SATC 2

I went to watch Sex and The City 2 with my husband while other women entered with their partners or group of friends. It was entertaining to watch the idealistic lives of four rich women, even my husband found this film humorous. Much of the script created shock followed by laughter and I reccommend this film if you are looking for a comedy for a date night or a film to see with a group of girl friends.

In the SATC 2, Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda escape from their life with little hardship and go on vacation to Abu Dhabi. Equality and womens rights is a theme explored lightly throughout this film. In the beginning Miranda quits her job to make a stand for women having a voice. The issue is explored in a little more depth as they travel to a country where women are devalued and sexuality is hidden...as you can imagine, Samantha creates humor through the satirical script. There are additional troubles in the lives of these women. Samantha's trouble is in dealing with aging menopause and miracualously her lack of interest in younger men. Carrie struggles being newly married and explores a non-traditional marriage while Charlotte's strife is exhibited as a mother and wife worrie about her husband having an affair with the nanny breaking down under the pressure. In the end, everything finds a way of working itself out for all of these women. Even Miranda is able to find an incredible job because all economic troubles are avoided...afterall, we go to movies to escape reality.

Sex And The City 2: Breaking Through Consumer Culture

On May 27th 2010, it will be that time to again watch Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte on the BIG screen. In Sex and the City, life is big for these four women who have very little to worry about other than men and where to spend their money. Sex and the City is a great candidate for defining American culture. Although I have never followed the show, I can say that the film is an illustration of our consumer culture. It is a typical American film ending happily, but viewers are unaware of the gluttony that results in an empty life. Of course, nothing to imply misery would cause other cultures to love an American film where happy endings are both enjoyed and implied.

Cultures all around the world celebrated Sex and the City the movie, eager for its release. Women came in groups, all of their friends watching the film. While a comedy typically does not travel the world well, women all over fell in love with these women and what they represented—a life without hardships, one that offers all the material items you want without worry (even I found myself yearning for a pair of Manolo Blahnik heels). And who does not LOVE that idea? Why not live in a world where you can have all you desire without any serious consequences? People enjoy a film with elements of aspiration; the mere illusion it offers that they can be placed in that position.

Although the film is a representation of American culture, it displays many ideas that create resentment among other nations; ideas of mass consumption, extramarital affairs and sexual promiscuity are promoted and justified. A stereotype of a female American that is selfish and obsessed with sex is the product of this film. She divulges in her hungers and has no self-control, compulsively surrendering to her urges. These women, below the surface can be observed as weak. While these women appear to break out of traditional roles, they do not. Many times they are viewed as irrational, expected to handle it all, and rely on a man—only he will make her life complete. If she does fall outside of this traditional role, she is self-obsessed (think Samantha). So really, if one looks deeper, it is not the lives we aspire to have; only what they possess and this presents the problem. Consumerism will consume us. Films that contrive aspiration create unintended consequences for Americans and other nations. If consumer culture is showcased in this manner and becomes iconic or even a model for other cultures, it could result in a loss of cultural identity worldwide. Why should this need for emptiness be instilled in others?

In any event, I intend to watch and evaluate Sex and the City 2 when it is released. I anticipate product placement will be a major aspect with consumerism central to this film.

Alice in Wonderland

Many came to follow Alice as she made her return journey down the rabbit hole. On the premier weekend, I too came to experience the fascination I held for the film of my childhood. Enraptured by the exciting imagery and nostalgia offered by this film, it is a must to watch it in 3D. Amid the many enthusiastic movie-goers, I waited in line to enter the theater even though I purchased tickets a day prior before they sold out. The anticipation was exceedingly high as bars were set by the various forms of promotion and numerous recognized actors.

For me, Alice in Wonderland was all about reliving a childhood experience, but after watching the film, I did not understand the hype—it was a bit excessive. It was a match made in heaven; there were elements typical of both a Tim Burton film and the original Disney film—the darkness, adventure, and fantastical images. While the original Alice from the Disney film is an endearing character in her whimsy and naivety, the new Alice, played by Mia Wasikowska, portrayed a cynical young woman; she was heroic, but much less compliant. Nonetheless, Alice was still fascinating, and I think the complexity added richness to the film. The characters generated the feelings of dread, disparagement, and chaos that were part of the original film, but were disheartened—a product of the plot. The film was made for all ages; it appealed to the eager eyes of children and allowed parents to reminisce.

Although, it is an imitative adventure, the 2010 Alice in Wonderland is attractive to the imagination, offering depth and curiosity. I just felt it was disappointing because expectations were high and the storyline was mediocre and at times, lacked meaning. But, in watching a film, I suppose meaning is what many wish to escape. So, for a few moments, I sought a form of distraction. As I moved closer to the strangers in seats next to me so everyone could be accommodated, I was filled with the wonder that one experiences when assuming the role of a child. While I may not return to watch the film again, and I suggest that it is only watched in a theater amidst the enthusiasm of others, it was enjoyable and the film was a wonder to the eyes.