It's a relationship-altering event for the couple, and also the moment where the movie – the heralded return of New York sizzle scribe Carrie Bradshaw and her tart trio of pals – stops being completely shallow and fashion obsessed and starts to get interesting.

Not that there's anything wrong with being shallow and fashion-obsessed, if frothy fun is your aim. Those who enjoyed the long-running TV series for its sitcom sex follies (with Ivana Trump's shoe budget) get oodles to ogle. Designer Patricia Field supplies upwards of 300 outfits, each more outrageous than the last, with stiletto shoes that are probably registered as dangerous weapons in some countries.

For those who'd like some substance in a movie pushing 2 1/2 hours, though, it's gratifying to report that this Sex is more than just a fan dance. There are some serious life issues being worked on, in between the heavy breathing and rampant consumerism.

Credit must go to Michael Patrick King, the series' creative kingpin who wrote and directed the movie, for giving this screen adaptation more heft than it needs to be a sure-fire hit. In fact, it may be more serious than some would have wanted. More...