Jump to content

Sex and the City 2

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 24.13.181.197 (talk) at 02:46, 15 June 2010. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Sex and the City 2
File:Satc2OP.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed byMichael Patrick King
Written byCharacters:
Candace Bushnell
Darren Star
Screenplay:
Michael Patrick King
Produced byMichael Patrick King
Sarah Jessica Parker
Darren Star
John Melfi
StarringSarah Jessica Parker
Kim Cattrall
Kristin Davis
Cynthia Nixon
Chris Noth
John Corbett
David Eigenberg
Evan Handler
Jason Lewis
Lynn Cohen
Liza Minnelli
Miley Cyrus
Penelope Cruz
CinematographyJohn Thomas
Edited byMichael Berenbaum
Music byAaron Zigman
Production
companies
Distributed byWarner Bros.
New Line Cinema (us)
Picturehouse (uk)
Release date
May 27, 2010 (2010-05-27)
Running time
146 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$95,000,000[1]
Box office$216,358,826[2]

Sex and the City 2 is a 2010 American romantic comedy film, the sequel to the 2008 film Sex and the City, which is based on the HBO TV series of the same name.

The film was released on May 27, 2010 in the United States and May 28, 2010 in the United Kingdom. The film stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Kim Cattrall, and Chris Noth, who reprised their roles from the previous film and TV series. It also features cameos from Liza Minnelli, Miley Cyrus, and Penélope Cruz.

Plot

The story begins with a flashback to how Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) first meets Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) in the middle 1980s in New York City. The movie then jumps to the present, two years after the events of the first film. At the Connecticut same-sex wedding of Stanford Blatch (Willie Garson) and Anthony Marentino (Mario Cantone), Liza Minnelli appears in a cameo to officiate the wedding vows and she sings Beyoncé's "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)".

The four friends now have lives that are more stressful than before: All are married except for Samantha, who is now 52 and trying to keep her libido alive with hormones while dealing with menopause; Charlotte's two children are a handful and Charlotte is worried that Harry is attracted to their nanny, Erin (Alice Eve), who, as revealed at the end of the film, is a lesbian; and Carrie's marriage to Mr. Big (Chris Noth) has settled down, though they differ on how to spend their spare time: she always wants to go out, he would prefer to stay home and watch television.[4][5][6]

Meanwhile, Samantha is approached by an Arab sheikh to devise a PR campaign for his business, and he offers to fly her and her friends on an all-expenses-paid luxury vacation to Abu Dhabi. While in Abu Dhabi, Carrie runs into her former lover, Aidan (John Corbett), and agrees to a dinner date. In a moment of passion, the two kiss. Carrie deals with the question of whether or not to tell Big.

Samantha tells her to sleep on it while Miranda reflects on the events of the previous film, when her husband, Steve (David Eigenberg), told her about his affair and how, while it helped clear his conscience, was something that she was not so sure she wanted to know in retrospect given the months it took her to recover. Carrie opts to call Big from Abu Dhabi to tell him. Previously, in the television series, Carrie had an affair with the then-married Big while dating Aidan, ending their relationship.[4][5]

Meanwhile, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda run up against a culture clash in the Middle East, as their style and attitudes contrast with Muslim society, but none more than Samantha, whose antics anger the sheik enough to force a premature return to the United States after he stops paying the bills. After a few mishaps they do arrive safely in the USA, where Carrie sits alone, miserable in the appartment, Big nowhere to be seen. He does eventually return and presents her with the punishment he intended for her - a diamond ring, to always remind her she is married.

The movie ends with a few scenes from their everyday lives, how Big and Carrie combine their interests, how Charlotte every now and again takes a few days for herself, how Miranda found a new job where they appreciate her, and how Samantha stayed exactly the same.

Cast

Production

Development

After months of speculation, the cast confirmed in February 2009 that a sequel was in the works. Filming began in August 2009 for a May 27, 2010 release.

