| Audience: | Middle School |
| MPAA Rating: | Rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements |
| Profanity: | Some mild language |
| Nudity/Sex: | Kisses, joke about prostitution |
| Alcohol/Drugs: | Drinking, including drinking to deal with stress |
| Violence/Scariness: | Tense confrontations |
| Diversity Issues: | None |
| Movie Release Date: | February 13, 2009 |
| DVD Release Date: | June 23, 2009 |
Even the endlessly talented and infinitely adorable Isla Fisher cannot overcome the script problems in this unfrothy romantic comedy about a writer who just can't stop shopping. As hard as they try to make her irresistable, the character she plays is careless, thoughtless, and untrustworthy. And yet, everyone in the movie seems to be utterly won over by her, making the disconnect between the reactions of the audience and the reactions of the characters more and more jarring.
Fisher plays Rebecca, who was forever blighted by her parents' penny-pinching. She wanted sparkly and colorful but her mother always bought brown and sensible. So she has grown up into a woman who cannot resist that most magical of siren's refrains: "SALE." They are not kidding about the "aholic" part of the title. Like any addict, she is in denial about the way in which her addiction has affected her life and the lives of those around her. She mooches off of her best friend and roommate (a delightful Krysten Ritter as Suze) and constantly lies to everyone, including herself. She goes to great lengths to avoid those nasty people who keep calling her because, oh yes, she does not pay her bills. It is supposed to be charming and funny that racing to the interview for what she says is the job of her dreams she is waylaid by a $120 green scarf, which she pays for with a combination of cash, several credit cards, and what amounts to attempted check-kiting that turns into a straight-on con, based on a gabbled story about a sick aunt. And who turns out to be on the other side of the desk in the interview? Yes, the con-ee himself, the handsome editor (Hugh Dancy in another Prince Charming role as Luke). An all-star supporting cast includes Kristen Scott Thomas as an imperious fashion editor and Julie Hagarty channeling Miss Jane from "The Beverly Hillbillies" as Luke's assistant.
It is always a mistake for a movie to be more in love with its heroine than the audience is. A little romantic fantasy is welcome but here it reaches absurd levels as the most selfish and irresponsible behavior by Rebbecca produces coos of ecstasy from everyone. She instantly becomes an international sensation with a frivolous article using shoes as a metaphor for personal finance. And preposterously, when she finally begins to accept some responsibility for the mess she has made, the movie wants us to be on her side when she undercuts her inexcusably overdue payment with a silly prank. Fisher should have shopped around for a better script.
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I loved your comment, Shannon! Thanks so much. I am always delighted to hear from someone who saw more in a movie than I did. We can agree that Isla Fisher is a delightful and very talented performer and I, too, loved the look on her face when she said, "You speak Prada!" I'm so glad you and your daughters enjoyed the movie.
Movie Mom, I appreciate your wonderful reviews and I always consult this site if im not sure about a movie. But why haven't you reviewed recent horror films such as Saw IV, Friday the 13th, and The Unborn? I understand if you would not feel comfortable seeing these types of movies, but gave reviews for past movies such as the previous Saw films. The only reason I am asking is because these are some of the movies that my 14 year old has asked to see recently, and Im not sure whether or not I want her to. Thank You! And if you did happen to see these or you posted a review that didn't see, please let me know!
Thanks so much! Your kind words mean the world to me.
I generally don't go to hard-core slasher films. I can't do them justice. But I will say that no horror film with an R rating is suitable for a 14-year-old. The "Saw" movies are about the most horrific and graphic torture imaginable and the "Friday the 13th" movies are about a serial killer who massacres teenagers. Any one in the series is as bad as any other when it comes to the amount and grisliness of the violence.
Hi Movie Mom! I listen to you on my local (San Diego) radio station morning show (when I can catch you while taking my preschooler to school) but this is my first time to your site... I often like what you have to say; thanks for good reviews and info about families in there too!
My husband took me to this movie opening weekend because I love the book series by Sophie Kinsella. Of course, a movie cannot as fully flesh out a character as a book, but I felt there was a lot cut out of this movie. The books had more redeeming qualities to Rebecca. Once I stopped my mind from making comparisons - about 1/2 way through - I thought it was a light, enjoyable romp, with many funny moments. However, I'm 40 years old, and I could see your point for much younger viewers. (My daughter's only 1 so I am not there yet!) I think teens would get that Rebecca has (improbable) problems & issues. I recommend reading any of the Shopaholic books for high school & up. Anyway, thanks for all you do!
Thanks, Lisa! I am so glad you listen to my beloved Jeff and Jer and I welcome you to the site. I really enjoyed your comments and hope you will visit often and let me know what you think of the movies you see.
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