he movie version of Sex and the City, written and directed by Michael Patrick King, wastes no time plunging into the fashion-conscious, appealingly neurotic world of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha - women who can always count on each other when men disappoints them. And, of course, celebrating high style, complete with the requisite Cosmopolitan consumption and needless shopping sprees.

This follow-up to the hit TV show picks up four years after the 2004 series left off: The women are most definitely in their 40s, with romance columnist Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and her commitment-phobic Mr. Big (Chris Noth) so secure in their relationship that they set the big wedding date. This gives Carrie a chance to try on a myriad of designer wedding dresses.

Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and Harry (Evan Handler) are parents to adopted Lily plus Elizabeth Taylor and her offspring. Samantha (Kim Cattrall) has settled down – across the country in a Malibu beach house with her boy-toy lover/client, actor Smith Jerrod (Jason Lewis). Meanwhile, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) and Steve (David Eigenberg) are doing their Brooklyn thing. Also making a welcome return are the remaining regulars, fabulous New York, blue satin Manolo Blahnik pumps, swag parties and non-stop rapid-fire dialogue.

Unlike the TV show, where Carrie's article focused each episode around a relationship situation, there is no such focus. Carrie and Mr. Big are getting married, but this soon turns into plans for the fashion marriage of the century, with a guest list of 200 and a Vivienne Westwood gown in tow.