CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC: REVIEW
Fantastic
plastic takes on a whole new meaning in the guilty pleasure 'Confessions of a
Shopaholic'.
Australian Isla Fisher stars as the credit queen
Rebecca Bloomwood who has a shopping affliction of gigantic proportions. She is
a career girl who dreams of a cruisy job, suave boyfriend and most of all an unlimited
credit line. However, as much as she wishes for all of the above at the moment,
it seems highly unlikely due to being neck deep in debt.
Her
expensive tastes do her much harm juggling no less that 20 credit cards, swiping
around town with an array of clothes, shoes and latest gadgets. Rebecca just can't
stop spending up big time - there's always a nice new hat or scarf to go with
that new skirt you know!
Her job as a writer for a little
gardening magazine falls through. Bluffing her way into the door, she applies
at the nations number one fashion bible named after its editor Alette Naylor (Kristin
Scott Thomas). She is a French editor with a reputation and 100% diva attitude.
Sadly the wide eyed Rebecca misses out on the Vogue style
fantasy and has to settle writing for a boring finance rag that just happens to
be managed by a humble British gentleman Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy). With a spring
in her step, she uses this to her advantage as a possible gateway to the sacred
fashionista's paradise down the hall. He also becomes love struck which throws
some lighter romantic moments into the mix.
Isla Fisher is
a gifted physical comedian as proven in the hilarious 'Wedding Crashers'. Here,
she also delivers every line with an enthusiasm and quick wit of a veteran making
this movie what it is. Rebecca can reduce the most complex problems in the world
into a shoe analogy.
Diector PJ Hogan knows his way around
awkward but amusing situations having previously made 'Muriel's Wedding' and 'My
Best Friend's Wedding'. He lovingly puts Isla Fisher in the forefront of every
scene, shows a twinkle in the eye of his credit vixen, makes her likable and irradiating
at the same time. Her parents are played by John Goodman and Joan Cusack offering
minor support in her outrageous sale hunting habits, but it is the lovely Lynn
Redgrave that gets the biggest laughs of the film. Her cameo as a drunk lady at
a ball is memorably witty.
Rare moments of social conscience
are brought up, but amidst the global financial crisis, some people may not find
Rebecca's antics favourable at all. Those in need of a good laugh, a little romance,
and a high spirited lead actress, this is the perfect escape for you.
Shane
A. Bassett
