  
Confessions of a Shopaholica.k.a. “I Love Shopping,” “Shopaholic,” “Bájecný svet shopaholiku,” “Confessions d'une accro au shopping,” “Himoshoppaajan salaiset unelmat,” “Tajni snovi jedne sopingholicarke”MPAA Rating:
 for some mild language and thematic elements.Reviewed by: Misty Wagner Average
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Teens, Adults
Genre:
Romance, Comedy, Adaptation
Length:
1 hr. 52 min.
Year of Release:
2009
USA Release:
February 13, 2009 (wide—2,400 theaters)
 
Relevant Issues
“All she ever wanted was a little credit.” Rebbecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) is merely a girl whose entire world revolves around shopping. She compares everything good in life to the swipe of a “magic card” and proudly labels each designer purchase by the card used to acquire it. Suddenly, not only does her handbag bare the label Gucci, but it also owns the mental label of Mastercard, for Becky. Though she loves her parents and her roommate/best friend Suze (Krysten Ritter), she doesn't try to hide that shopping—and that instant gratification feeling—are truly what she lives for. What Becky does try to hide, however, is her mounting debt. It was likely a sad day when Becky Bloomwood discovered that her “magic cards” (12 of them, to be exact) come with a bill. In one line, she even talks about how the store card wooed her and promised her commitment and romance, but turned cold on her when mailing her a bill instead. Coinciding with the realization of her debts is the opportunity for her dream job as a columnist in a top New York City fashion magazine. Armed with what feels like an insurmountable pile of debt, Becky charges forward, finding love and growing up along the way. “Confessions of a Shopaholic” is very loosely based on the international best-selling book of the same title, by Sophie Kinsella. I say loosely because, aside from a very flexible (and small) theme of the story line, accompanied by character names, is pretty much where the similarities end. Most book lovers won't be surprised that this isn't a good adaptation. The film, alone, aside from the book, is cute. Aside from some language, I can't remember there being much that could be found offensive in this film. Although over-scripted and slightly outlandish, parts of the plot line are something that many can relate to. We've all, at one time or another, tried to hide our shortcomings under the bed. We've all likely found something to focus on, which feels like it leads us to some sort of happiness, only to find out that the happy it provides doesn't last. It's obvious that this film is intended to be a cute little romantic comedy, but in times of such economic distress it seems a timely and simplified metaphor of what our over indulgences can lead to. I probably wouldn't see this movie again, but I have a feeling that girls who weren't fans of the book prior to this movie may find themselves taken by this version of Becky. Violence: Minor / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: None CREDIT CARDS—Should a Christian have or use credit cards? Answer
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Comments below:
Positive
Positive - Fun movie. Very little offensive material. Reviewer's comments are right on. Positive - I took my 16-year-old daughter to see this movie and really enjoyed it. I was hesitant, at first, but was very pleasantly surprised by the end of the movie. I think it succeeds at sending a clear message to teenagers, as well as adults, that “things” can't make someone truly happy and that if we truly reflect, most of us have more than we truly need to succeed in life. I loved the humor and light romance in the movie. Although a bit whimsical at times, I think it's a refreshing movie that will show teenagers what the results are of overindulgence, selfishness and poor credit management. Positive - I believe that the reason the reviewer rated this movie as offensive is because the main character oftentimes lies to cover up her spending habit. But the movie as a whole was not offensive in the way most Hollywood films are offensive nowadays. There was no nudity, no sex scenes, minor language (I believe I counted 2 curse words). I do not recall the Lord's name being taken in vain. Positive - The movie was pretty good. I think younger people would enjoy it more, but it is good for most age groups. Its got a little of everything in it. Shopping, love, friendship, work, and even money. The only problem for younger kids with this movie is that there is a drunk scene. Its not a big deal though. She is with her friend in her house drinking. So other than that I think the movie was very good. Positive - Today, I took my three younger children to view this movie. I was pleasantly surprised. The main character often lies about her spending to cover up what she is doing. After the movie my daughters and I had a great discussion about the perils of using credit cards. One of my daughters even told me, “Mom, I'll keep you from becoming a shopaholic, and you keep me.” Any movie that gets my kids talking to me about issues that I feel are important is good in my book. The acting was good, and other then a couple of uses of bad language, I thought the film was on the whole a positive experience. Positive - I thought this was a charming movie, beautifully played by Isla Fisher. The casting in general was very good, with nice performances by John Lithgow, Kristen Scott Thomas, Hugh Dancy and of course Joan Cusack and John Goodman. There was some comedy that was a bit over the top, but created the fun for which it was intended. I have read the secular reviews of this movie and don't agree with them at all. This is a well-written, well-paced movie about a likeable woman who gets into trouble with her credit cards. There is a strong moral message about the perils of over-spending, wanton materialism and debt. I think I would see it again if it came on tv, just because of the light hearted nature of the movie. Positive - …“Confessions” is a genuinely fun and perfectly harmless film. Husbands, I suggest you score 2 tickets and surprise your wives with dinner and a movie. Positive - Saw it last night with my friend (Mom's night out) and we were both VERY PLEASANTLY surprised! It was not a movie I had heard much about so we chose it over the other serious or doom and gloom selections. We wanted lighthearted and funny and that is what we got. Neutral
none Negative
Negative - If it hadn't had all that taking of Our Creator's name in vain repeatedly (IMO), it would have been more enjoyable to me. I did not see any sexual immorality, and it did have it's funny points where even I laughed, but I would not want my child thinking this is ok, nor would I really want to watch this again. I would not recommend watching this if such things offend you, unless you have curse free, Guardian TV, or other such device. I am surprised that there are no negative or even neutral views because of this. Had it not had taking His name in vain in there, it could have received a good or excellent rating from me, and I could have possibly bought it after renting. Why do movie producers feel this is even necessary? I just feel let down and disappointed that it had this problem in it. It's like eating something I know tastes “good” now but gives heartburn or sickness (bad feelings) later. Comments from young people
Positive - I went to go see this movie with my mom and my sister. I really enjoyed this movie and thought that it was very clever and funny. There was some language and one scene of drinking (this is why the moral rating is offensive), but besides that, I thought the movie has a very good message. Positive - This was a great movie. Not only was this movie funny and entertaining it had a really great message about how life doesn't get better when u buy stuff and that there's more important things in the world than clothes and other items and in the end she was so much happier. This is a great family movie! Positive - I thought this was a very sweet, hilarious movie. I went to it with a friend and we were both laughing throughout the whole thing! (except for the sad parts) Positive - I think this movie was very good. There was not any Christian or “belief” talk, but I think that it was a good fun movie. It was not a movie supposed to be for religion, so that would explain the lack of it. It was, in my opinion, a very good family movie. There was no language that I can remember. The actors/actresses did very well, and there was no inappropriate behavior. I think it was a VERY well made movie, and it was worth the money. Positive - This was a very good movie. Based on the title, “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” I thought that this would be a very girly kind of movie. I myself am not that much of a “girly-girl” and expected this film to be a bore. However, my sister wanted to rent it, so I ended up watching it anyway. This movie was a pleasant surprise. |
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