I was going back and forth in my mind as to whether Carey Mulligan would qualify as being a Rising Star. Miss Mulligan is already a star in her own right with an Oscar nomination under her belt and a huge fan following, but one cannot deny the way her star status is on a continuous rise. She is definitely deserving of her own Rising Post, because there is much more to this talented British actress than her role of Jenny in “An Education” and being Shia LaBeouf’s current squeeze.
Carey Hannah Mulligan was born on the 25th of May 1985 in Greater London. She spent the first eight years of her life living in Germany before she returned with her parents to her home land. Carey first developed her love of acting at school at six years old when she appeared in “The King And I” in the chorus. It wasn’t until she was 20 that her dreams really started to take flight, when she got the role of Kitty Bennett the 2005 film, “Pride And Prejudice” alongside Keira Knightly and Judi Dench. This breakthrough role was the start of her film and television career.
She appeared in various British television shows and specials such as “Bleak House”, “Doctor Who” and “Northanger Abbey”. However during these times, she always kept her love of the stage and performed in productions such as “The Seagull”, in which she received a great deal of critical acclaim. From here, her film career took off and she appeared in “When Did You Last See Your Father?” with Jim Broadbent and Colin Firth and “The Greatest” with Pierce Brosnan, Susan Surandon and Aaron Johnson. However, it is by “An Education” that skyrocketed Mulligan into the stardom. For playing the role of eager sixteen year old schoolgirl Jenny, she received a BAFTA win and Golden Globe and Oscar nominations. The way in which she portrayed Jenny was done with complete believability and grace and she won many hearts in her performance.
Carey Mulligan entered Hollywood in 2009 with her roles in “Public Enemies” and “Brothers” and is continuing this new relationship in her current role as Winnie in “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps”. Her next role is in “Never Let Me Go”, in which she once again co-stars with Keira Knightly. Mulligan is also rumoured to be involved in the remake of “My Fair Lady” and the American remake of “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”.
Carey Mulligan already has an amazing career and no doubt that are greater things to come for her. Her purity and grace make it almost impossible to dislike her and we wish her all the best of luck in the future.
The A-Team Year: 2010 Director: John Carnahan Cast: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Sharlto Copley In My Own Words Ah, another remake! To be completely honest, I have never seen an episode of the TV show “The A-Team”. According to my lovely father, the film version is nowhere near as corny as the television series. Those who are big fans of the original show will most probably see this as a downfall, but those like myself who are not familiar with the show, will most probably see it as a plus. There is nothing worse than going to see a movie which is based on an old television show or movie which you haven’t seen and being completely confused. I guess that’s what directors of these films have to watch, that they don’t discriminate and that they can reach the widest audience possible. “The A-Team” didn’t fall into the “just for fans of the original” category, which is a great thing so people, such as myself, can also enjoy this film! I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this film and happy to say so!
Any “The A-Team” television show fans here? What did you think of the remake? I can only ponder which television show will get its remake next. I have actually heard that there is a “Gidget” remake on it’s way!
These are my own words and here is my review. Review Finally, a great action film with amazing special effects and a solid story. This doesn’t happen too many times in a year, but “The A-Team” is one of those rare films. It is thoroughly entertaining and extremely enjoyable film which will delight not just fans of the television series. The A-Team are Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith (Liam Neeson), Lieutenant Templeton Peck (Bradley Cooper), B. A. Baracus (Quinton “Rampage” Jackson) and Murdock (Sharlto Copley), a group of soldiers who have been accused of a crime they didn’t commit. In order to clear their names, there is a lot of clever planning and illegal activity (eg. Breaking out of jail) to be undertaken. From here, they endeavour to prove their innocence and uncover the true instigator of the crime.
The special effects in “The A-Team” are truly amazing. Special effects in action films these days are getting better and better and “The A-Team” is an example of what they can provide these days. These are plenty of explosions and high-pace action sequences to keep you interested the whole time, there are certainly no boring moments. Although some of the scenes may make those who are afraid of heights or those who suffer from motion sickness feel quite nauseous. The action can become a bit too much at times, meaning that it can sometimes seem just like a showcase of special effects and can be a bit over-indulgent. The story does not lack lustre as a result of this onslaught of action, as many films fail into the habit of doing. The script is very well written and extremely clever. Not only this, but it is also quite funny. The cinematography in particular scenes is also extremely impressive, particularly the court case scene.
