SATC opinion betrays gender bias

It’s getting a bit ridiculous the extent that male film critics, and maybe just males themselves, are bending over backward to justify the fact that they don’t like – if even just a little bit – the just-released movie version of “Sex and the City.”

The latest to comment is Gannett News film critic Bill Goodykoontz , who reviews films for the Arizona Republic. In all good conscience, Goodykoontz responds to a reader – a woman, he presumes – who says that just because he is a man he “should avoid this movie and avoid writing articles about it as well.”

He states the obvious: The reader’s point is moronic. By that same reasoning, Goodykoontz wrote, only those who fit the narrowest criteria would be able to comment about film.

“You want to see ‘Iron Man?’ ” he wrote. “Wait, you’re not a guy who grew up reading Marvel Comics. Sorry. You want to see ‘The Bucket List?’ Whoa, hold up; only those dying of cancer need bother. You want to rent ‘La Femme Nikita?’ YOU’RE NOT EVEN FRENCH!”

Then, though, Goodykoontz makes sure that his feminist credentials are in good order: “Oh, and just to get it on the record: ‘Terms of Endearment?’ Bawled like a baby.”

He could have saved himself the trouble. The reader doesn’t care about his attitude toward so-called chick flicks overall or his feelings toward feminism in general. What’s important is Goodykoontz didn’t like this film.

In that sense, the reader is no different from any other disgruntled fan, whether we’re talking about someone from the “Star Wars” community, the anime crowd or any member of the Steven Seagal fan club. Goodykoontz didn’t write the positive review the reader wanted, and so his opinion was dismissed. Happens all the time.

It’s just that, like race, gender is one of those taboo topics in contemporary society. And since the lines regarding enjoyment of “Sex and the City” are drawn along near-exclusive gender lines, many men reviewers – this one included – feel they have to tread carefully when saying anything remotely critical of SATC.

Funny, we try to run the reviews of as many women critics as we can fit in 7. And I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone question whether Christy Lemire or Carrie Rickey or Manohla Dargis should have the right to comment on movies that speak primarily to men.

Goodykoontz made that very point. And so, now, have I.