I generally write the first paragraph of my column last after surveying it and searching for an encompassing theme. Sometimes it's a struggle to unify it all under one heading, but after a quick review, I see a pink drink, a review of the "Sex and the City" sequel, complaints about children and excitement expressed over "The Real Housewives of New York City" and "Glee." Yep this one's definitely for the ladies and I mean that in the most gender-stereotypical way possible.
DRINK OF THE WEEK
Strawberries and Cream Martini
My sister whipped this one up, of course it tastes something like a strawberry version of a White Russian.
You'll need: strawberry liqueur (bottom shelf will work just fine), cream or half and half, a strawberry, white chocolate (grated), martini glass, shaker.
1. Take a strawberry. Slice an indent into the strawberry. Use this strawberry to moisten the rim of the martini glass. Dip your martini glass rim in grated white chocolate.
2. Shake 2 oz. Strawberry liqueur (bottom shelf) with 3 oz. Cream or half and half. Pour into glass.
3. Top with sprinkles of grated white chocolate for added flair. Garnish with strawberry.
MOVIE REVIEW
The terrible twos: "Sex and the City 2"
I like to pretend that everything after the final episode of the delightful "Sex and the City" television series was a bad dream an Abu Dhabi mirage gone horribly awry. It's the only way I can rationalize all of the horrendous things that have followed Carrie and Big's wonderfully romantic reunion in Paris. When the show ended in 2004, I was sad that it was over but I also had a feeling that anything to follow the satisfying conclusion would likely be disappointing. Sadly, this was true. The first film wasn't great and the second one wasn't even good.
This is what I don't understand: S.J.P. and Co. had access to the best writers in the business and this is the best they could come up with? It was SO LONG (about two and half hours, and it sure didn't fly by). It was painfully unfunny. It was a parade of ridiculous, unflattering fashion and it's gotten to the point where it isn't even fun to watch anymore they simply look ridiculous and over-the-hill. At one point, when Carrie is lamenting some ex-boyfriend drama, yet again, you just want to shake her and say, "You're almost 50. Get it TOGETHER already."
The "terrible twos" seems to be the theme of "Sex and the City 2." Charlotte is struggling with her two children (one of them, an intolerable 2-year-old), Carrie is finding her second year of marriage to be challenging and writes a column lamenting just that. Samantha is choking down crazy amounts of vitamin supplements to stay young and Miranda is dissatisfied with her job (to which her husband, Steve, helpfully suggests, why not leave her hard-won position at the law firm behind and help out around the house is he even employed?). What really pulls the whole "terrible twos" theme together - aside from them repeating the phrase numerous times - is the simple fact that the movie is terrible. Were they intending for the audience to be in on the joke?
Needless to say, a third "Sex and the City" feature film would be a flop. Let's cut our losses, pretend this never happened and imagine the four gals living happily ever after as we left them six years ago.
WHAT REALLY GRINDS MY GEARS
Don't bring your baby to a 10:40 p.m. showing of "Sex and the City 2."
Some people choose to have children. Some people don't. Those who fall into the latter category should be able to go places where they can logically expect to not be disrupted by tantrums and crying and general annoyance. I thought the latest showing of the evening for a rated-R movie was a safe bet; not so. Twenty minutes into the movie, in walks a woman with a baby. A feeling of horror set in as she sat down in front of me. What if the baby starts crying? What can I even do about it? I paid $10 to see this God-awful movie and I want to enjoy it!
The movie didn't end until after 1:15 a.m. Did she stop off for a Cosmo on the way home, too?
GET OUT OF TOWN
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Surfer Blood will be at the Tralf Music Hall in Buffalo this Saturday. Both of these bands have been making some of the most talked about indie pop of the last couple years. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart draw their sound from classic 1980s bands such as the Wedding Present and the Jesus & Mary Chain. Surfer Blood are inspired by 1990s indie rock staples such as Built To Spill, Dinosaur Jr. and Weezer. Hooray for Earth are also playing. Tickets are $15 and the show starts 8 p.m. The Tralf is located at 662 Main St. in Buffalo.
WATCH THIS
It's all about beginnings and endings on television this week.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
April Diodato is the OBSERVER Lifestyles editor. Give her the dish on what's happening at adiodato@observertoday.com
