Interesting Take-Aways from SATC

I finally carved out some time to see SATC this past weekend.

Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha

My hubby and I (yep, he used to watch it with me) were loyal, regular viewers of the series with Sarah Jessica Parker , et al. So it was fun seeing the ladies up on the big screen. I wasn’t expecting much, considering most TV-to-movie attempts just don’t work (at least for me). But, at the end of the day, here’s what I got out of it.

Many women identify with at least one of the characters, whether it’s Samantha, Carrie, Charlotte or Miranda. I always saw a little of myself in each of them, but probably with a tad bit more Charlotte. Always positive, hopeful, and romantic.

In the movie, however, Charlotte (played by Kristin Davis ) was over-the-top uptight, particularly when she packed little pudding cups on a trip to Mexico because she feared the safety of the food and water. Come on now. Last I checked they have pills you can take to prevent acquiring Montezuma’s revenge . No need to starve or subsist on Jello pudding packs. A bit absurd… But then I realized why that stance was necessary. It ultimately gave Charlotte her “bad thing” for the year (see below). And that moment was hysterical. Really funny. Made Carrie laugh at a time when she wondered whether she would ever laugh again.

Overall, writer/producer/director Michael Patrick King gave Charlotte a little more depth in the film than in much of the television series. In fact, for me, her character provided what Oprah refers to as an “Aha!” moment — it happened when Charlotte cried and confided to Carrie that she feared her life was too good to be real, that something bad must be imminent. After all, each of the other girlfriends was struggling (each for different reasons). How could it be that her life was unfolding so smoothly? Carrie assured her that it was okay to be happy. No guilt necessary. Just enjoy it. Let go and enjoy it. It might sound ridiculous, but that was music to my ears. I’ve had similar thoughts, comparable feelings. Not to say that life is perfect (far from it), rather to learn to appreciate the good in life and stop fearing potential disasters. Thanks, Carrie.

Kim Cattrall , as Samantha, was as fabulous and funny as ever, especially when she adopted a nympho-maniacal puppy. The lesson I took away from her character? Well, let’s just say that I worked out when I got home from the theater (at 11:00 at night!). As gorgeous as she looked (especially on that dining room table!?) yet they criticized her for … well, you just have to see it.

Kim Cattrall as Samantha nearing her 50th birthday

What I liked about that storyline is that it demonstrates that there is simply no excuse for letting ourselves go as we get older. Or, at least, there’s no excuse for not accepting responsibility for choosing to let ourselves go. If 50 can look like that , I’ll work for it, baby. Why not?

She’s an inspiration.

Speaking of inspiring figures over 40, Parker, as Carrie Bradshaw, was positively radiant and glorious. Without giving too much away, her scene in the church (and the five minutes or so thereafter) were just brilliant. She upstaged Chris Noth , unfortunately, who seemed a bit stiff in those moments.

Miranda…ah, Miranda.

Played by Cynthia Nixon , this character annoyed me. Especially in that scene in a store when shopping for Halloween costumes when she made that pithy, nasty comment about moms who have nothing to do. Grrrr…. Didn’t like that line. Not. at. all.

And you know what? Her character gave me some insight into one of the issues regarding one of this election cycle’s democratic candidates for president , specifically Hillary Clinton , who recently suspended her campaign. Critics derided her for reminding them of a grade school teacher who always reprimanded them or their first wives who constantly nagged them. Some people have expressed anger over that kind of criticism, calling it sexist and harsh. But here’s my take on it. It’s not that people don’t want a woman in the White House, it’s just that they want a leader they can listen to without cringing. One who inspires them and knows how to effectively communicate with them, not shout at them in condescending, self righteous tones.

Much like HRC, Miranda can be snippy, snide and harsh. Bottom line? I’d vote for Carrie Bradshaw before I’d vote for Miranda Hobbs. You know what I mean? (Oh, and please understand I would never be so simplistic so as to completely overlook policy positions, background, qualifications, etc. I’m making a point which, for the purposes of this post, is necessarily limited to one particular facet of these multifaceted women).

Dianne Feinstein isn’t hard to listen to. Margaret Thatcher didn’t have that scratchy, harsh tone. Sandra Day O’Connor spoke softly, as did Faye Wattleton . Kathleen Sebelius leads in an elegant, confident, assertive manner. So when people quickly tire of listening to Senator Clinton, it’s not because she’s a woman, it’s that she’s HRC .

And it’s not just women’s voices and temperaments. Look what happened to Howard Dean when he shouted . Was that reaction anti-male? Yeah…no . Nobody wanted to hear that for four (or eight) years. Likewise, I can only take so much of Charlie Rangel , can’t stand listening to Bill O’Reilly (also a shouter) but love listening to Barack Obama and actually enjoyed William F. Buckley’s pompous but strong voice (just the voice, not its substance). John McLaughlin drives me a little nuts sometimes, but I could listen to Tim Russert for hours (and have). It’s absurd to suggest that those attacks were sexist.

But, back to the movie …

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that a subtext of the movie is about forgiveness. There was a lot of forgiveness going on in that film. What a wonderful message . I think one’s ability to forgive is such an important aspect of life. I practice it with (and teach it to) my kids all the time. Spilled water? Not a problem, rather, an opportunity to learn. Learn from it and move on. I forgive you. Left your bike out in the rainstorm? Not good. Learn from it, though, okay? I forgive you. Broke your brother’s front tooth when you threw a hard plastic ball at his face? Not good. Shocking, really. Don’t. ever. do that. again. I forgive you. Move on. On and on and on.

Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself . It does not excuse the bad behavior, rather, it releases the bind which the slight would have on you if you refused to forgive. It helps prevent you from being stuck in the past. Helps you live with more joy and fewer burdens. By forgiving, you’re free to live in the present.

With those ideas in mind, I loved the scene on the bridge. Loved it. And the concept behind it. Fantastic. Forgive. Let go. Move on. Easy? Of course not. But they alluded to the necessary work which preceded that moment (when they showed Steve and Miranda in the psychiatrist’s office). I would never suggest that forgiveness is easy; I’m just saying that I liked the way they weaved the value of it into this film.

Spoiler alert (well, sort of)!

Finally, I thoroughly appreciated the fact that Carrie came to the realization that despite the Manolos , the Dior & Westwood gowns, and the D&G shoes, materialism and bling are not, as my mom used to say, the be-all and end-all of life. At the end of the day, her instinct (remember the first dress?) was right. It was only when her competitive friends and colleagues got involved (criticizing her choice of dress, etc.) that she was unfortunately led astray.

Parker has mastered the art of mixing haute couture with her own line of budget fashions, called Bitten . And I think we’d all benefit from reducing the focus on labels and bling and paying more attention to the feelings, needs and wants of our loved ones.

Well, from that … and … from having more rollicking good times with our always-there-for-us best girlfriends.

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Soapbox Bottom Line? Recommended. 4/5 bars of soap

Go see it! Preferably with a bunch of friends or your significant other.

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Photos from Movie Website .