All four stars, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, and Kim Cattrall returned in the sequel; Chris Noth also signed on to reprise the role of Mr. Big.[7] Evan Handler returned as Harry Goldenblatt, John Corbett as Aiden Shaw, David Eigenberg played Steve Brady once more, Willie Garson returned as Stanford Blatch, and Mario Cantone again played Anthony Marentino, making the original cast almost complete.[8][dead link] In addition, Michael Patrick King wrote and directed again, and Patricia Field once again took charge of the costumes and wardrobe.[9][dead link]

Entertainment Weekly has confirmed that the budget for the film was USD $95 million,[10] exactly $30 million greater than the budget for the first film. Sarah Jessica Parker was paid $15 million for her dual role as a producer and starring as Carrie Bradshaw.[11]

Filming

Filming in New York had been postponed to the end of July as Emirati authorities have refused clearance for filming in the emirate. As a result, the Abu Dhabi segment of the film was filmed in Morocco.[12] All four leading ladies and other cast and crew were photographed[13] filming scenes in Morocco in November 2009, where they had originally planned to shoot for 13 days, which had to be extended to almost six weeks.

The sequel officially began filming on September 1, 2009 and continued until the end of 2009. Photos of all four leading women filming scenes around New York together and separately have emerged, featuring present-day scenes as well as a range of looks believed to be flashbacks from the earlier years of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte's long-standing friendships. Images of Samantha in a wedding dress have also been released.[14] Additionally, scenes featuring prominent characters such as Mr. Big, Magda, Smith, Steve, and the children of Miranda and Charlotte have been filmed and photographed.

Casting

In September 2009, American singer/actress Liza Minnelli confirmed to several media outlets that she appeared in a cameo role. Singer/actress Bette Midler had been photographed on set, but does not appear in the film. Penélope Cruz appears briefly as Carmen, a banker.[15] Miley Cyrus appeared in one scene where she appears at the premiere of Smith Jerrod's new film, wearing the same dress as Samantha. On October 17, Oceanup.com posted several pictures of Miley filming the scene.[16]

John Corbett was seen on location in Morocco, confirming his speculated involvement in the film as Aidan.[17] The involvement of newcomers Nicole Porter and Joseph Randle as Carrie and Samantha's assistants respectively was confirmed later.[18]

Release

Promotion for the film began in December 2009, when the official teaser poster was released online, featuring Carrie in a white dress and gold sunglasses which reflect a Moroccan backdrop, and the tagline "Carrie On", a similar pun of the lead character's name as "Get Carried Away" from the first film.[19] The same image and tagline was used for the launch of the official Sex and the City 2 website, also launched in December 2009.

The teaser trailer for the film premiered online on December 22, 2009.[20] In March 2010, new promotional stills were released, predominantly featuring scenes from the Moroccan portion of the film.[21] Also in March, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristen Davis and Cynthia Nixon attended ShoWest 2010 in Las Vegas to premiere the full length trailer and discuss the film (Kim Cattrall was in London performing on stage in the West End, and joined the rest of the cast for promotion when her stage run ended on May 3).

The full theatrical trailer premiered on Entertainment Tonight and online on Thursday, April 8, 2010[22], featuring current New York City themed hit "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys as well as Australian R&B/Pop singer, Ricki-Lee's platinum selling hit, "Can't Touch It".

A full scale promotional tour with all key cast members - including television, press conference and print - commenced in early May 2010, and continued throughout the film's release, encompassing many different countries and cities. The New York City premiere of the film was held on 24 May 2010.

