If you’ve seen any one of the litter of romantic comedies that have been made, then you’re covered; you probably don’t need to watch Confessions of a Shopaholic, new to DVD and Blu-ray today. But if you like Isla Fisher and have 100 minutes to kill, then Confessions may be able to squeak a few laughs out of you along the way.
The film is adapted from the Shopaholic series of novels by Sophie Kinsella. Fisher steps into the role of Rebecca Bloomwood, a materialistic young girl who shops and spends credit with an impetuous fury. She’s all about clothes and shoes and her lifelong goal is to write for Alette magazine, a popular fashion periodical.
Up to her gills in debt, she decides to apply for a job at Alette, only find out the the position she’s applying for has been filled. But, of course, she’s in luck. In a drunken stupor, she submits a brilliant application for the magazine’s sister publication, Successful Saving, which just happens to have an opening and a handsome boss for Rebecca to go ga-ga over.
It’s your typical fish-out-of-water comedy / love story and does little to stray from that tried and true formula. Most of the film’s jokes land with a thud, but when it’s not trying too hard, the movie provides genuine moments of light-hearted hilarity. And although she’s not utilized at full potential, I couldn’t seem to dislike Fisher, who supplies an infectious and bubbly personality, befitting of this role . Joining her on screen are Hugh Dancy as well as John Goodman and Joan Cusack.
The film ultimately attempts to deliver a message about the perils of materialism and consumerism, but you’re not very likely to learn these very important lessons from such a run-of-the-mill flick. It succeeds as a rom-com and many fans of the genre will be happy with the predictable payoff at the end. But again, you’ve probably seen one like this already, so don’t sign up unless you adore Isla Fisher.
No complaints on the Blu-ray hi-def presentation; the film is sharp and presents a pretty vibrant palette of colors.
The Blu-ray release comes with these special features:
• Bloopers
• Deleted Scenes
• “Stuck with Each Other” Music Video by Shontelle Featuring Akon
• “Accessory” Music Video by Jordan Taylor
• “Takes Time to Love” Music Video by Trey Songz
• Behind the Fashion – A collection of insider peeks at the making of Confessions of a
Shopaholic, including:
* Wardrobe by Patricia Field - The renowned fashion designer takes viewers into her studio and shares some of the secrets of her outrageous creative process.
* Temple of Shopping – The inspiration for Rebecca Bloomwood’s fashion wonderland is finally revealed.
* The Green Scarf – Fans will learn more about the all-important accessory that drives Rebecca to take desperate measures.
* New York Fashion Central – A style-centric tour of the home of more shopaholics per square foot than anywhere else on the planet.
* Sample Sale Madness - The filming of the film’s hilariously chaotic shopping spree.
* Window Shopping - The Shopaholic team brings store windows to life along shopping mecca Madison Avenue.
Title: Confessions of a Shopaholic
Starring: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Krysten Ritter, John Goodman, Joan Cusack
Directed by: P.J. Hogan
Studio: Disney
Release Date: June 23, 2009
Rating: 6.0 / 10
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