Confessions of A Shopaholic: Movie Review

Isla Fisher Starts in Film Based on Sophie Kinsella's Books

Feb 18, 2009 Tina Costanza

The movie Confessions of A Shopaholic may come as a surprise to fans of Sophie Kinsella's books as it bears little resemblance to the novels - but it works.

Confessions of A Shopaholic the movie is spun from the first two books in the Shopaholic series: Confessions of A Shopaholic and Shopaholic Takes Manhattan. Any filmmaker (P.J. Hogan, in this case, whose previous directing credits include Muriel's Wedding) trying to condense two novels into a movie is bound to make some cuts and modifications. They are glaring in the movie to die-hard fans of the books.

Differences between Confessions of A Shopaholic Book and Movie

First of all, protagonist Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) is a London, England, girl. The movie is set in Manhattan. Oh, she still has a roommate named Suze (Krysten Ritter), falls for Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy), is chased by debt collector Derek Smeath (Robert Stanton) and can't resist a Denny and George scarf.

Viewers won't find Becky struggling to save or make money on the big screen, as they will in print. Instead, the movie focuses more on Becky and her career. She starts off working at a gardening magazine that goes under, then applies for a job at her dream magazine. When she learns that position has been filled, she interviews for a position at Successful Saving, the publication she left in the first Shopaholic book. In the movie, though, her love interest is her boss at Successful Saving.

Becky's new job also includes a trip to Miami (Miami? What chapter included a trip to Miami?) but it serves its purpose in the film, as a spotlight for Becky and Luke's growing relationship.

Stars of Confessions of A Shopaholic

The movie, however, retains the heart and soul of the books. Rebecca is as lovable and funny as ever (perhaps even more so on film, as she comes off as less annoying than in the books), and actress Isla Fisher does her justice in the starring role. Even Becky's parents in the movie (Joan Cusack and John Goodman) come off as having more solid heads on their shoulders. This doesn't mean boring, though: The film is highly entertaining, and full of eye candy in the form of splashes of colour on the sets and Becky's wardrobe. Ah, the clothes. Readers may get the sense in the books that Becky's style is cool but classic. In the movie, those readers may wonder if Becky got dressed in the dark. What does go together is Fisher's chemistry with Dancy — they are believable as a couple.

Becky's financial problems seem to be resolved just a little too neatly at the end of the movie, and Derek Smeath's confrontation with Rebecca is unbelievable. Still, fans of the novels may be glad they paid full price to see this film.

The copyright of the article Confessions of A Shopaholic: Movie Review in Romantic Films/Comedies is owned by Tina Costanza. Permission to republish Confessions of A Shopaholic: Movie Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Isla Fisher (centre) as Becky Bloomwood.