Confessions of a Shopaholic
Review - Kathryn Ryan for The Mungles on Movies
Looking around, seeing the cute tops and fashionable dresses and having no real purchase game plan, you come across a pair of plaid Capri's that are begging for attention. "When would I wear these? Do I need them? I have that one thing in my closet that would go with it. Now I have to get some new shoes to match!" And like that, a woman has convinced herself that the purchase is worth it. Sure the Capri's are cute and fun, but the level of necessity is quite low. Confessions of a Shopaholic had that same thought process.
Based on the books "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan" by Sophie Kinsella, the story follows Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher), a woman who has grown up with a love of fashion in a family of penny pinchers. Once out in the real world, she shops... a lot. While she makes purchases of insane magnitudes, her credit card debts rise up higher and higher. When trying to apply for a job at Allete Fashion Magazine to pay off her debts and live her life dream of working there, Rebecca ends up interviewing for a savings magazine instead. As is the irony of things, she gets the savings magazine job and becomes a smash hit. Her articles have a refreshing view for the magazine and everyone loves her. But how long can she live the lie and still try to impress her colleagues and readers?
This movie does have its cute and clever moments. Isla Fisher really shows she has comedic chops (you can see why she is with Sasha Baron Cohen of Borat fame). She portrays a vivacious girl and that pretty much carries the entire movie. Without her, this movie would have no high profile actor leeway to draw the crowds. Even though Fisher does a wonderful job, she, unfortunately, cannot save the movie. The story felt shallow and had a nonchalant idea about huge debt. It is ironic that a comedic movie about spending too much and not being able to pay for it is being released as our country is in such an economic crisis. The movie gives the idea that "everything will be all right" and debt is something that can be overlooked. There is the obligatory ending that while it lacks in originality does make a feeble attempt at raising our awareness.
This movie is rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements. This film is safe and clean for parents to let their children see, though I only imagine girls wanting to see this movie. If a group of women need something to do on Valentine's, this would be a fun girl night movie.
I give Confessions of a Shopaholic 2 out of 5 maxed out credit cards. All in all, this movie is like those plaids Capri's, sort of cute but doesn't completely work. |
