The only reason I wanted to see "Sex and the City" was because it is Jenifer Hudson's second movie though you would never know she was in it according to the advertising--first time I can ever remember an Oscar winning actress (the only one in the cast!)not played up in her first film after winning the Oscar!

I think I saw the show once or twice on TV--the censored version--and didn't really get into it. I can take or leave Sarah Jessica Parker and though most of the other stars in the film looked familiar I really didn't know their work that well except for Chris Noth (mainly Law & Order) and Candice Bergman (who I didn't even know was in it!!)in a throw away role.

What I knew about Sex and the City was from all the hype and noise about the TV show over the years and, of course, the publicity for the movie.

Those who know the series, in all probability, were looking forward to all the fashion and fashion shows (I found the latter distracting, not that interesting and made the film at a running time of near 2 and a half hours bloated) and were use to all the product placements which must hold a record in this movie!

Now for the surprise--I really enjoyed this movie--certainly more than I expected!! There are a lot of laugh out loud funny lines and many that bring a smile or a chuckle. There are a couple of scenes that touch the emotions and even though this is known as a gay friendly TV series and movie I tended to overlook, and forgive, the two stereotypical gay men.

I enjoyed the Samantha (Kim Cantrall) character most, probably because she was the oldest, had a one track mind (sex!) seems to have made the same decision I did. The other 3 women: Parker, Cynthia Nixon and Kristian Davis, roles fit them like a glove and they all acquitted themselves well.

The men are, basically, there to showcase the women and do it effortlessly with one STAND OUT---Gilles Marini--who plays Dante, Samantha's next door mostly nude neighbor always having sex, providing women and gay men delicious eye candy while the nongay men can enjoy Gilles's sexual 'playmates'.

Jennifer Hudson brings more to her role than it is written and has sassy looks and comments down to dotting the eyes and crossing the t's. It's not that much of a role but provides a comparison between the women in their 20s today and the the women in their 20s and 30s of the other women in the film. She, also, sings the final song over the ending credits which isn't clearly heard because of what's going on the screen at the same time but you can tell it is a power ballad.

New York is all shiny, glossy and fairy tale like while I leave the fashion comments to the women as most just didn't do anything to or for me.

I don't know whether I enjoyed this movie so much because I was expecting so little or wasn't that familiar with the characters and/or story or because it didn't seem like a 2 and a half hour film, moving along at a good pace. Two scenes could have been cut--the one in Mexico and the one with Dante taking a full nude shower but the former got a real good laugh in one part and the latter had the audience holding their breathe!! LOL

Didn't think I would be saying this but I do recommend Sex and the City for an enjoyable movie watching experience.

PS It will probably have a near or record breaking weekend as the movie was almost full at a 1 PM Friday matinee--look forward to seeing the box office figures on Monday--nor would I mind seeing Gilles Marini on Monday--my bad!!!