City sequel *isn't* quality cinema?? Because watching the trailer, I swear I could smell Oscar.
The only thing more obnoxious than the movie is this review.
The only thing more obnoxious than the movie is this review.
314
this lindsay person seems like someone who uses insults and profanity in order to get attention, we are all entitled to our opinion, but this review is ouvertly over the top and trashy.
316
Wow. This is the funniest thing I have ever read. Especially the part about Miranda; I totally agree with everything you wrote! Thank you!
318
it's a fantasy world film. that's why we love it. also, about empowered sexually free women. the way that samantha was handling menopause was so accurate and informative. they had a great consultant on that issue. right on the money about the bio-identical hormones and how fabulous women feel on them.
319
never do we get to see gorgeous men portrayed in all their glory in a mainstream film. it was refreshing. the cutey pies in the film were fun and super sexy.
320
charlottes interaction with her nanny, husband, was also accurate. it's a voice that needs to be heard. motherhood can be tough no matter how rich the mother. loved the line when she said she was worried more about losing her good nanny than her husband. a good nanny, as those of us who've used their services over the years, is hard to find.
321
i'm not one to rave about the current level of sexual promiscuity going on with the younger generation of women at this time. mostly because it seems to have nothing to do with their own empowerment. they seem to revel in being used and tossed by men or seem to think that's their role. Samantha's control of her sexuality is refreshing. She is the aggressor in her sexual conquests and thoroughly enjoys her life exactly the way it is. The young women of today seem obsessed with becoming blow up dolls for men's pleasure with their implants and waxings and anonymous hook-ups.
322
You've gone global - a friend in Istanbul sent a mention of your review made in London's Daily Telegraph to me here in Sydney (Australia).
And let me be the zillionth person to congratulate you on a howlingly funny review
And let me be the zillionth person to congratulate you on a howlingly funny review
324
Who are you Lindy? You are genius! I think I love you! And now I must go see the film and indulge in guilty pleasure
325
Whilst I entirely agree with most of this article I just wanted to point something out that i don't think has been mentioned either in the piece itself or the comments.
These women in SATC are entirely unhappy. No amount of expensive shoes, empty sex or stupid cocktails can change that.
I think that's the message anyone who watches the film should take away with them.
P.s. It's offensive to suggest that all gay people love SATC
These women in SATC are entirely unhappy. No amount of expensive shoes, empty sex or stupid cocktails can change that.
I think that's the message anyone who watches the film should take away with them.
P.s. It's offensive to suggest that all gay people love SATC
326
This review is pretty distasteful. First, the ageism about Samantha -- nice, talk about setting feminism back. Dragging the actor's personal lives into it, especially a lesbian -- another nice touch. And the idea that it's wrong to be entitled or that someone who has anything shouldn't ever complain or have problems. Not to mention the vitriol. I didn't find it even vaguely funny and feel bad for the lemmings who did.
327
When They come for us, and They look for the people from this movie to be first against the wall, will They be able to find them? Please tell me no. If so, we should all help Them.
And then I can say "When They came for the Sex and the City girls, I said, "They're over there!" And They rewarded me with Great Riches and much deserved Honor.
And then I can say "When They came for the Sex and the City girls, I said, "They're over there!" And They rewarded me with Great Riches and much deserved Honor.
330
OMG! This is the BEST bad review of this atrocious movie I have read!!! Kudos to you!! The only redeeming quality the series ever held for me was when Mikhail Baryshnikov guested. It re-ignited my 20 year crush on him. And admittedly, I would only fast-rorward to his scenes. After all, it wasn't like there was ever an actual PLOT! Thank God for TiVO!
331
I couldn't make it past the words "raped to death with a stiletto", so I unfortunately skipped to the last line, which just about made me ill.
This is the most misogynistic, homophobic thing I have read in..perhaps forever. I need to go take a shower now.
PS--I believe the TV show and movies are COMEDY, not documentary. Holy smack get some perspective.
This is the most misogynistic, homophobic thing I have read in..perhaps forever. I need to go take a shower now.
PS--I believe the TV show and movies are COMEDY, not documentary. Holy smack get some perspective.
332
After watching the first SATC movie out of morbid curiousity and wanting to spend an evening with my wife, I vowed that I would never again accost my eyeballs and brain with the imbecilic dreck of this franchise.
But after reading Lindy's review, I kind of have to see SATC2. Kind of like the way I have to look at my coiled turd in the toilet after dropping a deuce. Thanks a lot. Now, precious cerebral space will be absorbed with this fucked-up shit.
I'm vowing now to never read another review by Lindy...
But after reading Lindy's review, I kind of have to see SATC2. Kind of like the way I have to look at my coiled turd in the toilet after dropping a deuce. Thanks a lot. Now, precious cerebral space will be absorbed with this fucked-up shit.
I'm vowing now to never read another review by Lindy...
334
The other day I was explaining to somebody that the only good thing about that corporate rag, The Stranger, was that genius of comedy and sarcasm, Lindy West (I guess the number of hits on her stuff is self-explanatory).
Oh, yeah, that astrology column is the only other good thing, but Lindy's the best.
I know, some will dispute my description of The Stranger (which has endorsed all the corporate candidates for mayor since its inception) , undoubtedly because of editors like Dan "Let's invade Iraq and kill all the Iraqis" Savage....
Oh, yeah, that astrology column is the only other good thing, but Lindy's the best.
I know, some will dispute my description of The Stranger (which has endorsed all the corporate candidates for mayor since its inception) , undoubtedly because of editors like Dan "Let's invade Iraq and kill all the Iraqis" Savage....
335
To #317 (laydsrule): negative, YOU sound like an infantilized Zombie Consumer who can't differentiate between vacuous, insipid airheads, completely oblivious to their environment (the definition of Ameritard) and actual, live, thinking women.
336
To #284 "I have never heard of you before Lindy.."
Are you an Alien? Did you just arrive on Earth? Or are you one of those mutant cave dwellers?
Never heard of Lindy??????? WTF???
Are you an Alien? Did you just arrive on Earth? Or are you one of those mutant cave dwellers?
Never heard of Lindy??????? WTF???
337
That movie was atrocious and your review is fantastic.
One small note: Miranda quits her job because her boss is a jerk and is making her miserable, not because mothers who work are bad. By the end of the film, she has a new job. Not that it redeems the film at all, but her plot line was about the only one that didn't piss me off completely.
One small note: Miranda quits her job because her boss is a jerk and is making her miserable, not because mothers who work are bad. By the end of the film, she has a new job. Not that it redeems the film at all, but her plot line was about the only one that didn't piss me off completely.
338
My favourite movie critic referred me to this review in *his* review of this awful, awful film (Mark Kermode over at BBC Radio 2). Well done, Lindy!
339
I'm glad you added "it's not a joke" because the ending is something from a South Park episode. Hard to believe
340
Boo Hoo, complain, complain... but you saw it, didn't you? And NEWS FLASH OF TRUE REALITY PEOPLE..... it's a F'ing MOVIE!!!
P.S. dogs & babies dont talk either
F'ing morons.......... there are WAY MORE important things to worry, complain & RANT about!
P.S. dogs & babies dont talk either
F'ing morons.......... there are WAY MORE important things to worry, complain & RANT about!
341
Brilliant, and insightful. The "empowered" modern person is basically a shallow brat with no personal sense of meaning in life, so they find it by destroying what others find meaningful. That way, we're all equal! Demi-Robespierre would be proud.
342
Having been married to an amalgam of these women (minus, dammit Samanatha), and having had to watch the series (yes my nads had been severed at this point), I naturally refused to see SATC1 or 2.
Lindy, you borught my nads back! Thank you! Thank you!
Lindy, you borught my nads back! Thank you! Thank you!
343
Awesome review! I love the roar of words which made me laugh and laugh. Thank you, Lindy West!
All best
Kerry Madden
All best
Kerry Madden
349
"Culturally ignorant and ethnocentric, Sex and the City basically conveys that all that matters in life for a woman is material possessions and getting fucked."
Isn't that true though?
Isn't that true though?
350
Probably this comment will never get read at this point, but oh well. Here's my $0.02.
Agreed. Both movies sucked big time. Did you not like the show at all? I think the show on HBO had a lot of redeeming qualities. It wasn't all about materialism. The characters were at times for all their sexuality, confidence, beauty and wealth were very vulnerable. Something anyone can relate to. The shoes were a backdrop and a prop not the raison d'etre.
I don't think your review is very good. It sounds to me like you took the movie personally and perhaps just a tad too seriously. Films are just films. Not real life. I think a good review will judge a film against its own merits or lack thereof or how it might stack up against other films. What of its character development or originality? How about the cinematography? Again I'm not defending the movie but pointing out what a good review might do. You took the plot out of context to highlight its absurdities.
Agreed. Both movies sucked big time. Did you not like the show at all? I think the show on HBO had a lot of redeeming qualities. It wasn't all about materialism. The characters were at times for all their sexuality, confidence, beauty and wealth were very vulnerable. Something anyone can relate to. The shoes were a backdrop and a prop not the raison d'etre.
I don't think your review is very good. It sounds to me like you took the movie personally and perhaps just a tad too seriously. Films are just films. Not real life. I think a good review will judge a film against its own merits or lack thereof or how it might stack up against other films. What of its character development or originality? How about the cinematography? Again I'm not defending the movie but pointing out what a good review might do. You took the plot out of context to highlight its absurdities.
351
Hilarious review! I always find it interesting that many people have forgotten that the series and the book that SATC is based on is essentially fantasy, with broadly-drawn (no pun intended) female archetypes. Fantasy naturally leads itself into farce, and as the seasons went on, the show became more and more farcical (more shoes! more sex! more cosmos! more more more!) but was still rooted in these four ladies lives (otherwise, there would be no emotional core to return to every week). And with this film, the creators have FINALLY come clean, amped it up, and made a complete farce, not unlike the screwball comedies of the 30's or 40's (outrageous costumes! impossibly grand hotels! exotic locales! etc.) So, I find the tone of this review to be curious (though very funny) since I have found nary the mention of fantasy or farce. Does anyone truly think that SATC was ever an everyday, slice-of-life comedy? I sincerely hope not. To quote "Farce" in Wikipedia (sorry about that, but this is a very accurate definition): "A farce is a comedy which aims to entertain the audience by means of unlikely, extravagant, and improbable situations, disguise and mistaken identity, verbal humour of varying degrees of sophistication, which may include sexual innuendo and word play, and a fast-paced plot whose speed usually increases, culminating in an ending which often involves an elaborate chase scene. Farce is also characterized by physical humour, the use of deliberate absurdity or nonsense, and broadly stylized performances." Seems to me SATC2, in this regard, was a smashing success!
