Feb 12, 2009 2:24 pm US/Eastern
'Confessions of a Shopaholic'
Christy Lemire, AP Movie Critic
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
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The plot -- as if it matters, since "Confessions" is more about label worship -- follows Rebecca's futile attempts at reducing her credit card debt, even as she hypocritically writes a magazine column about smart shopping.
AP
Though the timing couldn't have been worse -- the idea of reveling in wretched excess when untold thousands are losing their homes, their jobs, their minds -- there really is no appropriate moment for a shrill onslaught that perpetuates the worst stereotypes about female materialism.
To be fair, there are a couple of men at Isla Fisher's shopaholics anonymous meetings, one of whom is played by former NBA star John Salley in one of many baffling casting choices. We'll get to those later.
First, we must address what an utter waste this is of Fisher's infinite likability. The effervescent redhead, who made a splash in "Wedding Crashers" but proved she could really act, too, in "The Lookout," brings a bright energy to the role of compulsive shopper Rebecca Bloomwood but is too often trapped in hackneyed slapstick and cat fights.
There's something a little daffy and dangerous lurking beneath her perky cuteness, which this PG-rated Jerry Bruckheimer production never puts to best use. Instead, Rebecca comes off as a watered-down, latter-day Carrie Bradshaw, complete with a job as a journalist and a wardrobe designed by Patricia Field.
The plot -- as if it matters, since "Confessions" is more about label worship -- follows Rebecca's futile attempts at reducing her credit card debt, even as she hypocritically writes a magazine column about smart shopping.
Hugh Dancy co-stars as the editor with whom she falls in love, which no one seems to think is inappropriate, with John Goodman, John Lithgow, Kristin Scott Thomas and Lynn Redgrave among the talents squandered in meager supporting roles.
PG for some mild language and thematic elements. 100 min.
One and a half stars out of four.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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