I'm not planning to see the new Sex and the City movie. Not because I'm some uber-macho dude who has a problem with "chick flicks." I'm quite the opposite, actually. It's also not because I'm not a fan of the HBO series on which it's based. I am. In fact, that's precisely the reason I don't feel like seeing the film adaptation: after watching each season of the show on HBO, what more could these characters possibly do or say, that will be worth the price of admission? The show was great because, like everything else on HBO, it was uncensored, frank, and very adult. Sure, the movie is rated "R," but what boundaries could they possibly have left to push? Are the gals gonna test out some beastiality and necrophilia? I can't say that would really send me to the box office anyway.

I have no doubt that the film will be very successful on opening weekend. Some reports indicate that it's actually turning into an event picture, with masses of women planning nights out to see the film in large groups. Picture the opening weekends of the Star Wars prequels, and Lord of the Rings, but with much better fashion sense. "Chick flicks" have worked crossing over before, and even earning Oscar nominations, as was the case with Thelma and Louise in 1991. Obviously, Sex and the City has a much narrower audience. It is, after all, only available on cable and DVD. So, the question is: will the film have legs and know how to use them? Having not seen the film, I would agree it's unfair to make any judgments about its quality. However, I doubt this is the kind of film that urges repeat viewings. Besides, why go see the film a second time, when you can just re-watch all those Sex and the City DVDs?

I went to an Austin preview screening of the film last night and for the first time at an Austin screening (Paramount included), felt rather underdressed.