Reception

Critical response

The film has received largely negative reviews. Review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes reports that 17% of critics have given the film a positive review based on 174 reviews, with an average score of 3.8/10, the sixth worst rating a widely released 2010 film has received behind Furry Vengeance, Killers, The Bounty Hunter, Marmaduke and The Spy Next Door.[23] By comparison the first film received a score of 49% based on 172 reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10.[24] 9% of selected top critics gave the film a positive review based on 32 reviews.[25] The critical consensus is: Straining under a thin plot stretched to its limit by a bloated running time, Sex and the City 2 adds an unfortunate coda to the long-running HBO series."[23] Metacritic gave the film a score of 28% based on a normalized average of 33 reviews indicating generally unfavorable reviews.[26] The film was also criticized for its portrayal of the Middle East. Stephen Farber of The Hollywood Reporter called it "blatantly anti-Muslim"[27] and Hadley Freeman of the UK Daily Mail described the trailers as "borderline racist".[28] Andrew O'Hagan of the London Evening Standard described the movie as ugly on the inside, and ended by saying: "This could be the most stupid, the most racist, the most polluting and women-hating film of the year".[29] Roger Ebert gave the film one star out of four. He wrote, "I am obliged to report that this film will no doubt be deliriously enjoyed by its fans, for the reasons described above. Male couch potatoes dragged to the film against their will may find some consolation. Reader, I must confess that while attending the sneak preview with its overwhelmingly female audience, I was gob-smacked by the delightful cleavage on display."[30]

Box office

The film opened in 3,445 theaters on May 27, 2010, setting a record for one of the widest release for a R rated romantic comedy film. The previous film, Sex and the City was released only in 3,285 theaters on May 30, 2008.[citation needed] Playing in 2,000 theaters, the film grossed $3 million from its midnight premiere.[31] On its opening day, the film topped the box office grossing $14.2 million,[32] for a project $60 million for a 4-day opening weekend, plus $75 million for a 5-day Memorial day weekend.[33] But it debuted in second place behind Shrek Forever After with $32.1 million, and its total to $45.3 million, for its 4-day opening weekend, plus $53 million on its 5-day opening weekend (Memorial Day). The original film debuts in first place at the box office making in $57 million since 2008. However, the film still did well having $27 million overseas, for its worldwide total to $73 million. As of June 9, 2010, the film's total domestic gross is $84 million, and $132 million outside the US. ($216 million worlwide)

Soundtrack

Untitled

Sex and the City 2 original motion picture soundtrack was released on May 25, 2010.

Track listing
  1. "Rapture" – Alicia Keys
  2. "Everything to Lose" – Dido
  3. "Language of Love" – Cee-lo
  4. "Window Seat" – Erykah Badu
  5. "Kidda" – Natacha Atlas
  6. "Euphrates Dream" – Michael McGregor
  7. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" – Liza Minnelli
  8. "Can't Touch It" – Ricki-Lee
  9. "Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" – Alicia Keys
  10. "Love Is Your Color" – Jennifer Hudson & Leona Lewis
  11. "I Am Woman" – Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
  12. "If Ever I Would Leave You" – Sex and the City Men's Choir
  13. "Sunrise, Sunset" – Sex and the City Men's Choir
  14. "Till There Was You" – Sex and the City Men's Choir
  15. "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" – Shayna Steele, Jordan Ballard, Kamilah Marshall
  16. "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye" – Liza Minnelli with Billy Stritch
  17. "True Colors" – Cyndi Lauper
  18. "Divas and Dunes" – Aaron Zigman

"Songs Remind Me of You" by Annie appears in the background of the after party scene, but is not included on the soundtrack album.

Charts

Chart (2010) Peak
position
Sales Certification
UK Compilation Chart[34] 7 18,500+
Irish Top 30 Compilation Chart[35] 2
Australian Albums Chart[36] 7
US Billboard 200[37] 13

Sequel

It is also being reported that the third film may be a prequel and feature Carrie as a teenager, it is yet to be confirmed who is to play the role of Carrie.[3]