352
Ttransmisogyny is, like, totally hilarious. You are so clever with your whole "hahaha! see guys, it's like she's really a man in a wig" humor. Oh, and the idea of comparing one of the characters to a sex worker? Look how you crossed out the word 'whore'! Does your cleverness ever end? I think i'd rather watch the vapid, shallow entertainment that is SATC than read another one of your self-important, ageist, transmisogynistic excuses for a "review".
For shame.
For shame.
353
I've always thought that SATC was a show about four gay guys but they figured out that that wouldn't fly so they got four women to play them.
354
i almost pissed my pants when they gave a salute to mothers without butlers. "how sweet!" i think i hear 99.999999999999999999999999999999999% of the ENTIRE WORLD applauding you, Stupid Fucking Movie.
355
Aside from the review making me burst out laughing I've been finding the damning comments of Lindy the most humourous.
It's just a film people, a thoroughly shite one at that imo, but a form of entertainment nonetheless.
It's just a film people, a thoroughly shite one at that imo, but a form of entertainment nonetheless.
357
hi Lindy! LOVED your post - a friend e-mailed this today and I couldn't stop laughing! I'd written a post on my own blog 'sweatshops for your sex in the city' last week showing a report of what goes on behind consumerism and as an architect, thought I should point out about the real condition of construction in Abu Dhabi's expensive hotels. While the write-up got supporters (mostly from men and secure, humorous women), a few women indulged in offended mails for because I used the term 'vintage vagina'.
http://gipsygeek.wordpress.com/2010/05/3…
Loved your take on it!!
http://gipsygeek.wordpress.com/2010/05/3…
Loved your take on it!!
358
@Quacky: "I love you, Lindy West. I just, love, you."
I can't help but agree. If you ever need someone to help you move, just me & Quacky know!
I can't help but agree. If you ever need someone to help you move, just me & Quacky know!
360
Does anyone agree that the one redeeming aspect of the movie was Liza Minelli's hilarious musical performance? Truly wonderful. I could definitely watch that segment again.
361
Lindy, Why are you so angry? I do not think you are objective. You are psicologically influenced so you cannot review this movie.
SATC2 is great!!!! Don´t be jeallous!!!
SATC2 is great!!!! Don´t be jeallous!!!
362
Let's be honest, things were easier for everyone when sexism was transparent. Now that women are liberated ala Sex and the City, who cares any more? I would prefer it if all women wore burkas, that way I could get away with tricking straight guys into fucking me.
363
This is the best review I have ever read of any Sarah Jessica Parker-related travesty ever to shame nice ladies everywhere. Every one of those women is older than my mom, acts more immature than my younger sister, and is less well-bred than my dog, whom I got because she kept falling through the hole in the floor of her previous owner's trailer house.
364
So are you lobotomy patients still railing against the awesomesauce review?
"IT'S FUN IF YOU STICK A DRILL IN YOUR HEAD WHOOOOOOOOOO PS WHY U HATIN"
"IT'S FUN IF YOU STICK A DRILL IN YOUR HEAD WHOOOOOOOOOO PS WHY U HATIN"
365
Hate disguised as wit is what offends me, whether the point is valid or not. After reading this review and aaalll the comments that came after it, I can see that both the supporters of the movie and the Lindy lovers have valid points. I just get nauseated by everyone trying so damn hard to outdo each other with overly wordy, pseudo-intellectual blather. The fact that SATC and all its incarnations can prompt such an emotional response from supporters and critics alike says that it has struck a chord with the public, regardless of it's feminist, cultural, farcical or stereotypical outcomes. And for the record, the SATC franchise is a post-feminist caricature that allows us to poke fun at our failures and celebrate our successes. If we can't laugh at ourselves, then we're just a waste of webspace.
366
"If this is what modern womanhood means, then just fucking veil me and sew up all my holes. Good night."
seriously, Lindy West is my new hero.
seriously, Lindy West is my new hero.
367
Absolutely spot on. From a man's perspective it is baffling how women can watch SATC and draw aspiration from it, instead of being massively offended by this unrelatable tosh.
368
Aaaaand, I just fell in love with you. I never got into SATC, and I still hate it.
Please don't sew up your holes. You're the type who should breed. Feminism! Yeah!
Please don't sew up your holes. You're the type who should breed. Feminism! Yeah!
372
Why can't the Muslim fundamentalists make themselves useful for once and get murderously offended about *this?*
373
Bravo, Lindy.
I have ever only seem a part of one episode of SATC (latenight, in Paris, with exclamation pointy subtitles and correct diacriticals - in French! - but turned the channel at a key point to discover an episode of Jackass, which was considerably wittier and unabashedly demonstrative of how wacky Americans are) but it is my solemn belief that the SATC Concern is a key player in the Vapidizing of America.
We are most grateful for your suffering on our behalf.
PS: I miss vaudeville terribly.
I have ever only seem a part of one episode of SATC (latenight, in Paris, with exclamation pointy subtitles and correct diacriticals - in French! - but turned the channel at a key point to discover an episode of Jackass, which was considerably wittier and unabashedly demonstrative of how wacky Americans are) but it is my solemn belief that the SATC Concern is a key player in the Vapidizing of America.
We are most grateful for your suffering on our behalf.
PS: I miss vaudeville terribly.
374
Oh I looove this review Lindy. I am hysterically laughing!!! From the first minute I saw the trailer for this movie I was immediately disgusted. I really hope they don't make anymore SATC movies. I mean are these women going to still be doing the same things when they are 80? Sadly with these characters most likely....
375
I'm curious about the way in which feminist issues are portrayed in the media. During the last US presidential election, I was told that the days of anti-feminism were over. Sexism? Apparently it no longer exists.
And then along comes Sex in the City 2 and we find out that folks are still yelling, "Jane, you ignorant slut." (SNL Dan Ackroyd/ Jane Curtain)
Since this film is, in your opinion, a very bad representation of women, would you list the films that do a better job of exploring feminism? (I haven't seen the movie so haven't formed an opinion yet.) I'm not just interested in hearing about the movies that do a bad job of discussing the issue. I'm interested in those movies that do a good job.
Thank you in advance for you opinion.
PS. I was surprised by your comments concerning the character, Samantha.
First, a prostitute takes money for sex. It's a trade. One person, the prostitute, agrees to have sexual relations in some form with another person, the "john", in return for money. Regardless of how you view the morality of prostitution, it is at it's heart a business transaction where one is either an "independent contractor" or an "employee". I'll have to make sure, but I seem to remember that the character, Samantha's sexual encounters were more about power than money. In this case, she was the female equivalent of a man who had sex for the fun of it or because in society he could. Samantha's character in the series was the female equivalent. She had sex because -- well -- she could. Prostitutes do it for money. Samantha did it for an orgasm. This didn't indicate that her character didn't have relationships. She did. She just didn't view sexual relationships as being only with "the one" or even with someone who's name she knew. Sex and emotional attachments were two separate interactions with men (and women as the character was bi-sexual.)
It was sex. A physical activity.
Second, I would think that should this character have invested so much time in sex? Menopause, with all it's biological changes, would come as a shock. These days I'd be more shocked that she's able to get hormone replacement therapy after the encounter the character had with breast cancer during the series. It' would be interesting to have heard how Samantha's character reacted to hormonal changes. I'm going to watch this movie to just to find out how the subject is treated. I'm not sure that they talk about sex lives after 50 in the movies. Maybe they should.
Or maybe you know of a movie that does. Who knows? Maybe it will be a movie with a sense of humor! Lord knows that with all the "stuff" we have to deal with in the world, a sense of humor makes the indignities (like menopause) easier to deal with.
SaTC was interesting. There was no guilt in being single, sexuallly active, and unmarried. It seemed to represent a continum of female sexuality and issues from the conservative Charlotte to the very sexually liberal Samantha. They were composites of female stereotypes that talked openly about sex in the media. Charlotte didn't. Miranda did and got pregnant. Carrie did and even talked about the differentces of those who did and those who did for money. Television finally caught up to the sexual revolution that had been going on since before the Knsey report. Married people could sleep in the same bed and guess what? They had sex. Single folks did too. Let's see if we could discuss it without calling Jane a slut.
I'm not defending nor condeming the morals of this but I am interested in why folks do or do not.
Thanks (Again)
Author Ann
More...
And then along comes Sex in the City 2 and we find out that folks are still yelling, "Jane, you ignorant slut." (SNL Dan Ackroyd/ Jane Curtain)
Since this film is, in your opinion, a very bad representation of women, would you list the films that do a better job of exploring feminism? (I haven't seen the movie so haven't formed an opinion yet.) I'm not just interested in hearing about the movies that do a bad job of discussing the issue. I'm interested in those movies that do a good job.
Thank you in advance for you opinion.
PS. I was surprised by your comments concerning the character, Samantha.
First, a prostitute takes money for sex. It's a trade. One person, the prostitute, agrees to have sexual relations in some form with another person, the "john", in return for money. Regardless of how you view the morality of prostitution, it is at it's heart a business transaction where one is either an "independent contractor" or an "employee". I'll have to make sure, but I seem to remember that the character, Samantha's sexual encounters were more about power than money. In this case, she was the female equivalent of a man who had sex for the fun of it or because in society he could. Samantha's character in the series was the female equivalent. She had sex because -- well -- she could. Prostitutes do it for money. Samantha did it for an orgasm. This didn't indicate that her character didn't have relationships. She did. She just didn't view sexual relationships as being only with "the one" or even with someone who's name she knew. Sex and emotional attachments were two separate interactions with men (and women as the character was bi-sexual.)
It was sex. A physical activity.
Second, I would think that should this character have invested so much time in sex? Menopause, with all it's biological changes, would come as a shock. These days I'd be more shocked that she's able to get hormone replacement therapy after the encounter the character had with breast cancer during the series. It' would be interesting to have heard how Samantha's character reacted to hormonal changes. I'm going to watch this movie to just to find out how the subject is treated. I'm not sure that they talk about sex lives after 50 in the movies. Maybe they should.
