If it hasn’t been spelled out enough for us with other recent films, surely it has been now. We know New York is a fashion haven and we know that women can walk around with the latest Prada bag and turn heads. Interestingly enough, so many of the subjects are writers with the world at their feet and a lot of time on their hands – in Confessions of a Shopaholic, the latest Carrie Bradshaw gives us a more eccentric line of thought.
Like many films in the girly-fashionista vein, Confessions of a Shopaholic is an adaptation, combining the first two novels in Sophie Kinsella’s series. The premise is simple enough: journalist Rebecca (Isla Fisher) scores a job under editor Luke (Hugh Dancy) at a financial magazine to work her way to the top of its magazine company chain – fashion magazine Alette. The problem is she has no clue about finance and worms her way out by relating it to her own woes – her shopping debts.
The Girl in the Green Scarf, as she is known for her column, is charming as she fumbles her way through work, romance and her tribulations with those little pieces of plastic. Isla Fisher doesn’t really put a foot wrong, and is supported well by a surprising line-up. Next-big-thing Hugh Dancy is the only English element retained from the London-based books and he has good presence on screen as Rebecca’s love interest. John Goodman and Joan Cusack are inspired choices as Rebecca’s gooberish parents while Kristin Scott Thomas is a delight as Fren Anna Wintour-type editor Alette.
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While performances are good, it’s downhill from there. The chemistry between the leads isn’t consistently strong and it takes a backseat to Rebecca’s love of clothes and window displays. While every girl can appreciate an enticing shop, the plot quickly wears thin; dragging when Rebecca digs herself a deeper hole from her addiction. There’s always the moral choices one has to make and this is no exception as Rebecca finds herself at one point choosing between people and clothes. Sounds a bit ludicrous reading that, doesn’t it?
Interestingly, Confessions of a Shopaholic is released right in the middle of the global financial crisis. It comes away with an added purpose in sending a message of controlled spending – in a light way, how addictions can cost you. However, Aussie director PJ Hogan has done the chick-flick better (Muriel’s Wedding, My Best Friend’s Wedding) – here, you’re taken through the general motions of slight awkward moments and being distanced, rather than wanting to know more about the characters.
Verdict:
Girls will leave with the urge to shop, wanting a green scarf (or Hugh Dancy) - but while the clothes are fun, Confessions of a Shopaholic is a so-so affair. Too predictable for Sex and the City standards but suited for those with cleaner tastes.
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