Rating: PG
Starring:
Isla Fisher as Rebecca Bloomwood
Hugh Dancy as Luke Brandon
Krysten Ritter as Suze
Joan Cusack as Jane Bloomwood
John Goodman as Graham Bloomwood
John Lithgow as Edgar West
Kristin Scott Thomas as Alette Naylor
Fred Armisen as Ryan Koenig
Leslie Bibb as Alicia Billington
Lynn Redgrave as Drunken Lady at Ball
Robert Stanton as Derek Smeath
Julie Hagerty as Hayley
Nick Cornish as Tarquin
Wendie Malick as Miss Korch
Clea Lewis as Miss Ptaszinski
Special Features:
Bloopers
Deleted Scenes
“Stuck With Each Other” Music Video by Shontelle Featuring Akon
Digital Copy
Other Info:
Widescreen (2.40:1)
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
French and Spanish Language Tracks
French and Spanish Subtitles
Running Time: 105 Minutes
The Movie:
The following is the official description of the film:
“Get ready to fall in love with the adorable Becky Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) in the hilarious romantic comedy ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic.’ Living in glamorous New York, Becky desperately wants a job writing for a high-fashion magazine. She gets her stilettos in the door when she gets a job writing a personal finance column at a sister publication. Much to her surprise, her column not only becomes a huge hit, but she falls head over high heels for her overworked yet handsome boss (Hugh Dancy). But Becky has a secret that leads to some hilarious high jinks that could unravel it all. From the best-selling novel, and featuring the perfect comedic cast, it’s the feel-good must-have romantic comedy you’ll fall in love with over and over again.”
“Confessions of a Shopaholic” is rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements.
Mini-Review:
This is one of those occasions where my wife took control of the TV and I was forced to watch the dreaded ‘chick flick’. As much as I would rather be doing something else, I had to admit it was her turn to pick the movie to watch. She read the book and missed the movie in theaters, so this was something she really wanted to check out. So as the movie began playing, imagine my surprise at seeing it was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, king of ‘guy movies’. Then the cast was compromised of favorites like Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas, Leslie Bibb, Lynn Redgrave, Julie Hagerty, and Wendie Malick. Before it was over, I was laughing and thoroughly engaged in the plot. As far as ‘chick flicks’ go, this is one of those rare ones that even guys can enjoy.
The movie is well carried by Isla Fisher as Rebecca Bloomwood. She handles the drama as well as the physical comedy. She’s pretty but easily regarded as the “everywoman.” Fisher simply has everything working in her favor. It’s going to be fun to see her in other roles. Fisher is supported by a great cast as already mentioned. Kristin Scott Thomas was certainly memorable as the French fashion diva. I’m so used to seeing her in serious roles it was nice to see her in a comedy. Hugh Dancy also makes a decent love interest as Luke Brandon. He makes a good team with Fisher though his role is largely that of straight man.
The only down side is that the plot didn’t come across as all that original. It’s pretty much the same storyline as “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Ugly Betty,” “Working Girl,” etc etc etc. Girl goes for job as writer/designer in the big city, girl hits it big through sheer luck, girl loses her original uncool friends, girl must go back to her roots to win back friends and the love interest. It’s a standard formula. The only reason it works here is because of the sheer charm of the cast. Scenes where Rebecca goes to a “Shopaholics” seminar also adds to the humor.
If your significant other makes you watch a chick flick, you could do a lot worse than “Confessions of a Shopaholic.” The amusing comedy and strong cast make it a fun viewing experience. A lot of people will be fans of Isla Fisher after watching this one.
The bonus features are quite light. Besides coming with a digital copy, there are bloopers, deleted scenes, and a music video. I would have been interested in seeing something on how they made the mannequins come to life or how the movie compares to the original book.