Or maybe you know of a movie that does. Who knows? Maybe it will be a movie with a sense of humor! Lord knows that with all the "stuff" we have to deal with in the world, a sense of humor makes the indignities (like menopause) easier to deal with.
SaTC was interesting. There was no guilt in being single, sexuallly active, and unmarried. It seemed to represent a continum of female sexuality and issues from the conservative Charlotte to the very sexually liberal Samantha. They were composites of female stereotypes that talked openly about sex in the media. Charlotte didn't. Miranda did and got pregnant. Carrie did and even talked about the differentces of those who did and those who did for money. Television finally caught up to the sexual revolution that had been going on since before the Knsey report. Married people could sleep in the same bed and guess what? They had sex. Single folks did too. Let's see if we could discuss it without calling Jane a slut.
I'm not defending nor condeming the morals of this but I am interested in why folks do or do not.
Thanks (Again)
Author Ann
376
Great review.
One point to bring up: I believe that many Muslim women do in fact wear baubles and sexy lingerie under their Burkas.
One point to bring up: I believe that many Muslim women do in fact wear baubles and sexy lingerie under their Burkas.
379
OMG I just discovered you, from a link in a comment in the NYTimes. I love you. Laughing till tears ran.
380
Haven't laughed this well & good in a long while, reading your piece. The SATC brain trust should hire you to pen the next installment!
382
Wow. SATC is sexist but it is okay I guess to be homophobic based on your quote below:
"This is an entirely inappropriate length for what is essentially a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls. But I digress."
Are you saying all gay men are the same? I am sure some like SATC and some don't. I am sure some like Barbie and some don't. That is the same for some women. This is the problem with the "generalizations" that you supposedly are so up in arms against in SATC. Of course, it is okay to bash other groups like gay men apparently.
You don't have to like the series or the movie. I realize that not everything is for everyone. I respect that completely. However, don't criticize an entire group or label an entire group because of it. That is reprehensible and I am disgusted by the fact that you don't see this is a bigoted comment.
"This is an entirely inappropriate length for what is essentially a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls. But I digress."
Are you saying all gay men are the same? I am sure some like SATC and some don't. I am sure some like Barbie and some don't. That is the same for some women. This is the problem with the "generalizations" that you supposedly are so up in arms against in SATC. Of course, it is okay to bash other groups like gay men apparently.
You don't have to like the series or the movie. I realize that not everything is for everyone. I respect that completely. However, don't criticize an entire group or label an entire group because of it. That is reprehensible and I am disgusted by the fact that you don't see this is a bigoted comment.
383
Wow. SATC is sexist but it is okay I guess to be homophobic based on your quote below:
"This is an entirely inappropriate length for what is essentially a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls. But I digress."
Are you saying all gay men are the same? I am sure some like SATC and some don't. I am sure some like Barbie and some don't. That is the same for some women. This is the problem with the "generalizations" that you supposedly are so up in arms against in SATC. Of course, it is okay to bash other groups like gay men apparently.
You don't have to like the series or the movie. I realize that not everything is for everyone. I respect that completely. However, don't criticize an entire group or label an entire group because of it. That is reprehensible and I am disgusted by the fact that you don't see this is a bigoted comment.
"This is an entirely inappropriate length for what is essentially a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls. But I digress."
Are you saying all gay men are the same? I am sure some like SATC and some don't. I am sure some like Barbie and some don't. That is the same for some women. This is the problem with the "generalizations" that you supposedly are so up in arms against in SATC. Of course, it is okay to bash other groups like gay men apparently.
You don't have to like the series or the movie. I realize that not everything is for everyone. I respect that completely. However, don't criticize an entire group or label an entire group because of it. That is reprehensible and I am disgusted by the fact that you don't see this is a bigoted comment.
384
No, this review is not homophobic - this show is written by gay men, and what I like to call "crate and barrel gays" who are more interested in advertising, and the uber-capitalist consumption of femininity, than any kind of complex character arc or plot. I mean, the movie was plodding along fine, and then basically gets hijacked by a huge advertisement for abu dabi - they must have been offered a lot to totally disregard their fan's interests! I dont know if anyone mentioned this already, but also this movie basically embodies the idea of orientalism, that is, the idea that middle east culture is primitive and stuck in the past. In the movie Abu Dabi is the "new" middle east, finally coming out of its backward ways and embracing capitalism and specifically "feminism" which apparently means western feminism (everyone clap while samantha, miranda, carrie and charlotte sing "i am woman hear me roar" at the kereoke night, i'm not kidding). Interesting, actually the practice of covering yourself, when originally conceived in Islamic tradition, was a feminist resistant act, decided upon by women. Later, it became perverted and made "law" by male politicians in certain patriarchal moments. Given the current situation with US imperialism in the middle east, and images of mobs of angry arab men and "saving" oppressed arab women in the news being used to justify US occupation, this movie is not just funny-disturbing, but deeply unethical and ignorant.
385
This is the best review I have ever read. I was crying with laughter, but feel a little sad that this what our world has come to.
But thanks for the laughs...
But thanks for the laughs...
386
I don't care about the movie or whether you like it. That isn't why I chose to respond to this review.
I just don't like the idea of labeling anybody in a way unless you know them personally. Let's not "name call." Your comments and the comments of this reviewer remind me of the recent Newsweek article stating that gay actors shouldn't play straight characters. So gay men can't write for women? Women can't write for gay men? I find that as offensive as you find the movie. I am sure that wasn't your intention (as I doubt the movie was meant to offend women or any other group, but I can see how the movie might be taken that way by some). However, see how these comments can be taken in a hurtful way.
Just imagine if the same tone that you or the critic used were applied to women or another minority, wouldn't you be offended? I would be.
I have spent years pushing for equality for all and will continue to do so. When we belittle a group of people or put them down, we are no better than the extreme capitalist or uber conservative nuts we are supposedly fighting against. Open dialogue creates change not lashing out at each other.
If that is how you feel about this movie or any other movie, TV show, or corporation, Don't support them. I love that we have the power to hurt where it counts when we are against something. Hurting where it counts means hurting them in their "uber-capitalist consumption" wallets.
It is the problem with this country on both sides. Too often, we don't want to talk about issues respectfully. We are more concerned with being witty, or creating interesting sound bites and getting attention and ratings. We no longer work together or respect differences. Again, I am sure that this was not the reviewer's intention or your intention but it came off as bigoted to me.
On the flip side, at least we are able to have this debate. As someone stated earlier, good or bad, this movie has sure stirred up some emotions.
More...
I just don't like the idea of labeling anybody in a way unless you know them personally. Let's not "name call." Your comments and the comments of this reviewer remind me of the recent Newsweek article stating that gay actors shouldn't play straight characters. So gay men can't write for women? Women can't write for gay men? I find that as offensive as you find the movie. I am sure that wasn't your intention (as I doubt the movie was meant to offend women or any other group, but I can see how the movie might be taken that way by some). However, see how these comments can be taken in a hurtful way.
Just imagine if the same tone that you or the critic used were applied to women or another minority, wouldn't you be offended? I would be.
I have spent years pushing for equality for all and will continue to do so. When we belittle a group of people or put them down, we are no better than the extreme capitalist or uber conservative nuts we are supposedly fighting against. Open dialogue creates change not lashing out at each other.
If that is how you feel about this movie or any other movie, TV show, or corporation, Don't support them. I love that we have the power to hurt where it counts when we are against something. Hurting where it counts means hurting them in their "uber-capitalist consumption" wallets.
It is the problem with this country on both sides. Too often, we don't want to talk about issues respectfully. We are more concerned with being witty, or creating interesting sound bites and getting attention and ratings. We no longer work together or respect differences. Again, I am sure that this was not the reviewer's intention or your intention but it came off as bigoted to me.
On the flip side, at least we are able to have this debate. As someone stated earlier, good or bad, this movie has sure stirred up some emotions.
387
I did find your review funny Lindy but I can't say it's the best 'film' review I've ever read as you didn't touch on any subjects like acting, lighting, directing or cinematography and instead focussed on the characters almost exclusively. While I have absolutely no love for the show or films whatsoever, I just can't bring myself to be a killjoy and deride something that at absolute best is 'mindless entertainment'. Some people get a kick out of it, so live and let live.
390
My favorite was that in the end when Carrie tells Big she cheated, he gives her a black diamond ring. So girls, cheat and you will be rewarded!!
391
This review makes me want to go and see the sequel. The first movie was awful. Dull dull dull. None of the actresses could act in a film and the story line was desperate. At least the way its described here it sounds so bad it could actually be hilarious.
Which is all very odd because the TV series was good. It wasn't faultless but there was something affirming and funny and silly and I liked the four characters quite a lot. It was good, yes it was - so why did it all go so horribly wrong when they transferred it to the big screen?
Which is all very odd because the TV series was good. It wasn't faultless but there was something affirming and funny and silly and I liked the four characters quite a lot. It was good, yes it was - so why did it all go so horribly wrong when they transferred it to the big screen?
393
Thanks for the casual homophobia... :( I'm a gay guy who is not shallow or materialistic or obsessed with sex so don't compare me to those women.
394
You pepole are just sad! This show has been around for 10 years. Didn't you think that movies will be about the same characters and the same lives??? Dont pretend like it came as a surprice. You can hate as much as you want but ALL of you watched the show or at least some episodes.
Lindy West hates it so much but never the less she went and whatched it! Please tell me Lindsy when you bought a ticket for Sex and The City 2 did you expect to it be war drama? Maybe you were severely missled by the title of movie??? emmmm i dont think so.
Oh and by the way I don't believe that you would turn down the shoes which "cost more that your car" if you ever had a chance to get them. I think the fact that you can't have their livestyle is what bothers you, not the movie itself.
Lindy West hates it so much but never the less she went and whatched it! Please tell me Lindsy when you bought a ticket for Sex and The City 2 did you expect to it be war drama? Maybe you were severely missled by the title of movie??? emmmm i dont think so.
Oh and by the way I don't believe that you would turn down the shoes which "cost more that your car" if you ever had a chance to get them. I think the fact that you can't have their livestyle is what bothers you, not the movie itself.
395
Dear Epsilon. (hate haters and your ilk)
Lindy West's job as a film reviewer requires her to watch films. Even if she doesn't fancy them, and then to give us her opinion. She doesn't have to like it, she just has to tell us what she thought in a hopefully amusing manner. Some of us like what she says and some don't. Just like some people like the film, and some don't.