The acting is not bad in the film, but it’s not its strongest point. Liam Neeson does well as Hannibal and does actually resemble an older George Peppard, who played the same role in the original television series . Sharlto Copley is probably the stand out of the actors in the main roles in his role as Murdock. He isn’t the standout for the reason that his performance is particularly better than the others, but his character is very well constructed and very funny. Jessica Biel gives an impressive performance as Charisa Sousa, playing the role of a hard-hearted captain who shows no mercy.
“The A-Team” is a lot of fun and a one of the best action films of the year. Not an Oscar winner, but a good film nevertheless. 7/10
Shrek Forever After Year: 2010 Director: Mike Mitchell Cast: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas
In My Own Words Ah...the amazing Shrek phenomenon! Who would have ever thought that a big, green, animated ogre would stick around for so long and become so close to everyone’s heart? How did this come to be so? Well, I think the answer is pretty simple. It’s an animation both adults and kids can both love. In the cinema today, there were about as many children as there were adults and the appeal to both was staggeringly obvious. The kids loved the visual humour while the adults loved the verbal humour. Attending the cinema with two adults and two 4 year old children, I often found myself laughing with the adults when there was silence from the two young boys. It’s not just the humour though that makes Shrek so appealing. It’s also its originality, colourful characters and the cast of superstars behind the voices. All of which are carried on in “Shrek Forever After”.
Do you remember your first trip to the movies? Honestly, I don’t. I went to the movies far too many times when I was younger to pick out my first flick. The earliest one I can remember is going to see “The Little Mermaid” at Village Cinemas at Sylvania, which has now been closed for many years. I had the pleasure of being in attendance at little Mitchell’s first film today. I’m not quite sure if he knew what he was in for, especially considering the film was in 3D! He wasn’t quite sure why he had to wear glasses and was over them about 15 minutes into the film. Although his mother did inform me that he was wearing them when he got into bed this evening! His first question when arriving at the cinemas was “Where’s Shrek?” He was very well behaved though and is looking forwards to his next movie.
Does anybody have any first movie stories they would like to share? Don’t be shy!
These are my own words and here is my review.
Review “Shrek Forever After” is another example of films this year dragging out a phenomenon as far as it can possibly go. It may be suggested that director Mike Mitchell decided to create a fourth instalment to the Shrek series of films in order to utilise the new rage of 3D. However, unlike other films which have done this, “Shrek Forever After” is still a ball of fun and Shrek looks anything but tired and worn. This film doesn’t bring anything particularly new to the table but is nevertheless fun to watch and enjoyable. Shrek (Mike Myers) has all he could possibly want in life. His wife, Fiona (Cameron Diaz) who loves him, three one-year old ogre children and friends who are always there for him. Yet, he can’t help but feel that life is just getting too monotonous for him. When he meets Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn), he decides to take him up on an offer to escape his life for just one day and go back to the days when he was a terrifying ogre, and not a friendly one. However, Rumpelstiltskin is not to be trusted and Shrek ends up losing more than he bargained for.
Looking like a Shrek version of “It’s A Wonderful Life”, the plot of “Shrek Forever After” is a storyline that has been done over and over. No prizes for who guesses how the film finishes or what realisations Shrek makes. This isn’t as much of a pitfall in this film as it would be in a stand alone film. The Shrek films have always been more about the visuals and the witty one-liners than about the actual plot, which is exactly how this film is. The visuals in this instalment are even better than the other three films as they are enhanced by 3D and Mitchell uses every opportunity throughout the film to take advantage of this. There are some moments that leave the audience awe-struck with the capabilities of 3D presented. With each instalment, Dreamworks has managed to make Shrek more and more lifelike. Thanks to 3D, “Shrek Forever After” is the closest to real life that Shrek will ever get. The script does also give some clever moments. Although it is not as funny as its predecessors, it still packs quite a few giggles into the film.
The creativity that goes into making Far Far Away and the characters are once again what makes this film such a joy to watch. Such concepts as the tourist coach coming past Shrek’s house at the swamp much like a Star Tours bus in Hollywood are pure genius and just plain fun. Fiona has been transformed for this film and is great to watch as a female warrior princess. The inclusion of the green faced witches bring a dash of “Wizard Of Oz” to the growing fairytale land and are great to watch. However, the two best characters are Puss In Boots, who has piled on weight after being treated as a domestic cat and a character by the name of Butterpants who says very little but “Do the roar!” And who could ever forget Eddie Murphy’s waffle loving Donkey? No Shrek movie is complete without him.
