Sex and City star Parker not nice girl in new film
From Bob Tourtellotte

LOS ANGELES—Sarah Jessica Parker, who played the lovable Carrie Bradshaw on “Sex and the City,” can be a real pain — at least in the movies. Two years since the hit TV show that explored the lives of New York City women aired its last original episode, Parker is back with a new film, “The Family Stone,” about a solid clan whose tight bonds come unwound when the eldest son brings home a girlfriend whom nobody likes.
The girl, Meredith Morton, is played by Parker, and she is far removed from the 40-year-old actress — and by extension Carrie Bradshaw — known for a warm heart, bright smile and fashion sense. But that distance, Parker’s understanding of it and her transformation into mean Meredith has award watchers buzzing.
“(Carrie) loved examining people and relationships. She loved this idea of human contact and looking and observing, and Meredith is completely the opposite. She would like not to be touched. She would like not to be hugged,” said Parker.
Meredith is a cold-hearted cow, albeit a funny one. Gone are Parker’s curly blond locks, and in their place is Meredith’s pulled back bun. Parker’s colourful outfits give way to Meredith’s dark suits, slacks and sweaters.
“Family Stone” producer Michael London, who was behind award winner “Sideways” last year, said because Parker is so well-liked, she made the perfect choice to portray vilified Meredith. Audiences may not like her, but for the movie to work, they cannot hate her either.
“The movie lives or dies on how you feel about Meredith because she says and does things that are unsympathetic,” London said. “We took advantage of the perception audiences had of Sarah and of the Carrie Bradshaw thing.”
PERFECTLY IMPERFECT
Meredith, audiences learn, is not the only imperfect person in the world. For all their perfection, the Stones have their faults, too — everyone does — and when Meredith comes into their home, cracks soon appear in the Stones’ veneer.
Everett Stone (Dermot Mulroney) is a successful executive who is on track to run for political office. He brings Meredith home for Christmas to meet his family and eventually propose.