The fact that you have even read this review is an indication of its success don't you think.
I hope that you understand that now. If you don't then just watch the film again and wallow in it's genius, it should inspire you to form more deeply insightful psychological critiques. Try not to think too hard though because you might get a bit confused again, best just think about the shoes and the clothes.
Bless.
Lindy West's job as a film reviewer requires her to watch films. Even if she doesn't fancy them, and then to give us her opinion. She doesn't have to like it, she just has to tell us what she thought in a hopefully amusing manner. Some of us like what she says and some don't. Just like some people like the film, and some don't.
The fact that you have even read this review is an indication of its success don't you think.
I hope that you understand that now. If you don't then just watch the film again and wallow in it's genius, it should inspire you to form more deeply insightful psychological critiques. Try not to think too hard though because you might get a bit confused again, best just think about the shoes and the clothes.
Bless.
396
Haha! The above comment is hilarious, and obviously written by a person who doesn't live on the planet earth, or has never had to think about any image before (including hand-in-front-of-face). Lindsey West probably didn't buy a ticket for SATC2, because she is a critic. You are an idiot who understands nothing.
397
Apologies, I was referring to "Hate Haterz", who is obviously entitled to his/her very wrong opinion.
399
Oh great. Another bunch of assholes making me feel bad for wanting to pretend I'm in Oz for a while. Guess I'll go back to obsessing about the death of the wetlands, the unrest in Israel, my son's recent vaccinations, my daughter's ingestion of pesticide and hormone filled foods, the mass in my sister's breast, the lack of my sex drive, my Teflon-covered pans, cutbacks of ALL programs at the college where I work...here's an idea: stop focusing so hard on these industries with more power than Christianity and maybe we can defuse thema little, get back to what they were originally intended for, brief amusement.
400
Vom, did you ask your daughter why she loved the movie? I'd love to hear her response. Why do you think her attitude was different from yours?
401
I was going to have a rant but I decided there is no point. I feel that this just comes down to not all movies are made for you. This was obviously not made with you in mind but with the huge success SATC has had and is still having obviously means it has reached it's target audience who obviously find it a pleasant escape... and what is so wrong with that... can't a girl dream of hunky men and sparkly shoes anymore?
Oh and there is not just one type of feminist. Feminism is a very difficult subject and sexism is embedded in our culture as well as cultures around the world so who are we to say how a woman should be?
Oh and there is not just one type of feminist. Feminism is a very difficult subject and sexism is embedded in our culture as well as cultures around the world so who are we to say how a woman should be?
402
LOL it's been literally decades since Dan Ackroyd yelled, "Jane, you ignorant slut." at Jane Curtain's political/social commentary.
Doesn't look like much has changed.
As for this review and the others I've read about the movie, are they written to inform or just "pot stir" to get attention? Far from changing my mind about the movie and what may or may not be it's message, I find the review to be as strident as that long ago Dan Ackroyd character. Where is the comparison to movies that do a better job at discussing the issues of sex and choices? Glib isn't the same as funny or parody. It doesn't seek to change minds but instead is designed to say, "Look at me! How clever!"
Have you seen the movie "Gigi"? You should. Unlike the "crass commercialism" you mention, Gigi (the movie) gently glides across the way societies have treated sexual relations and relationships in general. It doesn't yell or call people, "sluts".
So there, a movie that talks about sex and love without the comercialism. You can find it on Netflix if not in your local video store. Pay attention to what it's talking about and how it is discussed.
:) Stop throwing temper tandrums and discuss.
You might change minds instead of just preaching to the converted.
Doesn't look like much has changed.
As for this review and the others I've read about the movie, are they written to inform or just "pot stir" to get attention? Far from changing my mind about the movie and what may or may not be it's message, I find the review to be as strident as that long ago Dan Ackroyd character. Where is the comparison to movies that do a better job at discussing the issues of sex and choices? Glib isn't the same as funny or parody. It doesn't seek to change minds but instead is designed to say, "Look at me! How clever!"
Have you seen the movie "Gigi"? You should. Unlike the "crass commercialism" you mention, Gigi (the movie) gently glides across the way societies have treated sexual relations and relationships in general. It doesn't yell or call people, "sluts".
So there, a movie that talks about sex and love without the comercialism. You can find it on Netflix if not in your local video store. Pay attention to what it's talking about and how it is discussed.
:) Stop throwing temper tandrums and discuss.
You might change minds instead of just preaching to the converted.
406
You make excellent points about how this terrible movie is a mockery of feminism, and then write that it takes everything you love about being a woman and "rapes it to death with a stiletto."
That's not actually funny, or clever, it's really just hateful. It's a horrible movie, but it's not rape.
That's not actually funny, or clever, it's really just hateful. It's a horrible movie, but it's not rape.
407
Lindy,
Hey, you made Arts & Letters Daily! Probably my favorite site for reading periodicals. Good on you.
Hey, you made Arts & Letters Daily! Probably my favorite site for reading periodicals. Good on you.
411
for comments like 31 that say this review is anti-feminism simply because it's complaining about SATC2(chick film) and not an action film: You obviously ARE a man, otherwise you'd realize that the series was EMPOWERING to women. it was liberating to have character speak and behave so candidly, and not always modestly or heroically in about and in sex -- and life in general. These films don't do anything the series did but dress them up and start them off in NYC. It's MISREPRESENTATION being sold as if it was the same product then suddenly making all these bazaar changes even t the very core of the characters. For example, as Lyndy mentioned; Miranda not working--that is so beyond outside of her character as was her behavior in the first film. ALL of these characters, even Charlotte, started off working and the other 3 are all self-made so the idea that they can't handle being rich and not having more help as a plot tactic to get them out of the country to make this ridiculous, and antiquated(as far as contemporary cultural understanding of the Middle East) 'feminist' statement is insulting tot he intelligence of intelligent women who appreciated the whimsical characters in the series because they were grounded in reality and were admirable women in the ways Lyndy says she's insulted as a woman by their less than admirable behavior in this 'film'.
412
Movies are a place to escape into fantasy, guilty pleasures and yes, over the top, out of this world, completely fake scenarios. You take this movie and yourself way too seriously.
413
And though I respect that your job is to watch movies and comment on them good or bad, I would hope you leave the "jewyjew" comments out of your next article. It is hard to take someone seriously when they are making slurs against Jewish names and gay men.
414
#384
How does Abu Dhabi embrace feminism today? Why is sex trafficking so successful in that country? Why aren't gay men allowed to be open in public about who they are in Abu Dhabi? Or is that allowed in the free zone? I didn't go to see SAC2 to be educated about Abu Dhabi. Although it's true--Abu Dhabi probably threw a lot of money at that movie, which is like a big commercial for the place. I teach at NYU which has a partnership with Abu Dhabi to build a university there--I think Abu Dhabi throws a lot of money at the West to basically ignore the injustices that go on there in the spirit of mixing the two worlds--What a slick P.R. job! I think the movie is symbolic of how suspectible both cultures are to looking away from harsh realities in in the spirit of artificial good times! Fine food, designer clothes, exotic locales, "being among the locals" in the most sanctimonious kind of way.
How does Abu Dhabi embrace feminism today? Why is sex trafficking so successful in that country? Why aren't gay men allowed to be open in public about who they are in Abu Dhabi? Or is that allowed in the free zone? I didn't go to see SAC2 to be educated about Abu Dhabi. Although it's true--Abu Dhabi probably threw a lot of money at that movie, which is like a big commercial for the place. I teach at NYU which has a partnership with Abu Dhabi to build a university there--I think Abu Dhabi throws a lot of money at the West to basically ignore the injustices that go on there in the spirit of mixing the two worlds--What a slick P.R. job! I think the movie is symbolic of how suspectible both cultures are to looking away from harsh realities in in the spirit of artificial good times! Fine food, designer clothes, exotic locales, "being among the locals" in the most sanctimonious kind of way.
415
And though I respect that your job is to watch movies and comment on them good or bad, I would hope you leave the "jewyjew" comments out of your next article. It is hard to take someone seriously when they are making slurs against Jewish names and gay men.
416
And though I respect that your job is to watch movies and comment on them good or bad, I would hope you leave the "jewyjew" comments out of your next article. It is hard to take someone seriously when they are making slurs against Jewish names and gay men.
417
I'm a woman of 52, have constant ever increasingly fab sex with partner of 30 years, no yams. Guess I'm lucky. However I found this review on the web and now I'm considering leaving him, job, home, children, country and moving 8000 miles to Seattle. Ace.
418
READING THIS REVIEW CURED MY CANCER, PAYED OFF MY STUDENT LOANS AND REDUCED THE GULF OIL SPILL BY 2,000 BARRELS PER DAY
lindy/savage 2012
lindy/savage 2012
419
And America continues to drown in a cesspool of ignorance, decadence, and escapism.
There is no sin except stupidity. ~ Oscar Wilde.
There is no sin except stupidity. ~ Oscar Wilde.
421
I'm on board with everything except "jewyjewsomethingsomethingblatt."
That one kind of hurt. All else: yay.
That one kind of hurt. All else: yay.
422
Don't you think you're contributing to the materialism and cynicism of our times in your sarcastic and acerbic tone? Vulnerability and sincerity- now that would be revolutionary!
425
Great review writing! Nasty but not vulgar, without lefty boilerplate...
SATC as a tv show worked 'cause they kept it light, small doses of the characters and their "difficulties" kept them from being annoying. A fantasy view of life in NYC was well paced and written...the sex looked fun too
however, a movie requires a bit more depth to work...
Product placement combined with social comment lite can only come out crass.
Nice to see that NYC has finally been replaced by a better place to live out the consumerist fantasy life - Abu Dhabi presents the worst aspects of both the free enterprise system, and, despite money and education, the "modern" middle east's social structures. at least it's only a movie
if only it could be so easy to effect real change
k
SATC as a tv show worked 'cause they kept it light, small doses of the characters and their "difficulties" kept them from being annoying. A fantasy view of life in NYC was well paced and written...the sex looked fun too
however, a movie requires a bit more depth to work...
Product placement combined with social comment lite can only come out crass.
Nice to see that NYC has finally been replaced by a better place to live out the consumerist fantasy life - Abu Dhabi presents the worst aspects of both the free enterprise system, and, despite money and education, the "modern" middle east's social structures. at least it's only a movie
if only it could be so easy to effect real change
k
426
I like comment 412. This review is so exaggerated and forced it makes obama's speech on bp oil yesterday seem sincere.