“Shrek Forever After” is a great film to go and watch for some harmless fun and humour. The film itself could have been made as a television special, but with the inclusion of 3D has made it a cinema spectacle. The amazing visuals and creative characters save this film from being lost in the whitewash of blockbuster sequels being released this season. 7/10
Creation Year: 2009 Director: Jon Amiel Cast: Paul Bettany, Jennifer Connelly, Jeremy Northam, Toby Jones
In My Own Words On the closing night of the Sydney Film Festival, I decided to see the Charles Darwin biopic, “Creation”. Perhaps the most thrilling part of seeing this film at this festival is that I got the pleasure of being at the same screening as screenwriter, John Collee. It was a great experience to listen to Collee speak and answer questions on the life of Charles Darwin, the research that went into writing the script and the making of the film. I think it is very easy to take for granted how much research goes into writing a script before the first words are even written, especially in a biopic such as “Creation”. The film was based on the book “Annie’s Box” by Randal Keynes, who is actually the great-great grandson of Charles Darwin himself. A great deal of the information in this book is correct, as Darwin was known for writing many a letter to his friends and family (as is shown in the movie) and he was a compulsive note-taker. Collee said of him “If he were around today, he would be an adamant blogger”. So Darwin would probably be one of the easier people to find information on for this reason, but nevertheless there is still much research to be completed before writing a biopic screenplay. I applaud any screenwriter for the amount of work they put in both before and during the writing of a screenplay.
I do believe that many Christians may be weary of watching this film because of the idea that Darwin’s theories are closely linked to atheism. However, there is not too much to be frightened of with this film. There are some references from other characters besides Darwin that he is in war with God and that his book would prove the church wrong, but this is not what the movie is about. It even suggests that Darwin himself may have had doubts, but was not entirely sure that his theory meant that God did not exist. It has been suggested by many people, including today by Collee, that Darwin’s book, “The Origin Of Species” was more a way of coming to terms with his anger towards God for taking his beloved daughter, Annie away from him. It does seem quite odd that if he was an atheist, why he would be buried in Westminster Abbey in London. Or was this just a goodwill gesture upon his death? Something to be pondered.
These are my own words and here is my review.
Review “Creation” may be about the writing of Charles Darwin’s infamous book, “The Origin Of Species”, but it is not about his evolution theories as per say. “Creation” focuses more on the relationship between Charles Darwin (Paul Bettany) and his wife, Emma (Jennifer Connelly)as they both come to grips with the death of their beloved 10-year old daughter, Annie (newcomer Martha West). Charles and Emma drift apart from each other as Emma turns to her Christian faith for comfort, while Charles stops going to church and becomes obsessed with his scientific theories of life on Earth and how it came to be. As Charles is continuously pressured by others to write his book for all those who agree with him, he feels like he is drifting further away from his wife, his children, himself and his deceased daughter.
“Creation” could have been a fantastic film, but it feels like it was just done the wrong way. The main criticism of the film is that it is far too jerky and it feels as though it does not even out until the last half an hour. It is the way in which the flashback scenes are incorporated with both the present and Darwin’s dream-like hallucinations that make the film seem far too erratic. The film would have worked far better if it was just carried through chronologically. Maybe director, Jon Amiel was trying to make the film slightly more surrealistic by piecing the film together this way, but it just seems far too jumpy and the audience is not able to take their time to enjoy a scene for what it is. However, as said before, it seems to smooth out towards the end, and the last 20 minutes are just magic. They are emotionally striking and filled with some extremely fine acting.
Attention must also be brought to the visuals of the film. There are many scenes which are truly beautiful and are stunning to watch. The period is very well represented in the costumes, visuals and the music. The script is very well written. The amount of research done is evident and well written into the film.
The acting is what makes the film work and is definitely its saving grace. Paul Bettany gives his career best in this film. Not only does he uncannily resemble a young Charles Darwin, but he gives a heartfelt performance as a husband and father struggling with both grief and his sanity. His performance will be a tough one to watch for many fathers. The real-life married couple of Bettany and Jennifer Connelly is, as it typically is, a winning choice. The chemistry is already there and shows up on the big screen in spectacular fashion. The acting from these two is great throughout the film, but, like the film, it gets better throughout the film. For one particular scene, Bettany should win an Oscar based purely on that.
