Reviews: N.Y.C. with wrinkles, a matrimonial rivalry
Erica Tiffany
Book: One Fifth Avenue
Depressed after the coming and going of the Sex and the City movie, I desperately searched for something to fill the void, but Candace Bushnell’s new novel “One Fifth Avenue” wasn’t even a temporary fix.
The book enticed with the cover promising the glamour and drama that New York City always comes with.
But after cracking it open, it disappointed with filthy-rich middle-aged characters who are unhappy and bored with their social status and their lives.
The story revolves around the posh residents of One Fifth Avenue. When Mrs. Houghton, an elderly woman living in the 7,000 square-foot penthouse of One Fifth, dies, a rush to acquire, and to spy on whomever acquires her property ensues.
Almost 20 over-privileged characters are poorly linked through the building on One Fifth Avenue, and to all of them the building represents success.
To me, One Fifth Avenue represents a flimsy plot, flat dialogue and a serious lack of significance.
I felt no connection or sympathy for the characters, and was left unsatisfied that they couldn’t keep up with the fast-paced witty conversation like Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte.
Is this how Bushnell, who turns 50 this year, now feels about the socialites of New York City?
If so, wealth sure doesn’t buy happiness. In fact, the tone of this book is right on track with Notorious B.I.G.’s “Mo Money Mo Problems.”
I was sad to say this book couldn’t live up to my hopes of it being my next guilty pleasure.
I’ll have to wait until the Sex and the City movie sequel comes to theaters.
I just hope that this book isn’t a sign of what’s to come in the next stage of my four fabulous women’s lives.
Movie:
Bride Wars
Comedy
Rated PG
90 Minutes
Plot: When best friends Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) get engaged, a scheduling error makes them rivals for the same wedding day and venue!
Review: Despite being completely predictable from scene one, this movie is actually very funny and extremely charming, thanks mostly to the performances of Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway; playing polar opposite personalities, Hudson as a cutthroat attorney and Hathaway as the friendly teacher whose coworkers constantly walk all over her.
As the story moves along Emma reveals more and more of her passive tendencies when she initially offers to move her wedding date for her friends benefit and Liv shows more of her aggressive nature as she pushes the people taking care of her wedding around.
Each of them has something important to learn from the other, but don’t seem to see it as they both trash each others’ wedding plans (the video feed from an old bachelorette party is particularly funny).
Aside from the predictability of the story, it’s length (or lack of it) cuts down on any supporting character development, which is virtually non-existent.
Other family members are barely mentioned in passing.
Candice Bergen has the biggest supporting role as the woman responsible for the whole mess, but she doesn’t come off as being that important.
In the end, this is a funny comedy, but its short length cuts down on character development. It’s probably best as a rental.
Grade: C+
