I am surprised at the poor critical response received so far for CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC.  Given the formidable task of making a nonsense no-brainer chick flick entertaining, Aussie director P.J. Hogan (of MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING and MURIEL’S WEDDING) has done well.  One has to remember that this film is from the Disney studios – renowned for making strict formulaic films.

Based on the books “Confessions of a Shopaholic” and “Shopaholic Takes Manhattan” by Sophie Kinsella, the film traces the career and romantic life of Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) - 25 year old as she sorts her life and financial problems out.  Her best friend, Suze (Krysten Ritter) and roommate share a place they canot afford (naturally) in a trendy part of town.  Rebecca’s dream is to land a job in a high fashion magazine but lands ironically with a boring job writing for a financial magazine headed by a budding romantic interest, Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy).  In addition and important to the film’s plot is that Rebecca has a shopping addiction which is the running theme throughout the film.

A cross between THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA and LEGALLY BLONDE, CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC has a naïve heroine winning out in the high fashion corporate world against all odds.  The story is mostly silly and too feel-good, but director Hogan knows how to work his charm in a weird way that could include oddities like a viscous cat fight.  Hogan’s style is stamped all over his films.  MURIEL’S WEDDING had two girls at a wedding party fighting over a boy and this one has the heroine and another shopper battling it out for a discounted priced dress.  Female camaraderie is highly emphasized.  In CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC, a crucial point made is the importance of the bond between the protagonist and her roommate.  And as in all of his films, weddings are often common occurrences.

There are lots to meet the watchful eyes for those in the know.  When rival Alicia (Leslie Bibb) first struts across the screen, the camera focuses on her French designer Christian Louboutin shoes - worth $1700, according to my Holt Renfrew shopaholic expert I brought to the screening.  From the expensive Creed fragrance observed in Rebecca’s bedroom to her Hermes handbag, the one she cannot open during her job interview, the designer props are super designer top-notch.  Her beau and herself also go around carrying (after shopping) the Prada signature white shopping bags while Rebecca smiles, showing off her glossy red YSL lipstick.

Hogan’s camera is as quick to capture grimaces of his actors as it is to reveal the luxury wardrobe items.  He moves his film at a high octane pace – often as quick as a shopper can pick up a super steal at a discount sale.  The best segments are the ones involving Rebecca’s shopaholic meetings. 

For script that includes credit (by Tracey Jackson, Tim Firth and Kayla Alpert) from a male writer, one would have expected better written male roles.  Luke’s character exists primarily for Rebecca’s – analogous to a mannequin in a store window.  The script favors ironic touches and there are lots of them.  Rebecca who cannot control her spending works for a savings corporation.  It is like, as one character says in the film’s funniest line - yes, the script has a few intelligent humor – like animal activist being killed a cow.

Similarly, this seemingly hollow film has the occasional bright moments that lift it above forgettable fare.  Just don’t expect too much and CONFESSIONS OF A SHOPAHOLIC will delight.  Pretty much like buying an unexpected prized sale designer item.