“Creation” could have been a great film instead of just a good film. The jerkiness of the film is the huge downfall. A great film should be great the whole way through rather than waiting until the last quarter. However, it should be seen purely for Paul Bettany’s magic. The film takes an in-depth look at a grieving family and may strike a chord with many people who have been through a similar situation. “Creation” could have been a film about any grieving family, but is made more interesting by the family being the Darwins. 6.5/10
Animal Kingdom Year: 2010 Director: David Michod Cast: James Frecheville, Guy Pearce, Ben Mendelsohn, Joel Edgerton, Jacki Weaver
In My Own Words I just have to say how proud I am to be a movie critic and have the opportunity to review so many Australian films this year. Not only do I get to review them, but I get to tell everyone how wonderful they are! And I am not the only one saying so. “Animal Kingdom”, which is my latest review, premiered at Sundance 2010 and showed the world what the Australian film industry can do by winning the Grand Jury Prize in the World Cinema- Dramatic category. “Animal Kingdom” is a brilliant piece of work. Not for the faint hearted, as people would expect from hearing the subject matter, but still a film that has to be seen. Australian viewers, don’t be fooled, this film is not an “Underbelly” rip off.
Just a side note, it still amazes me how some people can leave their manners at the front door when going to the movies. I know people normally see groups of teenagers as being the main offenders of this, but I find grown adults to be just as bad times. During this film, a lady’s phone went off three times before she realised she should turn it off. Turning off my mobile has become like a ritual for me as soon as I buy my ticket and so many cinemas place a clever advertisement in the preview about turning your mobile off for the sake of others, but some people still just don’t get it. I find more and more people talking throughout films now too, or maybe I just go to too many films so it seems like there is more people falling into this category. All I’m saying is, where has cinema etiquette gone?
These are my own words and here is my review.
Review “Animal Kingdom” is one of the best Australian films to be released in a long time. Not only this, it is perhaps the best crime drama released this year thus far. A film with outstanding characters brought to life by fantastic acting and an extremely well written script by director and writer, David Michod. Joshua Cody(James Frecheville) goes to live with his grandmother (Jacki Weaver) and his uncles after the death of his mother from a heroin overdose. Although this may seem like a better situation, his uncles are a group of armed robbers who the police are always out to get. As the police get closer and more family deaths occur, life gets more and more complicated for Josh. However, blood runs thicker than water.
What an amazing story and script. “Animal Kingdom” has so many twists and turns that it becomes clear sooner rather than later that things will never turn out the way you think. It is so easy to become emotionally involved in this film with the way the characters are constructed. Although not as hard-hitting as it may have been ( but in no way is it a subtle or easy to watch film), there are many shocks and suspenseful scenes. There is a lack of violent scenes which is interesting. There is violence spoken of and hinted, but no gruesome scenes. Just the hint of blood here and there. Quite interesting for a crime drama. The soundtrack is absolutely superb in the way in which it enhances the emotion of each scene. The opening title sequence is accompanies by music, sounds and also images that create an uneasy air and almost a feeling of evil. This is completely turned around a few scenes after when the family leaves a restaurant in fits of laughter and smiles and the soundtrack has the ability to make the audience see how much the family love each other and even though they are involved in crime, they are just like any other family when they have a good time together. Such an accomplishment in film making.
Unlike many other crime dramas, this film focuses more of the interrelations of the family and those around them rather than the actual crimes they commit. The characterisation is absolutely outstanding. The audience feels an attachment to each of the main characters and shares everything with them. It is a great tribute to a film when the audience feels every emotion with the character and can feel as if they know them personally. In his debut and breakthrough film role, James Frecheville is the lead as Joshua Cody. His performance at the beginning seems a little dry, but it is soon realised that that is all part of his character and he definitely proves himself as an actor as the film goes on. Jacki Weaver is outstanding here. Her role as the optimistic Cody mother and grandmother, Janine has many dimensions. She can be so annoying in her optimism, superficiality and overbearing love for her sons that she is just brilliant. Ben Mendelsohn as Andre “Pope” Cody is extremely creepy and evil, and is easily hated throughout the film by the audience, but he is absolute pleasure to watch. Sullivan Stapleton is also a standout in his role as Craig Cody, as is Joel Edgerton as Barry Brown.
