‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’: A Well-Fashioned Comedy

Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher) has a love for fashion. If it is anything designer, she’s got it. And she pays for all of it by credit card. (She has at least 12 of what she calls those plastic “magic” cards.)

Rebecca’s dream job is to work as a fashion journalist for Alette Naylor (Kristin Scott Thomas) at coveted Alette magazine. But when an icy, long-legged diva named Alicia Billington (Leslie Bibb) takes the only available slot at Alette, Rebecca ends up getting a job as a personal finance writer at sister publication Successful Saving.

Since Rebecca didn’t inherit wise money management skills from her frugal parents Jane (Joan Cusack) and Graham (John Goodman), saving money is a subject that she knows nothing about.

However, when she writes an article that likens money issues to shopping, Rebecca hits a nerve with her new boss, the handsome Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy), and the public; thus, getting her own financial column called “The Girl in the Green Scarf”.

What I Learned From ‘Shopaholic’

New stilettos, a fabulous Coach bag, a faux fur jacket – advertisers say we can have all this and more with that shiny plastic credit card… or maybe several of them. And time and time again, our culture has fallen victim to that trap. Never mind that we can’t afford these things, don’t truly need them, and don’t have anywhere to store them. We got the “cash back” and travel points. Plus, it’s “normal” to be in debt. Everyone else is, so who cares? Thus begins the vicious cycle we call consumer debt.

But knowing that our consumer debt can ultimately lead to business failures, foreclosures, divorce, bankruptcy, and even suicide, it is time that we have more voices speaking “enough is enough – there is a better way.”

The true call for change must begin with personal responsibility. That’s why I love Confessions of a Shopaholic (now out on DVD!). We are enlightened both about the scary potential consequences of out-of-control credit card spending and the way out of the debt cycle – all within the context of a funny romantic comedy.

‘Night at the Museum 2’ Delights

It’s always a risk that sequels will never truly live up to the success of the original theatrical release. But if opening weekend box office receipts are any testimony to a film’s success, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, hit a nerve back in May with moviegoers everywhere. The movie more than doubled the profits earned from the original 2006 Night at the Museum. Now, more than a month later, it’s still ranking in the top ten box office releases to date.

So what, exactly, is it about the adventures and antics of these nighttime-activated, historical characters that captures audience delight? In a phrase: good, clean humor and imagination. And that combination makes for family friendly fare, indeed.

Movies for the Fourth of July

Tomorrow is a happy holiday for our nation. Hope you get a chance to get to the beach, the mountains, or at least take the day off and celebrate our freedom. It’s great to be an American!

And while you are enjoying a cookout with your friends and family, shooting off fireworks, or catching lightning bugs in your backyard, when it’s time to go inside after all those outdoor festivities, how about a good flick to remember this great holiday?

If you are thinking about new movies at the box office, consider Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. It just came out Wednesday, July 1. I may be heading to the theatre this weekend to catch this fun animated flick. Plus, it looks like it will be family friendly, so those kids can tag along and no one has to worry about problem content.

Or if you haven’t seen it yet, why not try the new Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian? I just saw this movie last week. I was surprised at how entertaining it was. I didn’t see the original Night at the Museum mostly because I am not a Ben Stiller fan. However, this film is creative, clean, and enjoyable. So consider a matinee if it is still playing in your area.

And, of course, if you are thinking about renting a DVD, I would recommend the thoroughly entertaining Independence Day (1996), the action-adventure starring Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Vivica A. Fox, and more. Nothing like watching the good guys beat the aliens!

Be safe, get outside, enjoy your family, and celebrate with a great film. 

 

— Laura

Chill Out with ‘New in Town’

Out now on DVD!

Just released on DVD and Blu-ray this week, New in Town is sure to thaw your spirits, warm your heart… and maybe even make you want tapioca pudding!

When the corporate branch of Munck Foods in Miami decides to implement major changes at its New Ulm, Minnesota, plant, power-hungry businesswoman Lucy Hill (Renée Zellweger) is on the next plane to the frozen little town to cut losses – and inevitably jobs.

But no sooner has Lucy settled into town than she has a complete change of heart. Lucy begins to warm up to the quirky, but good-hearted blue-collar town – and her new love interest, the plaid-shirt-wearing union rep., Ted Mitchell (Harry Connick, Jr.). But then she hears the bad news that corporate wants to shut the plant down completely.