Film/TV May 27, 2010 at 4:00 am

I Watched 146 Minutes of Sex and the City 2 and All I Got Was This Religious Fundamentalism

YAP YAP YAP YAP YAP YAP YAP YAP AYP BOCK BOCK YAP YAP HEW HAW ZZZZZZZZZ. Craig Blankenhorn

Comments

201
This is one of the best reviews I've ever read, probably the most savage.

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.
204
Brilliant!
205
Yes I have to admit it would have better if it featured female penises
206
really, really funny
207
Loved the movie and completely disagree with your review.
208
@207 "Loved the movie and completely disagree with your review."

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.
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.

211
i fuckin' guffawed. brilliant.
212
BEST MOVIE REVIEW EVER!
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.
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.
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 ;)
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.
217
ooooooo you go girreell!!
218
You're an idiot. The movie is supposed to be fun....obviously you have no concept of the word.
219
You've made me want to watch it, now.
220
You're a bitch.
221
Thank you for restoring my faith that others were as repulsed at that gay cartoon as I.
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
223
That was just fantastic and hilarious.
Love it, love it, love it.
Thank you, Lindy West.
224
Lindy, I think I love you.
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.
226
Lindy you are a treasure
227
@225
Feminism is about *all* women. Not just the ones you consider worthy of equality.
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.
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?
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.
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.
234
this review got a great shout-out from mark kermode.

nuff said.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.)
243
Great review! Anybody who enjoys this type of movie should just die in a fucking fire.
244
Spot on, Lyndy. Here's another gay guy who has never liked SATC.
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?
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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 :)

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.
257
I mean Lindy!
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.
262
Brilliant...just hilarious. Laughed out loud....Will now be following Miss Lindy...a new fan!
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.

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*
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.
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!
268
In my own private SATC - they get beheaded. CHOP! thud plop roll roll.
269
In my own private SATC - they get beheaded. CHOP! thud plop roll roll.
270
LOVE LOVE LOVE this review.
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....
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.
280
lindy rocks.
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.
287
Oh, Lindy. I just love you to pieces. This is fantastic.
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.
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.
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.
293
Someone please put this review in one of those Best American books
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?
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.
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

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.
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.

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.
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.

    Please wait...

    Comments are closed.

    Commenting on this item is available only to members of the site. You can sign in here or create an account here.


    Add a comment
    Preview

    By posting this comment, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use.