“Animal Kingdom” is a film that must be seen. It is an accomplishment in film making and contains all the factors necessarily to make a successful and well done film. Disturbing, but beautifully so. 8.5/10
El secreto de sus ojos (The Secret In Their Eyes) Year: 2009 Director: Juan Jose Campanella Cast: Ricardo Darin, Soledad Villamil, Pablo Rago, Guillermo Francella, Javier Godino
In My Own Words Finally the wait is over for Australian filmgoers, as we finally get to see the 2010 Academy Award’s Best Foreign Language Film in cinemas! “The Secret In Their Eyes” was not the favourite to take home the award, but it is extremely easy to see why it did. It is a brilliantly made film with an incredible story. So many movies lack a good, solid story these days and seeing one with a great story makes me want to stand up and cheer at the end of the movie.
These are my own words and here is my review.
Review “El secreto de sus ojos” (The Secret In Their Eyes) is a winner. A winner in many ways. Of course it won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film earlier this year, but it has a winning script, winning cinematography and winning characters. How can you go wrong with a combination like that? There is so much praise to be sung about this film. It is a great thriller with more of a “How is it going to end?” type of suspense, rather than a “Who did it?” suspense. Benjamin Esposito (Ricardo Darin) is a retired federal justice agent, who has written a novel based on a case he investigated nearly 30 years ago in which a young woman was raped and murdered. It is a case he can’t let go of for how emotionally attached he became to all the people involved. We are taken back in time to relive the case investigation with Esposito, and then forward again to 1999 where Esposito is looking to find the perfect way to wrap up his novel.
Although originally a bit dragging, leaving the cinema after seeing this film feels like getting off a rollercoaster. There is very little action in the film, but “The Secret In Their Eyes” has an absolute powerhouse of an ending. The story and script is perfectly written with quick witted dialogue which will even draw a few giggles throughout. Don’t be fooled though, this isn’t a film for the light hearted. There are many gruelling images and topics that will pull at people’s hearts. It is a treat to see a thriller/mystery film which is unpredictable and original. What makes this film so original is that it is a thriller that also looks at friendship and the passions in lie rather than just the subject at hand. Another extremely strong point of this film is the cinematography. The photography is absolutely amazing throughout with some beautiful, breathtaking images. The way in which some of the most important scenes in the movie are filmed is also very impressive. The choice of camera angles and effects enhance the meaning of each scene and as a result are able to give the greatest feeling of emotion and understanding on the audience. Director Juan Jose Campanella does a marvellous job with the direction of this film and takes every opportunity to push the boundaries.
The characterisation is also very well done in “The Secret In Their Eyes”. It contains some very strong characters and ones which people will like or dislike immensely. Ricardo Darin does a fine job at leading the film. It seems like his acting gathers strength throughout the film, as he performs better in the second half of the film than he does the first. Soledad Villamal also does very well as the Esposito’s business colleague and would-be love interest, Irene Menendez Hastings. She gives a strong performance of a strong female character. The chemistry between these two characters is quite sweet in parts and you can feel in their first scene together how much they enjoy each other’s company, but it is not a particularly strong bond. The audience remains indifferent as to whether these two will be together or not, and it does not feel as important to the story as what Campanella would like it to be. However, the friendship between Esposito and his drunken friend, Pablo Sandoval, played by Guillermo Francella, is much stronger. Francella gives a great performance in which he is able to produce humour and inspiration. An unlikely combination, but one which really works on screen. Javier Godino is also commendable with his change in character in the few scenes he is in.
“El secreto de sus ojos” (The Secret In Their Eyes)is deserving of all the praise it has received and is indeed deserving of its highest honour in its Academy Award. Unfortunately, people who do not enjoy reading subtitles may not find this film to be as riveting as others may. Non-fans of subtitles may find the first half a little too monotonous for them, but make it to the second half and they will be rewarded. Stand up and take a bow Argentina! 8/10
Sex And The City 2 Year: 2010 Director: Michael Patrick King Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall In My Own Words I am a big “Sex And The City” fan from way back. I’ve always believed that there is so much more to the television series than what people take at face value. In one of my first year English subjects, I wrote an essay about what “Sex And The City” really represents. I believe that Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda are all extremes of a woman’s personality, which is one of the reasons why the show was so popular among women. Women always saw themselves in these characters and in their situations, hence the attraction to the show. I always heard people say “Oh these “Sex And The City” girls are so promiscuous” (that’s a nicer word for what they really said), but the situations the girls got themselves in were not meant to be taken literally. The situations are representations of basically everything that can happen while a girl is single, dating or married. I know for a fact that I watched many episodes and it was like déjà vu at times. The other attractions of “Sex And The City”? The fashion and New York obviously! The place where dreams are made in clothes which the majority of us can only dream of owning!
