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CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC

With Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Lynn Redgrave

Written by Tracey Jackson, Tim Firth, Kayla Alpert, based on the novels "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan" by Sophie Kinsella
Directed by P.J. Hogan

While this may be a Jerry Bruckheimer co-production, don’t expect any stylized action or explosive car chases – but be prepared for reckless credit card abuse and cliché rom-com shenanigans! Becky is an ambitious young woman has her eye on a job at a high-fashion magazine in New York, but has a bit of a habit (with which many women will identify), and as the title would suggest, is not drug related. She ironically lands a job at a financial savings magazine (as a foot-in-the-door due to its affiliation with the fashion mag as part of a parent publishing company). She intrigues her boss (and obvious romantic interest), and becomes the author of a highly popular advice column – while on the side all of her dozen credit cards are maxed out and she has no rent money – but a room filled with dresses, bags, and of course shoes. A nice motif is the anonymous mannequins in the shop windows enticing Becky to enter the stores and buy the latest fashion items with money she doesn’t have.
While her best friend (and bride-to-be) sticks by her, the relationship takes a serious knock with her irresponsible impulsive spending, and on top of it all, she has to stay one step ahead of an unscrupulous debt collector, while in constant denial of her problem.
This is very much a chick flick (with a moral tagged on at the end), but all genders can enjoy it, many people able to spot elements of themselves or people they know caught up in consumer traps of must-have items and easy terms.

Extra features include a rather funny deleted scene, (and as is so often the case) a pretty lame blooper reel – if people want some tips on what outtake segments should consist of, check out those of Jackie Chan, since a few un-funny line fluffs don’t really cut it. Another extra (only if you’re a Shontelle and Akon fan) is the music video to “Stuck With Each Other”.

3 / C
- Paul Blom


0 1 2 3 4 5 6
- A - B
- C



6 - Volcanic
5 - Blistering
4 - Hot
3 - Smolder
2 - Room Temp.
1 - Fizzled
0 - Extinguished

A: Multiple Viewing Potential
B: Deserves Another Look
C: Once Should Suffice

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