"Sisterhood" sequel brings hope for more distinguished roles for young ladies
9:05 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2008
In this follow-up to the surprise success “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” Carmen, Bridget, Tibby and Lena (America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel) reunite over a summer and quickly discover how they've begun to drift apart in a couple of short years. All four have moved toward their lifelong career goals of acting, archeology, filmmaking and art. You also mix in the fact that Carmen's mom is pregnant, Bridget attempts to learn more about her mom by connecting with her grandmother (Blythe Danner) and Tibby and Lena are having relationship problems.
“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” is a good sequel that advances the characters and shows how, no matter how close the friendship, sometimes people go their own ways even though the core of the relationship keeps the bond alive. I was pleased with the pace of the movie, although at times it almost moved too quickly. I think the filmmakers were wary of the pacing and not wanting to perhaps lose the attention of their target teenage audience.
When the first film was released, Tamblyn and Bledel each had a successful TV series with "Joan of Arcadia" and "Gilmore Girls," respectively. Just a few years later, Lively and Ferrera are the stars with rising careers, but to the credit of the filmmakers, the movie is equally split between the four characters. It could very easily have gone the other way and become more of a vehicle for Ferrera or Lively, but luckily it doesn't.
As for the performances, all four actresses do a terrific job and have excellent chemistry. I believe each has become a stronger performer since the first movie. I liked seeing once again four solid and well-written female characters who are able to relate to their target audience. With the success of the first film and the fact that the sequel should make more money at the box office, maybe we will see better developed roles for young women that make their characters look intelligent and real. Too many times movies typecast young actresses in familiar roles where the characters seem to have little intelligence or self worth. Now this isn't the perfect film, but it is a refreshing character departure from what I'm usually subjected too.
“Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2” is a good movie, but unfortunately it could be the last in the movie series based on the famous and well-loved books. Ferrea and Lively's stars will continue to rise, and there is some talk it was tough enough to get them to come back for this sequel. I will say that ending with the two movies is just fine because you don't want to tire out your audience.
This movie will not only be very popular with teens, but it will be enjoyed by adults as well. Good performances, a decent script and some beautiful scenes shot in Greece make me glad that I screened this movie with my own daughters. This is a good sequel, and it was nice to once again visit these characters and see the changes each experienced.
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