Confessions of a Shopaholic

Did P.J. Hogan film my wife's story without telling her, or worse still, paying her for the rights? Not only does the main character in 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' have the same first name as my lovely spouse, but she also exhibits behavior strikingly similar to what I witness on the rare occasions I accompany her to the mall. And if that's not enough, I can also personally relate to the horror of scanning our monthly credit cards bills for the inevitable charges for clothes, accessories, and – oh, the agony! – SHOES! All I can say is thank God our town doesn't have a Nordstrom's or Sak's, or we'd be in utter financial ruin.

I exaggerate, of course, but so many of these thoughts flitted through my brain as I watched this innocuous, slightly-more-substantive-than-the-norm romantic comedy. 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' may be culled from chick-lit and flaunt its share of overblown situations (all in the name of humor), but Hogan's film is savvy enough to tap into our current economic uncertainties and preach the benefits of fiscal responsibility. Though the lessons the main character learns come straight from Finance 101, they're certainly practical and bear repeating every once in a while.

Becky Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) is a budding New York journalist with one expensive vice – duh, shopping! It's an all-consuming passion, a comfort, an adrenaline rush, a craving that won't be denied – and she's got the out-of-control bills to prove it. "A man will never treat you as well or love you as much as a store," she says. But to support her habit, Becky needs a job, and her dream is to work at the high-toned fashion mag, Allette, under the tutelage of its eponymous, Miranda Priestley-like editor (Kristin Scott Thomas). Though she can't get her foot in the door there, she finagles her way onto the staff of one of its way-down-on-the-food-chain sister publications, Successful Saving. Becky, of course, knows next to nothing about pinching pennies, but she wings it by taking issues such as debt reduction and relating them to her personal shopping habits. Her anonymous column, "The Girl in the Green Scarf," strikes a chord with women all over the country and transforms Becky into an instant celebrity. The irony, however, is not lost on her best friend, Suze (Krysten Ritter), who quips incredulously, "You're advising people about debt, and you're up to your eyeballs in it!"

And those mounting I.O.U.s catch the attention of a ruthless debt collector who threatens to blow her cover, which will, in turn, jeopardize both her burgeoning career and blossoming romance with her scruffy British boss, Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy). Will Becky be able to curb her spendthrift habits, pay her bills, and live happily ever after with her integrity and designer outfits intact? Well, what do you think?

'Confessions of a Shopaholic' loosely combines the first two novels in Sophie Kinsella's wildly popular series, transplanting the action to the U.S. and Americanizing most of the characters. Yet despite the Manhattan locations and New York accents, the film possesses a profoundly British flavor, reminding me of 'Bridget Jones' Diary' on more than one occasion. (Dancy's role is one that almost certainly would have gone to Hugh Grant a few years earlier, and it's tough not to envision the actor in the part.) Hogan follows the romantic comedy blueprint well, and plenty of goofy personalities, outrageous situations (a knock-down-drag-out catfight at a "samples sale" is a highlight), and heartwarming moments keeps the story well within genre parameters. Such familiar comic performers as Julie Hagerty, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, John Lithgow, Wendie Malick, Lynn Redgrave, and Fred Armisen spice up the proceedings even if they're largely wasted, and the script moves along at a brisk enough clip to keep even guy-boredom pretty much at bay.

The movie's success, however, hinges on its lead character, and Fisher does a nice job conveying the temptation that forever plagues the irrepressibly perky, hopelessly addicted Becky. Her portrayal often recalls Marilyn Monroe's classic incarnation of Lorelei Lee in 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' – she looks dumb and often acts dumb, but deep down she's really intelligent in a street-smart, sensible, stand-up kind of way. Dancy makes a fine romantic foil, even if his attraction to Becky seems more like a Cinderella-Prince Charming contrivance than a genuine meeting of the hearts and minds.

'Confessions of a Shopaholic' is an anemic stepsister to 'The Devil Wears Prada,' but it makes some relevant points while providing a few laughs and some sweet romance. It's painless, mindless entertainment (with a little vicarious retail therapy thrown in) that will please the novel's fans and especially fashion aficionados, who are sure to drool over the chic outfits and cosmopolitan stores. My wife lived this movie – I mean loved this movie, and many other women will live it – I mean love it, too.