427
Hi! I loved your review so much that it inspired mine.
http://quidquidquidquid.blogspot.com/201…
http://quidquidquidquid.blogspot.com/201…
428
I think it's pretty fucked up to write a review critical of stereotyping women and then promote stereotypes of your own :"a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls." Isn't Sarah Jessica Parker an executive producer of the film? Women seem to be just as responsible for the promotion of this garbage as gay men are. Stop lumping me into things I really don't enjoy. Otherwise it's a beautifully witty review. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it has been tainted.
429
LOL!!!!! Lindy, you are SO FUCKING BRILLIANT, I HAD to read this again!
Wasn't Sex and the City created during the filthy-stinking-rich-material-girls-rule-fuck-feminism-and-Dubya-hopes-it-hurts Bush era?
@426: Okay, okay. I saw the original 2008 SATC for decadent girlish escapism, too. But--agh--once, for me, is enough. Lighten UUUUUUP!! Your opinion sounds so uptight, progressive-hating Republican exaggerated and forced you make Sarah Palin sound sincere.
Wasn't Sex and the City created during the filthy-stinking-rich-material-girls-rule-fuck-feminism-and-Dubya-hopes-it-hurts Bush era?
@426: Okay, okay. I saw the original 2008 SATC for decadent girlish escapism, too. But--agh--once, for me, is enough. Lighten UUUUUUP!! Your opinion sounds so uptight, progressive-hating Republican exaggerated and forced you make Sarah Palin sound sincere.
430
@426: Okay, I saw the original SATC for decadent, girlish escapism. But once, for me, was enough.
Lighten UP! Why the Obama bashing?
Or did you vote for Sarah?
Lighten UP! Why the Obama bashing?
Or did you vote for Sarah?
436
No, no, no. This reason this movie sucks is because it took a perfectly decent dumb, escapist, shallow TV show (and film finale that should have been a one-off) and took it to the ISHTAR place, a desert of cheese. "It's like it was written by a slutty, misogynistic gay man!" was a novel observation...in 1998. What's really sexist is thinking that every woman you see in a film has got to Represent. It's fiction, and fiction can and should go any place it wants, whether realistic, arty, campy, cheesy, offensive, or otherwise. Sure, this p.o.s. might be an embarrassment to the women who were in it, if they weren't already shameless hideous mutants, but it shouldn't be an embarrassment to you, just because you also have a vagina. And to argue that they shouldn't put it out there because it reflects badly on womankind is, beneath the veneer of sensitive lefty correctness, a fascist little cry for censorship.
437
Your wonderful writing just got an audience of about 500 poets and writers from Melbourne, Australia via Fishbook! More power to your arm!
440
Great review Lindy, you have a link from the great Arts & Letters, so pooh pooh to haters. Wake up stupid overpaid shoe lovers, they're not priceless artefacts, they prevent you from getting thorns in your feet. And that's all.
441
Lindy West, would you consider dating me? I am a ruggedly handsome man who lives on a twenty-five thousand dollar a year stipend in Baltimore.
442
This is an interesting reaction to the negative reviews, much like Lindy's.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2…
443
I despised this film, but I could also care less for this review.
Now I know it's a long film, but did you at some point fall asleep? Miranda doesn't quit her job because it's bad for her child, she quits her job because it's bad for her. At the end of the film she has found a new job at a firm where she is happier.
And onto your charges against Ms. Jones. Samantha might be 50-odd but she is surely entitled to enjoy, or want to enjoy, sex with anyone she pleases. I don't find your "slut-shaming" palatable. Perhaps you should keep your judgments off other peoples bodies and enjoy the autonomy you have over your own.
There are certainly bigger, and more relevant problems with this film. Unfortunately the writer fails to notice these, going instead for the quicker, more obvious sensationalist pseudo-feminist jibes.
Second wave feminism is a bitch.
Now I know it's a long film, but did you at some point fall asleep? Miranda doesn't quit her job because it's bad for her child, she quits her job because it's bad for her. At the end of the film she has found a new job at a firm where she is happier.
And onto your charges against Ms. Jones. Samantha might be 50-odd but she is surely entitled to enjoy, or want to enjoy, sex with anyone she pleases. I don't find your "slut-shaming" palatable. Perhaps you should keep your judgments off other peoples bodies and enjoy the autonomy you have over your own.
There are certainly bigger, and more relevant problems with this film. Unfortunately the writer fails to notice these, going instead for the quicker, more obvious sensationalist pseudo-feminist jibes.
Second wave feminism is a bitch.
444
What's this Lindy West saying?
1.That millions of women wear fashion and behave like barbie dolls because gay men make them?
If so, then either she assumes that a) homosexual men can't help but objectify women and therefore detests them for being so objectifying, or b) that the millions of women who actual do wear fashion and behave like barbie dolls are stupid for being so easily manipulated by gay men, and are a waste of space for doing so.
2. It sounds like she thinks being a valuable human being is by 'working hard' and 'contributing to society',
I presume this means she doesn't think that those humans who don't work hard and contribute anything to society (either through laziness or a general sense that society doesn't warrant contributing to for whatever reason) are valueless?
The rest of her review must be read in light of these two points.
1.That millions of women wear fashion and behave like barbie dolls because gay men make them?
If so, then either she assumes that a) homosexual men can't help but objectify women and therefore detests them for being so objectifying, or b) that the millions of women who actual do wear fashion and behave like barbie dolls are stupid for being so easily manipulated by gay men, and are a waste of space for doing so.
2. It sounds like she thinks being a valuable human being is by 'working hard' and 'contributing to society',
I presume this means she doesn't think that those humans who don't work hard and contribute anything to society (either through laziness or a general sense that society doesn't warrant contributing to for whatever reason) are valueless?
The rest of her review must be read in light of these two points.
445
So you hated everything about it long before you stepped in the theater. Why bother reviewing it? There is no movie that Michael Patrick King could ever write for these characters (that you LOATHE) that could ever satisfy you. So how much does your review matter? Let me be clear, not at all.
446
Surely you can separate rampantly materialistic consumer-friendly feminism (i.e. "empower yourself with a Venus razor!")from the real life women and men (lest we forget) who want to achieve some semblance of equality and respect, right? If you're looking to SATC for tips on how to conceptualize feminism or 'modern womanhood,'you've chosen a tough row to hoe. Besides the fact that there are many ideas of what feminism is out there, the most valuable kind challenges class disparity, racism, ableism, misandry etc etc and all the other sour candies together--it should recognize that we can't see them as mutually exclusive. If that kind of feminism was considered sexy, we wouldnt have seen the grossly xenophobic scenes in Abu Dhabi.
And yes, Sam has been drained of her wit and is a caricature of herself but it'll always be cool (and important) to see an older woman pursue her sexual desires. Why did you call her a prostitute? And not a "stud" or "playgirl" or whatever? Have you ever referred to a male character as a prostitute? Come on.
I'm as disappointed in the franchise as many people are but I do see a ton of sexism in the reviews about the movie that are over-the top. Yours was pushing it, and in a way that seemed a little too gung-ho. How can you critique the commercialization of feminism when your approach is so misogynist? Your review is very colourful (in that playground-namecalling fashion) but I doubt any real commitment you may espouse to stopping sexism.
And yes, Sam has been drained of her wit and is a caricature of herself but it'll always be cool (and important) to see an older woman pursue her sexual desires. Why did you call her a prostitute? And not a "stud" or "playgirl" or whatever? Have you ever referred to a male character as a prostitute? Come on.
I'm as disappointed in the franchise as many people are but I do see a ton of sexism in the reviews about the movie that are over-the top. Yours was pushing it, and in a way that seemed a little too gung-ho. How can you critique the commercialization of feminism when your approach is so misogynist? Your review is very colourful (in that playground-namecalling fashion) but I doubt any real commitment you may espouse to stopping sexism.
447
Whooo Hoooo. Yer speakin' truth to power...
Not really. I'm thinking it's more like kicking kittens and pulling the wings off of butterflies.
"Those mean butterflies. How dare they fly around in their gaudy wings flitting from flower to flower. I fix 'em."
OR maybe this is a kind of meta humor. I seem to remember two different characters who criticised "the girls" for their childish, materialistic ways. Both of them threw baby showers. If you're a fan of the television show you know the two story lines. One was the baby shower where Carrie had her new silver Manolo's stolen and the other was an ex rocker turned "lady who lunched". This second one later crashed Samantha's "I'm childless and fabulous party."
LOL Lindy? Ah mercy you sound just like 'em.
Worth a look.
Not really. I'm thinking it's more like kicking kittens and pulling the wings off of butterflies.
"Those mean butterflies. How dare they fly around in their gaudy wings flitting from flower to flower. I fix 'em."
OR maybe this is a kind of meta humor. I seem to remember two different characters who criticised "the girls" for their childish, materialistic ways. Both of them threw baby showers. If you're a fan of the television show you know the two story lines. One was the baby shower where Carrie had her new silver Manolo's stolen and the other was an ex rocker turned "lady who lunched". This second one later crashed Samantha's "I'm childless and fabulous party."
LOL Lindy? Ah mercy you sound just like 'em.
Worth a look.
448
If Theodor Adorno had a wicked sense of humor he might write cultural criticism this trenchant, witty, and well-wrought. Brava!
449
A friend of mine found this and shared it on Facebook. It is so BRILLIANT, I have also passed it on. Excellent writing, Lindy! I have also added The Stranger to my list of "likes", and will be back frequently to The Stranger. A first class read, even for somebody like me who lives in Hong Kong :-0
450
SATC has its problems, no doubt about it, but I don't think Lindy's reference to Samantha's aging pussy does much for women's rights either. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
451
""This is an entirely inappropriate length for what is essentially a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls. But I digress."
Are you saying all gay men are the same?"
No. Clearly she is not. That's your inference. Not her implication.
And to see idiots saying it's somehow "unfeminist" to criticize this superficial commercial garbage is really a sign of "feminist" fellow travelers having their heads up their .... well, ass.
I disagree with the Barbie dolls bit though. The key to sex and the city is that these four characters are essentially gay men in drag.
Are you saying all gay men are the same?"
No. Clearly she is not. That's your inference. Not her implication.
And to see idiots saying it's somehow "unfeminist" to criticize this superficial commercial garbage is really a sign of "feminist" fellow travelers having their heads up their .... well, ass.
