Confessions of a Shopaholic

After Wedding Crashers, Definitely, Maybe, and the underrated Lookout, doll-faced Australian transplant Isla Fisher was well positioned to graduate to leading lady. Unfortunately, fellow Aussie P.J. Hogan’s version of Sophie Kinsella’s British book series isn't the best showcase for her talents as the movie is even more shallow and predictable than it sounds (Hogan got his start with Muriel’s Wedding). Fisher plays Rebecca Bloomwood, a writer with more enthusiasm for accessories than articles. When her employer, a gardening magazine, goes out of business, she tries her luck at fashion bible Alette, but winds up at a dull financial rag instead (Kristin Scott Thomas has glamorous fun playing Alette). Fortunately, her understanding new editor (Hugh Dancy, Ella Enchanted) encourages Becky to develop her own breezy style. Soon, the Girl in the Green Scarf, her columnist alter-ego, is the toast of Manhattan, but the Girl fails to take the same sensible spending advice she dishes out. As her career progresses, her credit card debt increases until a rival (Leslie Bibb) helps to expose her on national television. Everyone abandons Becky, except for her frugal parents (Joan Cusack and John Goodman), until she finds a way to redeem herself. It's hard to argue with the film's message, but Confessions wants to have it both ways: to encourage women to shop until they drop while making them feel lousy about it. As with Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada, costume designer Patricia Field assembles an endless parade of eye-popping outfits --Kathleen C. Fennessy