Despite her success, Sarah Jessica Parker says she still thinks she's going to get fired the first week of every job. Yet, when it came to reprising the iconic character of Carrie Bradshaw in the new "Sex and the City" movie, she was most concerned about disappointing longtime series collaborator and the film's writer/director, Michael Patrick King.

"I always just think that," Parker says. "It's just the way I function at the top of every job."

Having seen the film, Parker has nothing to worry about. This new story has a substantial dramatic arc for Carrie, and Parker's performance allows you to fall in love with the character all over again. Having invested so much personally as a producer to make the movie happen, the 43-year-old actress was somewhat nervous the first week of shooting. However, the pace of the production slowly brought each of her co-stars back in the fold. She recalls that by the time all four ladies finally reunited for a scene waltzing down Park Avenue on a beautiful September day, "It was just unforgettable."

It was also a boon to the paparazzi that caught the scene and then sent the "coming soon" message about the movie all over the world.

The original series wasn't your typical comedy, and the movie isn't afraid to put Carrie and her friends through the wringer either. Parker says the story line was "surprisingly unsettling," but also "the role of a lifetime."

"The emotional stuff that Carrie had never experienced before was just very painful," Parker says. "I ran toward it completely, but it was very sad to see that happen to her. I was so proud and shocked and relieved that a studio let us tell that story, but it wasn't easy."

The cast and crew worked hard to keep those details a secret, but with New York as the soundstage, it was incredibly difficult; therefore, King shot fake scenes to throw off the press and gossip columnists. Unfortunately, this also led to false rumors that someone in the cast dies (breathe easy, no one does). Parker says it was all about protecting fans who had invested themselves in the characters during the past decade and whose enthusiasm helped make the movie happen.

"We wanted them to have the experience of not having it spoiled -- plain and simple," Parker says.

One thing Parker has no problem spoiling is the film's fantastic soundtrack, which includes new songs by Fergie ("Labels or Love," which grows on you) and the movie's resident Oscar-winner, Jennifer Hudson. Playing Saint Louise, a New York newbie who helps Carrie through that aforementioned rough time, Hudson also contributed the closing credit song, "All Dressed in Love." Parker beams when asked about it.

"That song gave me chills. When she says it's all about love and how you can 'take it out and put it on any time' and she says 'it's cool in the summer and warm in the winter,' it's great lyrics, and then when she busts it out and lets go -- I'm like, 'Ohhh!' It's great!"

Although "Sex" has its more serious moments, it should leave you smiling at the end.

"Sex and the City" opens nationwide May 30.

Sound off: Comment on this story | Also: Features archive

Next: Davis Screams for 'Sex'