I disagree with the Barbie dolls bit though. The key to sex and the city is that these four characters are essentially gay men in drag.
452
"I always find it interesting that many people have forgotten that the series and the book that SATC is based on is essentially fantasy, with broadly-drawn (no pun intended) female archetypes."
I always find it interesting that many people have forgotten that the book and the series tore these women apart and said they were high class hookers who'd fuck you for a Gucci, while the series turned them into gay male icons, and wish fulfilment for sad women. I know women who have got into serious problems by believing the Mr Big nonsense, and waiting for their own (and believing they've found him). Ah well, they deserved it.
Sex and The City shows you that four women can be average looking, superficial, characterless fashion victims of no social merit whatsoever, and not much wit, and still have a constant stream of much more worthy men wanting to fuck them and/or marry them. It ain't so. But the fantasy suits some.
I always find it interesting that many people have forgotten that the book and the series tore these women apart and said they were high class hookers who'd fuck you for a Gucci, while the series turned them into gay male icons, and wish fulfilment for sad women. I know women who have got into serious problems by believing the Mr Big nonsense, and waiting for their own (and believing they've found him). Ah well, they deserved it.
Sex and The City shows you that four women can be average looking, superficial, characterless fashion victims of no social merit whatsoever, and not much wit, and still have a constant stream of much more worthy men wanting to fuck them and/or marry them. It ain't so. But the fantasy suits some.
453
I think the last time SITC entertained me was when Miranda bought the bra before her mother's funeral. It's been in the crapper for years but it's nice that the intelligensia are starting to notice.
454
I am laughing so hard that I am in tears. You have justified this movie's existence since it inspired you to write this article. My husband said he might have to sue you if I die laughing.
455
fozzlebear (post 31). You spotted the imbalance. I do indeed despise 007 films in the same way, and yet do not hear such venomous reviews. I found Linda's brilliant review here when recommended whilst browsing Guardian.co.uk about something on another topic (not the one below). Although I agree with Linda's POV, we need as much ferocity at male dominated lightweight films.
Check out this article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2…
I enjoyed 'The Hangover', after it had been recommended but because I had been warned about its dubious sexist humour (spelling correct. I'm British) I adjusted my critical levels accordingly. The film was only just a bit dodgy until the appearance of Mike Tyson at which point I felt uncomfortable. Why no outrage at that?
I think it was down to one thing: On balance that film was funny and laughed at its male leads' uselessness, whereas SITC2 sounds boring and self congratulatory. Smugness is the one unforgivable thing in a comedy.
An important detail about feminism: Significantly, it was the fight for LIBERATION, not equality (it was called 'women's lib', remember?). The question to ask might be: does this film depict liberated women? It is a shame that maybe the answer is 'yes'.
I don't think that the trailblazers were intending such an outcome forty years on.
But on the other hand, the 'Hurt Locker', directed by a woman, won the Oscar. It was weird, though, that this was such a big deal - when the issue might have been - how come it took so long!
Check out this article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2…
I enjoyed 'The Hangover', after it had been recommended but because I had been warned about its dubious sexist humour (spelling correct. I'm British) I adjusted my critical levels accordingly. The film was only just a bit dodgy until the appearance of Mike Tyson at which point I felt uncomfortable. Why no outrage at that?
I think it was down to one thing: On balance that film was funny and laughed at its male leads' uselessness, whereas SITC2 sounds boring and self congratulatory. Smugness is the one unforgivable thing in a comedy.
An important detail about feminism: Significantly, it was the fight for LIBERATION, not equality (it was called 'women's lib', remember?). The question to ask might be: does this film depict liberated women? It is a shame that maybe the answer is 'yes'.
I don't think that the trailblazers were intending such an outcome forty years on.
But on the other hand, the 'Hurt Locker', directed by a woman, won the Oscar. It was weird, though, that this was such a big deal - when the issue might have been - how come it took so long!
456
Oh now.
I know Sex and The City is a feeble sham of a depiction of female friendship and a mortal isult to the city that gave the world Valerie Solanas, but pur-leeeeeze, don't do all Jihadi just because of this.
Go Maoist if you must, or revolutionary communist, but don't kid yourself that Burkha's are the radical alternative to Birkins.
Becase they really really aren't
I know Sex and The City is a feeble sham of a depiction of female friendship and a mortal isult to the city that gave the world Valerie Solanas, but pur-leeeeeze, don't do all Jihadi just because of this.
Go Maoist if you must, or revolutionary communist, but don't kid yourself that Burkha's are the radical alternative to Birkins.
Becase they really really aren't
457
This is really effing hilarious, however, I don't understand why reviewers are so hard on this movie. It's clearly just meant for fluffy entertainment and scrutinizing it to ensure that it properly accounts for all of womens'roles in a third wave feminist culture is just plain stupid. It's like asking dancing with the stars to fairly represent all of contemporary choreography, and movement theory since the 1970s. Can't we just have a little fun.
458
This review was even more fun to read out loud to the GF. One problem, we laughed so hard that we actually considered seeing the movie for ourselves.
459
This reviewer is both hilarious, but also over-the-top so her comments can be written off. The movie is hilarious. I'm glad the reviewer could enjoy writing with such energy, but she is also part misogynist. I wonder if she dates men and has anything besides open relationships.
So what? Women in this film talked about nannies, their jobs and families -- and they are allowed to dominate the cast. So the reviewer disagrees with them all -- I didn't. I related. I think it's great the female characters didn't only talk to men or about men.
SITC2 had some scenes waiting to be realized, e.g., a highly-sexualized American woman, Samantha, finds herself surrounded by an angry mob in a Souk. Brilliant. In fact, the juxtaposition of the sexy women in Arabia was perfect. Why hasn't someone else joked around that barrier already?
The reviewer should spend more time making fun of the police who arrest kissers on the beach than the farcical film where Americans enter a culture clash. Make Love Not War. She should also spend some time with women in the Middle East.
So what? Women in this film talked about nannies, their jobs and families -- and they are allowed to dominate the cast. So the reviewer disagrees with them all -- I didn't. I related. I think it's great the female characters didn't only talk to men or about men.
SITC2 had some scenes waiting to be realized, e.g., a highly-sexualized American woman, Samantha, finds herself surrounded by an angry mob in a Souk. Brilliant. In fact, the juxtaposition of the sexy women in Arabia was perfect. Why hasn't someone else joked around that barrier already?
The reviewer should spend more time making fun of the police who arrest kissers on the beach than the farcical film where Americans enter a culture clash. Make Love Not War. She should also spend some time with women in the Middle East.
460
Just for the record, Miranda doesn't quit her job to stay at home. She quits her crappy job and gets a better job.
461
Lindy, it seems like you are acting as if you don't know what Sex and the City is about.
The movie is no different to the TV show. It's always been about the 4 girls, their obsession with finding the right man, sex, fashion and their lifestyles.
I agree that at times the movie is culturally insenstitive but you really need to get a sense of humour and enjoy the film for what it is...just a bit of fun. Remeber it's a comedy not a documentary!!
The movie is no different to the TV show. It's always been about the 4 girls, their obsession with finding the right man, sex, fashion and their lifestyles.
I agree that at times the movie is culturally insenstitive but you really need to get a sense of humour and enjoy the film for what it is...just a bit of fun. Remeber it's a comedy not a documentary!!
462
Many points here taken and acknowledged, but all that aside, the movie was corny and just not very good. How about that for a review? LOL.
465
Entry in a history book, 2100 AD. Feminism - a confused nihilistic political movement of the late 20th/early 21st century, which witnessed the developed world descend, for a period, into a hostile and malleable dolls house for the infantile, narcissistic, fantasies of large numbers of western women and their left wing supporters.
466
Entry in a history book, 2100 AD. Feminism - a confused,, nihilistic political movement of the late 20th/early 21st century, which witnessed the developed world descend, for a period, into a hostile and malleable dolls house for the infantile, narcissistic, fantasies of large numbers of western women and their left wing supporters.
467
Oh my god girl, why do you have to analyse the whole movie like that? I'm sure if you'd go over every movie like that, none of them would be worth watching. I think it was a very nice movie. It made me laugh, and it moved me as well. And that's really all I asked for when coming to the theatre. It's sex and the city, remember? Not some oeuvre by Steven Spielberg... Place your comments in the right context next time, got it?
468
this article is spot on vis a vis SITC2's portrayal of disgustingly hyperbolised, ultra-rich, inconceivably shallow female archetypes.
all this franchise does is highlight how easy it can be for the avaricious american movie industry to bastardise and invert any positive role models and ideals, turning them into superficial homunculi for the ignorant, the apathetic and the shallow to 'consume' and, where possible, emulate.
it pains me that there haven't been many movies recently with positive female role models(or male for that matter), so much so that it makes me wonder what's happened to feminism's representation within media?
perhaps it's become over-saturated by media hyperbolisation; it's now become a self-referential parody of itself, a simulation.
if we want to fight against these degrading representations of men, women and ideals, we ought to pay higher regard to those things which think outside the box and promote positive role models, rather than just continually buying into all the hype and celebrity worship.
let's start boycotting all the mindless, formulaic, stereotype-enforcing romcoms, action blockbusters and cgi films, and start promoting movies which can give us better role models - i'm not saying we should become the 'league of decency' et al, but i am saying we should certainly pay more heed to those films that adhere to a quality we can admire, emulate and discuss.
''the surest way to corrupt a youth is to teach him to hold in high regard those who think alike, as opposed to those who think differently'' --Nietzsche
all this franchise does is highlight how easy it can be for the avaricious american movie industry to bastardise and invert any positive role models and ideals, turning them into superficial homunculi for the ignorant, the apathetic and the shallow to 'consume' and, where possible, emulate.
it pains me that there haven't been many movies recently with positive female role models(or male for that matter), so much so that it makes me wonder what's happened to feminism's representation within media?
perhaps it's become over-saturated by media hyperbolisation; it's now become a self-referential parody of itself, a simulation.
if we want to fight against these degrading representations of men, women and ideals, we ought to pay higher regard to those things which think outside the box and promote positive role models, rather than just continually buying into all the hype and celebrity worship.
let's start boycotting all the mindless, formulaic, stereotype-enforcing romcoms, action blockbusters and cgi films, and start promoting movies which can give us better role models - i'm not saying we should become the 'league of decency' et al, but i am saying we should certainly pay more heed to those films that adhere to a quality we can admire, emulate and discuss.
