Screen Scene: “Confessions of a Shopaholic”

What can a silly movie about a shopaholic teach us about the recession? Apparently, “Confessions of a Shopaholic” is an allegory for it. Pointless spending, spiraling debt, more pointless spending and (gasp!) suddenly billions of dollars in debt. Can America go to Shopaholics Anonymous anytime soon?

The film’s premise centers around this very same idea. Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) and her 12 credit cards see shopping as the epitome of reaching some kind of nirvana. Inevitably, Rebecca loses her journalism job, and, in an ironic twist of fate, lands a job as an anonymous financial columnist advising others on their own credit debt. When her debt collector threatens to expose the deception, Rebecca is forced to evaluate if what’s costing her in happiness is really worth it.

Fisher is perfect in the leading role, a practical reincarnation of Lucille Ball with her menacing facial expressions, red hair and comedic timing. Several scenes involve Fisher talking to mannequins as a conscious way to feed her urges, and in one scene she goes bananas on another shopper over a pair of Gucci boots.

Though some of her antics may go over the top, the character of Rebecca is genuine in her love for shopping without looking overly naive. She masterfully handles out-of-control situations, which is commendable considering that she also manages to stay believable and lovable. Fisher’s slapstick comedy is delightful enough to help anyone forget about their own credit woes.

As with any comedy, the movie does get a bit cliche, especially in its love triangle. Though Rebecca’s British eye-candy editor ““ played by Hugh Dancy ““ serves as a perfect match for her (he speaks Prada), his character is underdeveloped and relies on the common archetype of the rich guy trying to make it without his parents’ money. Add to that a smoking-hot model look-alike who has practically no dialogue and is described as having “spider-legs,” and one can understand the extent of that lackluster subplot.

Expect to see a lot of familiar faces here including SNL actors Fred Armisen and Jason Sudeikis. John Goodman plays Rebecca’s father, and his line comparing America’s financial crisis to Rebecca’s spending spree can make anyone feel hopeful that times will get better ““ at least in the movie.

“Confessions of a Shopaholic” is a definite reminder of films such as “Legally Blonde” for its mixture of tragedy and redemption with pink and glitter, and the film doesn’t take itself too seriously. Teens and girlfriends dragging their boyfriends along should expect some good laughs and a new favorite comedienne.

The movie is a good time, and though it may not completely explain the economics of America’s current financial woes, it can at least provide a brief reprieve and a worthwhile lesson.

Though spending feels so good, being in debt ultimately sucks.