Video: Allison Triarsi's 11 News report

HOUSTON -- Though panned by some critics, if fan reaction is any indication, the “Sex and the City” movie still sizzles.

Houstonians lined up to see the much-anticipated film Thursday at midnight and snatched up tickets days in advance for opening day screenings.

“Sex and the City” is not just entertainment – it’s a cosmo-gulping, Manolo Blahnik-wearing cultural phenomenon.

“I thought it was a good movie,” Sydney Bosworth said. “I thought it was really emotional in some parts but overall a good depiction of a woman’s life.”

But is it strictly a chick flick?

“I think men wouldn’t enjoy it as much as women would, but I really enjoyed it,” Bosworth said.

Though the vast majority of moviegoers at the midnight showing were women, there were a few guys who – reluctantly or not – came out to see Carrie and the gang.

“It was pretty good, actually,” Eric Gomez said. “I didn’t like the ending, though.”

Endings can be tough.  Many fans were pleased with the ending of the series, and critics feared bringing the show to the big screen would just mess with a good thing. 

But in Houston, disappointed audience members were few and far between.

“I thought it was a good end to the whole thing, the whole series,” Colleen Burgin said. “Thumbs up, for sure.”

“I thought it was better than the TV show, just because it ties everything up, and you see how everyone ends up,” Lindsay Schwartz said.

“It was kind of predictable, but I enjoyed it,” Stephanie Edwards said.  

Fans were so set on seeing the film, many of them skipped out on work for the Friday showings.

Stylist Brandon McClendon had a good excuse – he says he counts on Carrie’s style for his career.

“I can’t wait to see what she brings to the movie,” he said. “I’ll be looking at the fashion, all the way from the shoes, the accessories, the handbags, everything to just give me an idea of what’s in, what’s popping, what they’re doing in New York.”

But whether they were there for business or pleasure – or a little of both – the message in Houston was clear: “Sex and the City” is a must-see.

“I thought it was awesome, it was great. The stuff that Carrie wears throughout the whole movie – it was really cool,” Kristen Day said. “I love the TV show, but I think even if you aren’t a fan of the TV show, it’s a great movie to go see.”