''the surest way to corrupt a youth is to teach him to hold in high regard those who think alike, as opposed to those who think differently'' --Nietzsche
469
in the early years of SATC, when it was just a show, I do not remember it being so focused on how wealthy the characters were, definitely not nearly as much as the two films. I mean yea, Carrie had her shoe fetish and Samantha name-dropped but both films make the women seem extremely self-indulgent and materialistic. I loved the show, I thought it was very witty and well written even, dare I say, insightful on the trials and tribulations of interpersonal relationships in the modern age.I feel both films have really just put focus more on product placing and dropping the names of various designers (this isn't even done in a tasteful way). I think its really disappointing.
471
I had never heard of you before today Lindy West until my sister showed me this review, but upon reading it I think I want to marry you. This is probably the best review of anything I have ever seen; blunt, hilarious and oh so true.
Yours with a violent bout of cynicism,
Isaac Hays.
Yours with a violent bout of cynicism,
Isaac Hays.
472
Nice article, Lindy!
witty, bitchy and hyperbolically scathing - i like it. there's nothing quite like an outpouring of bile and vitriol aimed at something vacuous, gawdy and superficial.
i agree that whilst this movie no doubt served to 'entertain' a certain demographic, all it has really done is demonstrate its cultural irrelevance and insensitivity to the more tangible cultures that it attempts to deride.
perhaps the writers were trying to present Carrie et al as having become so lost in their own superficiality that they've become simulations of the characters they once were, homunculi even. perhaps the writers were hoping to create a self-referential parody?
seems unlikely though, doesn't it?
when we really think about it, this kind of movie serves only one purpose: to entertain. when it can't even achieve this, then what other purpose can it serve?
be honest, o fans of SitC, was this movie not awful? did you not lament the repetition of the same old sex gags ad nauseum, the predictability and the sheer vacuousness and arrogance of the protagonists and their vain attempts to amuse you in their quest to prolong their ailing libidos?
or maybe it was entertaining? i mean, sitc2's characters are, after all, more vacant, more shallow and more self-serving than ever!
they have no moral\cultural\social compass beyond that which they deem to be 'relevant', meaning that 'hilarity ensues' when they reach the fabled 'orient' with their overt sense of entitlement, their overwhelming narcisism and their obsession with cultural hegemony over the 'other' - perhaps their roles as feminists is understated as they are playing more important roles: as imperialists in gucci disguise!
*gasp!* - 'nobody expects the spanish inquisition!'
anyone who attempts to argue that the 'sexual freedom' and 'body confidence' of Carrie et al is in some way an argument for them to be presented as role models, has clearly been in either a coma for the last 20-40 years (or is too young to know any better yet).
feminism has many forms, but has never been in the form of megalomaniacal arrogance and the need to project self-confidence to peers by treating men as nothing more than a tool for sexual gratification and the occasional emotional\comic relief.
that's not feminism, people, that's misandry.
ultimately, SitC2 was rubbish because it did nothing to present the growth and consolidation of their independent personalities into a maturity that was appropriate for the kind of people that they are 'supposed' to be representative of.
hopefully the franchise has (finally) been relegated to cultural irrelevance due to the xenophobic, misandric and heinously superficial undertones of the latest instalment.
More...
witty, bitchy and hyperbolically scathing - i like it. there's nothing quite like an outpouring of bile and vitriol aimed at something vacuous, gawdy and superficial.
i agree that whilst this movie no doubt served to 'entertain' a certain demographic, all it has really done is demonstrate its cultural irrelevance and insensitivity to the more tangible cultures that it attempts to deride.
perhaps the writers were trying to present Carrie et al as having become so lost in their own superficiality that they've become simulations of the characters they once were, homunculi even. perhaps the writers were hoping to create a self-referential parody?
seems unlikely though, doesn't it?
when we really think about it, this kind of movie serves only one purpose: to entertain. when it can't even achieve this, then what other purpose can it serve?
be honest, o fans of SitC, was this movie not awful? did you not lament the repetition of the same old sex gags ad nauseum, the predictability and the sheer vacuousness and arrogance of the protagonists and their vain attempts to amuse you in their quest to prolong their ailing libidos?
or maybe it was entertaining? i mean, sitc2's characters are, after all, more vacant, more shallow and more self-serving than ever!
they have no moral\cultural\social compass beyond that which they deem to be 'relevant', meaning that 'hilarity ensues' when they reach the fabled 'orient' with their overt sense of entitlement, their overwhelming narcisism and their obsession with cultural hegemony over the 'other' - perhaps their roles as feminists is understated as they are playing more important roles: as imperialists in gucci disguise!
*gasp!* - 'nobody expects the spanish inquisition!'
anyone who attempts to argue that the 'sexual freedom' and 'body confidence' of Carrie et al is in some way an argument for them to be presented as role models, has clearly been in either a coma for the last 20-40 years (or is too young to know any better yet).
feminism has many forms, but has never been in the form of megalomaniacal arrogance and the need to project self-confidence to peers by treating men as nothing more than a tool for sexual gratification and the occasional emotional\comic relief.
that's not feminism, people, that's misandry.
ultimately, SitC2 was rubbish because it did nothing to present the growth and consolidation of their independent personalities into a maturity that was appropriate for the kind of people that they are 'supposed' to be representative of.
hopefully the franchise has (finally) been relegated to cultural irrelevance due to the xenophobic, misandric and heinously superficial undertones of the latest instalment.
476
i dont know what all you reviewers were expecting when you went to see this movie but it clearly was not SATC. if you ever watched the TV show or the first movie then this movie was entirely as expected and anyone who enjoyed the TV show or the first movie would have found this movie jsut as hilarious. Yes it was set in Abu Dhabi and yes it showed the differences in a somewhat over the top way (although not entirely) and as i said if you ever watched the show this was to be entirely expected. i dont think the show was ever particulalrly plot focused or in depth - it is supposed to be light hearted fun based on fasion and s.e.x. as the title suggests. anyone looking for more clearly walked into the wrong cinema. if you dont like it go watch something else.
478
Congratulations and thank you - you said it for all 'normal' women. By the way you got a great plug on Dr.Mark Kermodes show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHeQeHstr…
Michele Aime
Michele Aime
479
Wow, Lindy West. You're great. I have stumbled across you as I stumbled across Cindy Guidry, thank god you're out there. I was beginning to feel very, very lonely.
481
This was a magnificent piece of writing! I so enjoyed reading this! Thanks so much! You are one funny broad!
482
Lindy, I hope you can hear me laughing over here in England. I think I may just have done myself an injury.
An absolutely superb review of an absolute piece of junk.
An absolutely superb review of an absolute piece of junk.
483
you SUCK ASS at righting film reviews, take page out of PAULINE KAEL, ANTHONY LANE, DAVID DENBY or DAVID EDELSTEIN and learn that CLEAR, SIMPLE WRITING CAN BE JUST AS EFFECTIVE AND WITTY AND WINNING AS PILING ON THE ADJECTIVES. THIS REVIEW IS, INEXPLICABLY, WORSE THAN THE FILM ITSELF. YOU NEED TO GET A FUCKING DAY JOB, HACK
484
"for what is essentially a home video of gay men playing with giant Barbie dolls..."
fucking brilliant review Lindy
fucking brilliant review Lindy
487
Well, actually, if you've ever walked around the fancy stores in Knightsbridge, London in the summer, you will see dozens of traditional Muslim women in burkas shopping for exactly the same hideously expensive, shocking clothes that the SATC women wear.
Apparently the wives of the wealthiest men in some of the strictest Muslim parties tend to hold private, women-only (so they don't need to wear the burka) parties. In these parties it is considered quite a status symbol to be wearing the absolute finest in Western high-end expensive fashions.
It really is quite a remarkable phenomena.
With the rest of the review I have no qualms.
Apparently the wives of the wealthiest men in some of the strictest Muslim parties tend to hold private, women-only (so they don't need to wear the burka) parties. In these parties it is considered quite a status symbol to be wearing the absolute finest in Western high-end expensive fashions.
It really is quite a remarkable phenomena.
With the rest of the review I have no qualms.
488
Don't blame fags because SJP and Bushnell's target audience buy into this consumerist bullshit. It's women who waste their money on ugly handbags and over-priced shoes and shoot their faces full of botox until they look hideous. Trying to pin it on fags is just reinforcing the sexist idea that women are victims and can't make their own choices. If some queen of a stylist makes a buck off of these stupid rich bitches and laughs his way to the bank then it's just funny. The faggots joke is on straight society: watching and laughing as straight men and women play their idiotic power games over and over, primping and plucking and self-tanning their privileged asses until their a whole new kind of ugly.
490
SATC is a global money-making franchise- you did not understand Mc D's in the Middle East or Russia- so ye in the US of A....... will not get the genius of making a non-film and still getting paid for it. GOOD LUCK to them!!!!
491
Apart from a few vaguely amusing comments in your third paragraph, this is a truly terrible, not to mention offensive review.
I'd be the first one to say that SATC2 isn't a great movie, but it's certainly not offensive.
I'll tell you what is offensive, your horrendous comments.
For example;
"Charlotte Goldsteinjewyjewsomethingsomethingblatt" - I think you ought to think before you speak, as that for me, personally is more offensive than anything in the entire movie.
"cloth and feathers that hang from Carrie et al.'s emaciated goblin shoulders" - the most sad thing about that comment, is even if you use the name 'carrie' in that sentence, you're still talking about SJP, and unnecessarily offending the way she looks. So much for women standing up for each other, i feel sorry for those with you as their friend.
Lastly, if you are seriously suggesting that you, and the majority of women in the western world, and even many in the east, do not care about looks, style or fashion, then you are seriously deluded. It's not shallow to dress well. Being a vapid cow and writing offensive and ignorant reviews, does.
It also doesn't make you a shallow person to occasionally obsess about someone you love/have loved. Or, perhaps, you've never got to that stage. It wouldn't surprise me.
I'd be the first one to say that SATC2 isn't a great movie, but it's certainly not offensive.
I'll tell you what is offensive, your horrendous comments.
For example;
"Charlotte Goldsteinjewyjewsomethingsomethingblatt" - I think you ought to think before you speak, as that for me, personally is more offensive than anything in the entire movie.
