Iffy for 12+
Labels and products galore in frothy book-based romcom.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although most of the content in this by-the-book romantic comedy is age-appropriate for older tweens and young teens (there's little swearing and drinking and no nudity or violence), it's swimming in consumerism and high-end product placement and reinforces some broad stereotypes about women. Despite being chastened in the end, the main character seems downright naïve -- and a tad unapologetic -- about her shop-'til-you're-bankrupt ways. Kids may enjoy the fantasy, but parents may find that the frothy "escapism" feels out of place in these unsettled economic times.
- Families can talk about Rebecca's nonstop shopping and spending. Is her behavior really all that unusual, or do lots of people overspend? What makes shopping so addictive for some people? And what are the real-life consequences of behavior like Rebecca's? Do you think the movie makes her behavior seem acceptable? Is she intended to be a role model? If so, what "lessons" is she teaching teen girls about responsibility? In the end, what message do you think the movie sends teens about the importance of high-end brands and having lots of stuff?
The good stuff
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Messages: A woman shops endlessly despite being deeply in debt and lies to everyone about her habit -- she even riles up a Shopaholics Anonymous meeting and nearly has everyone running to the mall. But she means well and clearly values friendships and relationships. Still, her character could be seen as reinforcing several broad stereotypes about women, from being fashion-obssessed to being clueless about money. The movie also emphasizes consumption and materialism in a time when many moviegoers are facing severe financial struggles.
What to watch for
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Violence: Not an issue
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Sex: Flirting and some kissing.
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Language: Pretty mild and infrequent. Words include "ass," "crap," "bitch," "hell," and "oh my God."
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Consumerism: The movie is all about shopping and consumerism, so, not surprisingly, there's tons of high-end product placement, with signage and/or products from Asprey, Henri Bendel, Barney's New York, Cartier, Yves Saint Laurent, Prada, Border's, Gucci, and more.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some social drinking among adults.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
is there anything lower than zero hats? by shutabug76
this movie is just a waste of time. i heard jan wahl's (a movie reviewer in the san francisco area) review of this movie and i have to say she was spot on. she (and i )gave it zero out of 4 hats (stars). it was unintelligent and just plain stupid. don't waste the time. if you want to see it, don't rent it at blockbuster; rent it through netflix. this way, you won't spend a lot of money on a really bad movie. better yet, borrow it from someone who buys it...
4
Confessions of a Shopaholic by cglasheen
Cute date movie-- silly, but touching ending. Great cast. Was a cumulation of several of the "Shopaholic" books. Worth a view!!
4
it was pretty good! by SarahElizabethJ
it was soo cute & Funny and showed you that there is more to life to money :)
3
Confessions of a Shopaholic by bkutner
Cute movie with some funny scenes but I would wait for the dvd and rent it for a $1.
4
Fun from the beginning by Popcorn-Frazier
This movie was good fun the whole way through. The story was great, never got bored and glad it was our Sunday night movie! It was a great, happy way to bring the weekend to a close! I think anyone who wants a movie to enjoy should give it a chance.
5
Refreshing by travinator121611
This movie was a very entertaining. The acting was effortless and hillarious. The story line was fun and comedic...and i made you laugh the whole way through. Had the same type of feelings as watching the devil wears prada...except this was better!
5
Confessions Of A Shopaholic by sharkiefan
This is such a fun movie for girls of all ages. It has everything we love: shopping, a prince charming and a happy ending. How could you go wrong?? Grab all your BFFs and go see this movie. You won't regret it :)
4
Cute Chick Flick by tcovilplus4
I saw this movie with a couple of friends and I have to say that we enjoyed it. Although it's a complete departure from the book, it was entertaining. No Oscar winner (or nominee, for that matter)but great for a night out with the gals.
4
confessions of a shopaholic by marykate at the movies x3
even though shopaholic wasn't the best movie ever, it was better than i thought it was going to be...it was funny throughtout and isla fisher was great as becky bloomwood. i read the book and it's really similar so that was nice. the movie was longer than it should have been, but it's entertaining.
5
Great movie by Kaytay111788
Very good movie! My husband even enjoyed it and thought it was funny! A definite family movie, but I don't think really young children would understand it... Lots of laughs and funny scenes and a really good moral to the story! If your thinking about going, you really should!