Sidewalks On The Corner

From TV to the silver screen. Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda return for more "Sex and the City: The Movie."

Follow up:

SEX AND THE CITY
Director: Michael Patrick King
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, and Cynthia Nixon
Rated R for for strong sexual content, graphic nudity and language.

JEANNE's TAKE
At long last "Sex and the City" -- the movie -- is here. We get to see our citygirls again, find out how they're feeling, who they've been sleeping with, how they're dressing. New York City and its four best friends are as fabulous as ever. If you're a fan, you will love this film update about the lives of Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda.

If you're new to all this and wonder why the hoopla, the film's production values and writing will leave you entertained and happy that you left your couch and television.

Of course, sitting on the couch watching television is where we first discovered "Sex and the City," an HBO series which ran for six unexpurgated years. I'm one of those who did not discover the series until it was in syndication. Knowing that "free tv" has a few restrictions on what can be seen, I fully expected the edited version of the series to tank, fail, fold, go under. Not at all. On the contrary. As I watched episodes in syndication, I realized the series' success was not based on its frequent full front nudity or prodigal use of profanity. Rather, it was the writing.

How did it all begin? Candace Bushnell was single in New York and wrote a column for the New York Observer about sexual politics among New York's social set. She later compiled her columns into a book, which became a bestseller in 1996. Executive producer Darren Star saw the potential for television; after all he was associated with "Melrose Place" and "Beverly Hills 90210." He teamed up with executive producer Michael Patrick King, who developed four characters for the new series, and that's how it started.

Sarah Jessica Parker once again is journalist Carrie Bradshaw, Kristin Davis is socialite Charlotte York, Cynthia Nixon is attorney Miranda Hobbes and Kim Cattrall is woman-about-town Samantha Jones. Naturally Chris Noth returns as Mr. Big, Carrie's great love; and we finally find out his real name. David Eigenberg is Miranda's down-to-earth husband, Steve Brady. Evan Handler is Harry, Charlotte's dependable spouse, and Jason Lewis is actor Smith Jerrod, Samantha's lover. Candace Bergen returns as Carrie's editor at Vogue.

A wonderful surprise appearance by rising star Jennifer Hudson ("Dream Girls"), who plays Louise, Carrie's new assistant. Now that Miss Carrie Bradshaw is a best-selling book author, she needs an assistant. And this one is tailor-made for her -- a computer whiz with a nose for fashion bargains.

When last seen, Carrie was being courted again by Mr. Big, Samantha was allowing herself to be loved by a younger man, Charlotte was married to her divorce lawyer who somehow made her happy (finally), and Miranda had moved to Brooklyn to have affordable housing for her new family. Four long years of wondering are over. We see that the characters have grown, but the challenges of love remain as hair-raising as ever. Will Carrie actually marry Mr. Big? Can Samantha remain faithful to only one man? Will Miranda survive the stigma of abandoning Manhattan? Does Charlotte ever become a mother?

OK, now the important stuff. Yes, the clothes are more fabulous than ever. Great designers, more sophisticated looks. Shoes, shoes and more shoes. And interior designs compete for your attention too. Kudos to costume designer Patricia Field and photography director John Thomas, as well as production designer Jeremy Conway.

"Sex and the City" is worth a visit to your local cinema. For the new viewers, wear your strappiest heels. And don't forget the bikini wax!