"cloth and feathers that hang from Carrie et al.'s emaciated goblin shoulders" - the most sad thing about that comment, is even if you use the name 'carrie' in that sentence, you're still talking about SJP, and unnecessarily offending the way she looks. So much for women standing up for each other, i feel sorry for those with you as their friend.
Lastly, if you are seriously suggesting that you, and the majority of women in the western world, and even many in the east, do not care about looks, style or fashion, then you are seriously deluded. It's not shallow to dress well. Being a vapid cow and writing offensive and ignorant reviews, does.
It also doesn't make you a shallow person to occasionally obsess about someone you love/have loved. Or, perhaps, you've never got to that stage. It wouldn't surprise me.
492
I, for one, appreciate good, acerbic, biting wit. This may be the most favorite review of anything I've ever read anywhere. This is my first time seeing your work, and it surely won't be the last. I actually laugh-snorted some diet coke out of my nose at my desk while reading this. Bravo!
494
@465: Spoken like a true pre-historic male chauvinist pig. Could this be to make up for some form of insecurity on your part---like a small dick?
495
@465: Uh, PeterC, in just what history book did you find this ultra-WRONG-wing male chauvinist definition of feminism?
Stop reading Wikipedia. It causes penis shrinkage and cancer in laboratory rats.
Or CAN you read?
Stop reading Wikipedia. It causes penis shrinkage and cancer in laboratory rats.
Or CAN you read?
496
There is nothing funnier than a well written rant and this is hilarious! I have no intention of seeing the film -don't think I'm exactly the target audience- but I had to read it following Mark Kermode's comments. Brilliant!
497
HAHAH!!! Brilliant review; I can't think of anything I'd like to do less than watch Sex & The City. Never seen it & never will.
498
hi,
first time reading your blog. you should say what you mean.....LOL
you're terrific. it's a great style, the content is irresistable, and you take no prisoners. i, too, have started a blog, and i hope someday, to spin yarn as well as thee, oh rapunzel.
thanks for the chuckle of my day. i'll wait for the video.
first time reading your blog. you should say what you mean.....LOL
you're terrific. it's a great style, the content is irresistable, and you take no prisoners. i, too, have started a blog, and i hope someday, to spin yarn as well as thee, oh rapunzel.
thanks for the chuckle of my day. i'll wait for the video.
499
you are so funny. my favorite quote in your review was: "
It is 146 minutes long, which means that I entered the theater in the bloom of youth and emerged with a family of field mice living in my long, white mustache."
lady, you certainly can turn a phrase. i laughed until i had to change my depends.....
keep it up, girl.
It is 146 minutes long, which means that I entered the theater in the bloom of youth and emerged with a family of field mice living in my long, white mustache."
lady, you certainly can turn a phrase. i laughed until i had to change my depends.....
keep it up, girl.
500
My first response is to Edensnow, (Comment #491) I love you!!
Dear Stranger:
Several years ago you launched an attack on two city councilwomen. The way you went after these women in such a misogynistic-lets-hide-it-by-pretending-we're-groundbreaking journalists made my skin crawl. From that time I have refused to even touch your paper. I won't even pick you up to wrap my breakables when I'm getting ready to move to an apartment. If I had a choice of wrapping my Limoges tea set with a copy of the National Review or the Stranger, I would choose the NR. Sure, they are fascist craphounds, but they don't hide their disdain for women. Your periodical however, poses as a liberal, stick-it-to-the-man, when in reality you're all nothing more that pro-crypto-stick-it-to-the-vaginas-fascist craphounds.
My friend sent me a link of this review and before I knew it, found myself on your website reading this offensive, trainwreck of a movie review. To be opinionated myself, I didn't like this movie as much. There were parts where it felt like the script was still being crafted the night before shooting the film started. Some of the one-liners weren't even campy bad. It was, however, good enough, that I didn't mind sitting in a movie theater for over two hours. And do you know what makes Sex and the City a success each time it airs an episode or movie? Those women and their unbreakable bond.
It's not about the sex, Mahnalo Blahniks, Jimmy Choos or vintage Valentino (yes, Charlotte is my favorite dresser, ha), it's about the bond between four women who work every god-damned day to preserve their sanity in a male-dominated workforce; try to find a lasting relationship; or a worth-your-time, passionate encounter. And when all of that seemingly goes to shit, they know they have three of the best friends on the planet...who will be there. No relationship, job or other distraction takes them away...for long...from their "soulmates." That is what Sex in the City is about and SITC II scored again in terms of projecting positive relationships among women.
How many of us have left our job for the day thinking: Shit, I gotta win the lottery, or ended a date thinking: no personality, 12 hands, and funny nosehairs; or expanding your passion and energy when engaging in sex and thinking...I was good, but he/she just laid there. Why am I doing this again? And just when you think you will eat too many ice cream cones or buy 28 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, you remember your friends...and fortunately, their telephone numbers.
As a man, I am proud, pleased, honored to write my dearest friends are women. Never, ever has it occurred to me to label them as my fruit flies, fag hags, or other ridiculously offensive, misogynistic terms. they are my equals...my support system. I sincerely hope I have provided them with as much love and support as they have shown me. I have heard much discussion about their vaginas and some times I still blush, but I don't revile them. How many fucking times does a man, gay or straight, talk about his dick...way more than women discuss their vaginas, trust me. Samantha Jones takes 48 "vagina" vitamins a day. Who the fuck cares? How many commercials, millions in research are devoted to keeping a 78-year-old fart as hard as when he was 15?
And never in 1 million years would I write such an offensive, hideous review such as this. It should be a review, not a rant. First we have a movie where a beautiful, mature actress belts out she is fifty-fucking-two-and-I-am-going-to-rock-that dress!!! She is also admitting that as one marches ever closer to the door marked "Exit", she is beginning the menopausal phase and has turned to Suzanne Somers for advice. And that advice is a shitload of yams and hummus wrapped in the form of vitamins. She's not moaning her fate of getting older. No, she is like: give me the facts, please. What can I do to make this transition nicer, more pleasant?
...And the scene where she tells the girls they're soulmates...that is fucking awesome and that simple little line summarized the entire season and movies...it was sublime.
But you, Mr Blankenhorn, didn't even get any of that out of the movie. All you saw was too much talk about menopause and the lubrication factor of vaginas. No wait...you saw this as yet another opportunity to slam it to the women...The entire point of the movie went right over your head. Well, you are working for the perfect periodical because everything feminine or positive flies over your headquarters at Shitbag Towers.
To summarize, The Stranger is still nothing more than shitbaggery disguised as a news periodial. I'll continue wrapping my teacups with the National Review.
My name is James Bryant and I will continue NOT reading his hideous periodical.
More...
Dear Stranger:
Several years ago you launched an attack on two city councilwomen. The way you went after these women in such a misogynistic-lets-hide-it-by-pretending-we're-groundbreaking journalists made my skin crawl. From that time I have refused to even touch your paper. I won't even pick you up to wrap my breakables when I'm getting ready to move to an apartment. If I had a choice of wrapping my Limoges tea set with a copy of the National Review or the Stranger, I would choose the NR. Sure, they are fascist craphounds, but they don't hide their disdain for women. Your periodical however, poses as a liberal, stick-it-to-the-man, when in reality you're all nothing more that pro-crypto-stick-it-to-the-vaginas-fascist craphounds.
My friend sent me a link of this review and before I knew it, found myself on your website reading this offensive, trainwreck of a movie review. To be opinionated myself, I didn't like this movie as much. There were parts where it felt like the script was still being crafted the night before shooting the film started. Some of the one-liners weren't even campy bad. It was, however, good enough, that I didn't mind sitting in a movie theater for over two hours. And do you know what makes Sex and the City a success each time it airs an episode or movie? Those women and their unbreakable bond.
It's not about the sex, Mahnalo Blahniks, Jimmy Choos or vintage Valentino (yes, Charlotte is my favorite dresser, ha), it's about the bond between four women who work every god-damned day to preserve their sanity in a male-dominated workforce; try to find a lasting relationship; or a worth-your-time, passionate encounter. And when all of that seemingly goes to shit, they know they have three of the best friends on the planet...who will be there. No relationship, job or other distraction takes them away...for long...from their "soulmates." That is what Sex in the City is about and SITC II scored again in terms of projecting positive relationships among women.
How many of us have left our job for the day thinking: Shit, I gotta win the lottery, or ended a date thinking: no personality, 12 hands, and funny nosehairs; or expanding your passion and energy when engaging in sex and thinking...I was good, but he/she just laid there. Why am I doing this again? And just when you think you will eat too many ice cream cones or buy 28 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, you remember your friends...and fortunately, their telephone numbers.
As a man, I am proud, pleased, honored to write my dearest friends are women. Never, ever has it occurred to me to label them as my fruit flies, fag hags, or other ridiculously offensive, misogynistic terms. they are my equals...my support system. I sincerely hope I have provided them with as much love and support as they have shown me. I have heard much discussion about their vaginas and some times I still blush, but I don't revile them. How many fucking times does a man, gay or straight, talk about his dick...way more than women discuss their vaginas, trust me. Samantha Jones takes 48 "vagina" vitamins a day. Who the fuck cares? How many commercials, millions in research are devoted to keeping a 78-year-old fart as hard as when he was 15?
And never in 1 million years would I write such an offensive, hideous review such as this. It should be a review, not a rant. First we have a movie where a beautiful, mature actress belts out she is fifty-fucking-two-and-I-am-going-to-rock-that dress!!! She is also admitting that as one marches ever closer to the door marked "Exit", she is beginning the menopausal phase and has turned to Suzanne Somers for advice. And that advice is a shitload of yams and hummus wrapped in the form of vitamins. She's not moaning her fate of getting older. No, she is like: give me the facts, please. What can I do to make this transition nicer, more pleasant?
...And the scene where she tells the girls they're soulmates...that is fucking awesome and that simple little line summarized the entire season and movies...it was sublime.
But you, Mr Blankenhorn, didn't even get any of that out of the movie. All you saw was too much talk about menopause and the lubrication factor of vaginas. No wait...you saw this as yet another opportunity to slam it to the women...The entire point of the movie went right over your head. Well, you are working for the perfect periodical because everything feminine or positive flies over your headquarters at Shitbag Towers.
To summarize, The Stranger is still nothing more than shitbaggery disguised as a news periodial. I'll continue wrapping my teacups with the National Review.
My name is James Bryant and I will continue NOT reading his hideous periodical.
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