There’s nothing addictive about this “Shopaholic.”
The movie adaptation of contemporary Brit chick lit author Sophie Kinsella’s popular novel series should be marked down for its insanely contrived plotting, mediocre lead actors, lowbrow comedic pandering and general vapidity. One thing nearly salvages this inappropriately timed tribute to uncontrolled credit card consumerism: the amusingly over-the-top costumes.
Surely it’s no coincidence that the famously eccentric “Sex and the City” dresser Patricia Field also styles “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” Mega-producer Jerry Bruckheimer, the commercial schlockmeister behind today’s project, is obviously trying to buy into the same female audience but at cut-rate prices. But he doesn’t spring for proven stars or allow this thin farce any of the edge of that original story about a plucky fashionista who too often frequents the Manhattan designer boutiques beyond her means. Instead, Bruckheimer, director P.J. Hogan (“My Best Friend’s Wedding”), and screenwriters Tracey Jackson and Tim Firth offer us a hapless, sexless simulation of Carrie.
Isla Fisher is now better known these days as baby mama to Sasha Baron Cohen, aka Borat, than for her one significant feature film role, in “Wedding Crashers.” Fisher is cute enough and certainly knows how to take a pratfall. But she doesn’t project the requisite star power to be carrying a picture as title protagonist Rebecca Bloomwood.
The narrative contortions run rampant as Rebecca attempts to land her dream job at a Vogue-like magazine by accepting an interim gig at its sister publication, which just happens to specialize in personal finance. Thus, by deceiving her new editor Luke (moderately appealing Englishman Hugh Dancy) a toxically reckless spender ends up writing about fiscal responsibility. Oh, the irony!
Of course, she’s a huge hit. And, of course, love blooms — with predictable complications (!) — between her and boss Luke, who moonlights as the dashing scion of a posh family. It comes to a head when Rebecca’s huge secret debt effects him, her thrifty parents (John Goodman and Joan Cusack), disappointed best friend (Krysten Ritter) and even her chance to work for the imposing doyenne of her favorite rag mag (a humorously haughty Kristin Scott Thomas).
But in the case of “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” the fact that the devil wears Prada and the heroine wears Gucci isn’t enough to make up a movie.
Quick Info
‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’
2 out of 5 Stars
Stars: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Kristin Scott Thomas
Director: P.J. Hogan
Rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements.
Running Time: 112 minutes