References

  1. ^ Fritz, Ben (May 27, 2010). "Movie Projector: 'Sex and the City' ladies to rule over 'Prince of Persia'". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Company. Retrieved May 27, 2010. Warner's New Line Cinema unit co-financed "Sex and the City 2" with partner Village Roadshow Pictures for about $95 million.
  2. ^ "Sex and the City 2 (2010) - Box Office Mojo". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved 2010-06-14.
  3. ^ a b "Sex and The City 3 Will Be A Prequel". The Film Stage. June 3, 2010. Retrieved June 3, 2010. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  4. ^ a b Stephen Farber, "Sex and the City" sequel better than first one, Reuters, May 23, 2010, Accessed May 25, 2010.
  5. ^ a b Julie Spira, Sex and the City 2 Film Review - To Kiss and Tell?, Huffington Post, May 25, 2010, Accessed May 25, 2010.
  6. ^ Michael Patrick King, Michael Patrick King - 'Sex and the City took sex out the shadows', The Independent, May 21, 2010, Accessed May 25, 2010.
  7. ^ Heldman, Breanne L. (April 27, 2009). "SJP: More Sex for Chris Noth...and Maybe Gilles". E Online!. Retrieved 24 December 2009.
  8. ^ http://www.seattlepi.com/movies/405679_tvgmovies29.html
  9. ^ http://www.seattlepi.com/movies/404626_tvgmovies3.html
  10. ^ http://wimg.co.uk/Hij.pdf
  11. ^ http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/movies/ca_carrie_NacAFZDtTOnLOR6zMOuirM/0
  12. ^ Bladd, Joanne (30 July 2009). "Dubai bans 'Sex and the City' shoot". Arabian Business. Retrieved 24 December 2009.
  13. ^ SATC in Morocco
  14. ^ SATC on set photos
  15. ^ Gregory, Jason (October 15, 2009). "Penelope Cruz, Liza Minnelli To Appear In Sex And The City 2". Entertainment Wise. Retrieved 24 December 2009.
  16. ^ http://oceanup.com/2009/10/17/miley-cyrus-sex-the-city-2-sexy
  17. ^ http://www.cosmoguyonline.com/post/265317846#disqus_thread
  18. ^ http://www.instyle.co.uk/news/sex-and-the-city-girls-hit-las-vegas-in-style-19-03-10
  19. ^ DiChiara, Thomas (December 9, 2009). "'Sex and the City 2' Poster Premiere". Moviefone. Retrieved 24 December 2009.
  20. ^ Scalise, Mike (December 22, 2009). "Sarah Jessica Parker & Crew 'Carrie On' in First Sex and the City 2 Trailer". Moviefone. Retrieved 24 December 2009.
  21. ^ "Souks And The City: Sneak peek of Carrie & Co's Moroccan adventure in Sex And The City 2". Daily Mail. Retrieved 2010-03-12.
  22. ^ http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810111276/video/19043407
  23. ^ a b "Sex and the City 2 (2010)". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. Retrieved 2010-05-29.
  24. ^ "Sex and the City - The Movie (2008)". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. Retrieved 2010-05-27.
  25. ^ "Sex and the City 2 (2010)". Rotten Tomatoes. Flixster. Retrieved 2010-06-07.
  26. ^ "Sex and the City 2". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
  27. ^ "Sex and the City 2 -- Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter. e5 Global Media. Retrieved 2010-05-28.
  28. ^ "How Sex And The City sold its soul: Since Carrie & Co hit the big screen they've turned into man-obsessed morons". Daily Mail. Associated Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 2010-05-28.
  29. ^ "Sex and the City 2 is ugly on the inside". London Evening Standard. Associated Newspapers Ltd. Retrieved 2010-05-28.
  30. ^ "Sex and the City 2". rogerebert.com. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
  31. ^ http://www.hitfix.com/articles/2010-5-27-box-office-sex-and-the-city-2-nabs-3-million-at-midnight?m=g
  32. ^ http://x17online.com/celebrities/sex_and_the_city/sex_and_the_city_2_brings_in_14_million_before_holiday_weekend-05282010.php
  33. ^ http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/midnight-showings-of-sex-and-the-city-2-up-20-over-original/
  34. ^ UK Compilation Albums Chart
  35. ^ Irish Compilation Albums Chart
  36. ^ ARIA Compilation Albums Chart
  37. ^ US Billboard 200 Albums Chart