Best friends standing by each other through the good times and the bad.

That's just one of the major themes of HBO's hit series "Sex and the City," whose conclusion was released Friday in the form of "Sex and the City: The Movie."

"It took long enough," said Hilary S. Novick, Watertown. "It just needs to be here."

Since the sixth season ended in February 2004, fans have been waiting to find out what happened to their favorite New York City girls — Carrie Bradshaw, Samantha Jones, Charlotte York and Miranda Hobbes.

"We've had to go back and watch our favorite episodes because it's been so long," said Sarah H. Fischer, Sackets Harbor. "I've watched them all; of course I'm gonna go to the opening night dressed up and then go out for drinks after."

As many shoes as there are in Carrie's closet, there are as many reasons why viewers enjoy the show.

"It's the strong woman theme," said Jamee M. McIntosh, Dexter.

Ms. McIntosh's favorite character is Carrie because she "speaks her mind."

Marla A. Talbotalso likes the way women are portrayed.

"The reason I like this show is because I'm so happy they finally made a show about what women are really about but everyone's afraid to talk about," she said. "And it's the couture, it's a very integral part of the show — the shoes, the purses."

The series provided viewers with a glimpse of a glamorous lifestyle in which women buy $500 pairs of high heels and drink cosmopolitans in the afternoon. Yet, it also acknowledges realities such as pregnancy and adoption, heartbreak and divorce and breast cancer and chemotherapy. Different viewers enjoy different angles.

Some enjoy the ability to relate to characters.

"There's a certain reality to it, so you can compare it to your friends," said Emily J. Desjarlais, Adams Center. "Except a million dollars less."

Others enjoy the more dream-like aspect of the show.

"It's the fantasy of living in New York City as a single chick and having your friends there," Mrs. Fischer said.

Another group of friends agreed with Mrs. Fischer's sentiment.

"Since we're from such a small town, it's cool to see life in the big city," said Sophia H. Johnson, Watertown.

"They do what we wish we could," said Courtney E. Caldwell, Black River.

Sophia and Courtney, joined by friends Stefani J. Belina and Lisa M. Augustus, both of Watertown, planned to go to the 7:20 p.m. show Friday, but it was sold out.

Because of high demand, the movie was shown in two theaters at 10:30 p.m.

The movie is playing at 1., 4:10, 7:20 and 10:30 p.m. at Regal Cinemas 8 in Watertown's Salmon Run Mall.