Parents' Guide to Sex and the City 2

Movie R 2010 146 minutes
Sex and the City 2 Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

S. Jhoanna Robledo By S. Jhoanna Robledo , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 17+

Shopping, sex, and stereotypes merge in trite sequel.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 17+?

Any Positive Content?

  • 1:55
  • Sex and the City 2 Trailer

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 7 parent reviews

 

 

See all 7 parent reviews
age 15+

Based on 16 kid reviews

Kids say the movie contains an overwhelming amount of sexual content that many find inappropriate, making it unsuitable for children and even young teenagers. While some view it as a humorous take on relationships, the general consensus is that it is far too sexual for younger audiences, prompting strong reactions from parents who feel offended or disturbed by its themes.

  • too sexual
  • inappropriate for kids
  • humorous for adults
  • offensive content
  • parental concerns
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 16 kid reviews

What's the Story?

Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) head to Abu Dhabi, where a sheik who might very well hire Samantha to launch his hotel welcomes them to his decadent -- butlers and chauffeured Maybachs for everyone -- property. They need the break, too: sweet Charlotte's at wit's end raising two daughters, one of whom won't stop crying, ever; Miranda's boss is a chauvinist of the 1950s order; Samantha's battling menopause with hormones and a Suzanne Somers book; and Carrie's fighting to maintain the "sparkle" in hers and Big's (Chris Noth) marriage. They're ready for Abu Dhabi, but is Abu Dhabi ready for them? And what happens when Carrie unexpectedly runs into Aiden (John Corbett)?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 7 ):
Kids say ( 16 ):

HBO's Sex and the City shifted mountains of paradigms, so it's no wonder it's considered groundbreaking; that's why it's such a disappointment to say that SEX AND THE CITY 2 is decidedly not. Though the foursome's enduring friendship remains -- a mindful conversation between Miranda and Charlotte about motherhood recalls the show's best sisterhood moments -- there's not much here that's particularly radical. In fact, it feels like the women -- Carrie especially -- have all taken a step back. Are we to sympathize with a Carrie who complains about a husband who'd rather cuddle and watch old movies than work the scene at an overheated club? (This, by the way, is the man she yearned to see settle down.)

Are we to believe that Samantha would now envy a twentysomething nanny? That they'd pick a Helen Reddy song to sing karaoke at an Abu Dhabi bar? That Carrie, a writer, doesn't know what a souk is? The film is all sorts of tin-eared, from its relentless consumerism (after a quick nod to the recession); annoying quips ("Lawrence of the labia"); and appalling arrogance about other cultures, to its insistence that we care about women who once seemed wise and bold but who now, alas, seem sad.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the lifestyles of the famous and fabulous foursome: How do they afford all those clothes and fancy furniture? If you had as much money as they do, how would you spend your money? Can you imagine spending $22,000 per night on a hotel? What do you think Carrie's butler thinks about the foursomes' spending habits? What message was the movie trying to send by telling the butler's story?

  • What are Carrie's feelings about marriage? Do they seem realistic? Do you have empathy for Carrie's situation? Why or why not?

  • How does the film handle the cultural differences between America and the Arab world? Did you notice any stereotyping? What are your feelings about the movie's approach?

Movie Details

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