When the lights went down, I got a tingle of excitement knowing that I would be seeing my favourite four girls on the screen again. That excitement eventually turned to boredom. I know I have said it before, but some sequels just do not need to be made. Unfortunately, this is one of them. I was highly anticipating this sequel, but I was also anticipating it to be a dud. Such a shame considering “Sex And The City” is one of my all-time favourite television shows. For once, what I anticipated was correct. What a dud. Nothing new, everything, with the exception of Abu Dhabi, has been seen before in the series. When thinking of “Sex And The City” in the future, I think I will be trying to disregard this film and imagining that it all finished after the first film.
These are my own words and here is my review.
Review The “Sex And The City 2” poster reads “Carrie On” when it should say “Carrie On....And On....And On...And On”. That is the way the “Sex And The City” phenomenon seems to be going thanks to director, Michael Patrick King. Did he really want to make a sequel to a TV show’s first film, or did he just see an opportunity to keep the franchise going and pull in more money? No doubt it will make the money, as it already has, but fans will be severely disappointed. The movie itself seems to go on...and on...and on, exactly like the franchise. It is way too long for a film where not much really happens and everything which does happen has already happened in “Sex And The City”. The film picks up 2 years after the last film finished, Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) is still married to Big (Chris Noth), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) is still married to Steve (David Eigenberg), Charlotte (Kristin Davis) is still married to Harry (Evan Handler) and Samantha (Kim Cattrall) is still prowling the town as a single woman. They all still have their own problems in the relationships, and when Samantha suggests a trip to Abu Dhabi all catered for, they jump at the chance. Abu Dhabi brings new luxuries, but also new problems for the girls.
Most television shows that are made into movies are accused of being just like three episodes back to back, and this is no exception. There is no firm plot and what plot there is, is extremely weak. The 140 minute length of the film is way too long for a film where not much happens. Like the television series, there are some situations the foursome find themselves in where female members of the audience will again find themselves relating to, and this is what will save the film for many audience members. The script is also very weak. There are some moments which will provoke a giggle and others that are just annoying as they are so obviously supposed to be funny and just not. The film itself just seems too over the top, predictable and unrealistic at times. While we are supposed to sigh and be in awe at the sight of the Abu Dhabi hotel, we roll our eyes instead. Sure there are some amazing views of both Abu Dhabi and New York (a lot less of New York than we would like to see), but even the fashion isn’t as breathtaking as what it should be. This will perhaps be the biggest let down to the fashionistas out there.
As for the acting, Kristin Davis is by far the best out of the four. She still has what it takes to keep the adorable Charlotte adorable and real. And what makes the most difference, is that she still keeps the character real. Charlotte is the only character in the film who has seemed to keep evolving, although her situation with her children does seem to mirror Miranda’s situation with Brady in earlier times. Cynthia Nixon’s Miranda is extremely annoying at times, a far cry for the Miranda we used to know and love. Her character also has the least amount of film time. Kim Cattrall’s Samantha is the same old Samantha. Still cracking the same jokes, which are still as amusing as ever. Sarah Jessica Parker, as she once was in the series, is guilty of over-acting , but she is forgiven as that was always what Carrie was all about. Carrie is perhaps the least likable she ever has been in this film. At times you want to just slap her across the face for being so stupid, but is that just another representation of a female quality? Do we all want to just slap ourselves across the face at times? Or has Carrie Bradshaw just taken her last bow?
In situations such as this, one would normally say that “Sex And The City 2” is only for die-hard fans of the show. However, this is not the case. Fans will be disappointed at the lack of emotion, silliness and over-exaggeration of the film. There is still some fun to be had, but nothing like the television show or the first movie. People who did not like the show should avoid this film at all costs. As a stand alone film it fails miserably. As a sequel, it just fails. The best part of the film comes in the first 10 minutes and may be the sole reason for watching “Sex And The City 2”, Liza Minnelli doing “Single Ladies”. She’s still got it! 3.5/10
