Confessions of a Shopaholic

2009, ***1/2, PG-13

Starring: Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy, Kristin Scott Thomas

Sometimes, some of us get the urge to shop. But sometimes, some of us go a little nuts with the credit card. This is exactly what Rebecca Bloomwood ( Isla Fisher, “The Wedding Crashers”) does; the mannequins even entice her to buy expensive designer items she doesn’t need. Prada, Gucci, Fendi—this is nothing like “The Devil Wears Prada,” it is way funnier!

Rebecca has dreamt of working for Alette magazine (headed by Kristin Scott Thomas, "The Other Boleyn Girl," "Random Hearts") since she was a youngster learning what magic cards were, and what real clothes and accessory shopping was like. But, only one problem, over-coming addiction and getting rid of those pesky debt-collectors!

Ironically enough, Rebecca happens to stumble into the editor of a savings magazine, and by accident land a writing job, telling others how to save money. She starts developing feelings for Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy, “Evening,” “Blood & Chocolate”) but risks losing him to her non-saving, deep in debt ways.

This movie is hilarious, and even with the main characters shopping addiction, you somehow want to spend. However, this film pokes fun at a serious problem in this country. There are way too many people that don’t understand what it means to, “live in your means.” Check this one out!

The Proposal

2009, PG-13, ***1/2

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock, Betty White, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T Nelson, Malin Akerman

This movie is another Sandra hit! You won’t be disappointed.

Margaret (Sandra Bullock, “Hope Floats,”) the editor in chief of an NYC publishing company is about to be deported back to Canada. Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds, “Adventureland,” “The Nines”), her executive assistant is about to celebrate his grandma’s (Betty White, “Golden Girls,” “Lake Placid”) 90th birthday party in a remote Alaskan town he grew up in. In order to stay in NYC and keep her high profile position, Margaret black mails Andrew into marrying her, and assures him of an instant promotion.

In the mean time, Andrew is startled when he learns that ( faking the engagement means serving in federal prison.) So, with that said he still pretends that it is for real, and invites Margaret to Alaska with him for a few days. And of course, hints at a real relationship begin to develop.

This film is a lot more in depth than most of the romantic comedies of today. It’s more emotional because of the circumstances of the main character (Bullock) and shows how ones conscience comes into play when they understand consequences, and see them in action.

Betty White is absolutely hilarious. Reynolds reminds me of a young Jim Carrey, however he’s more dynamic as an actor, and has a better body. If you don’t catch this in its last few theatre weeks, definitely catch this on DVD.

The Ugly Truth

2009, *1/2, R

Starring: Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler

This movie was disappointing. It’s your typical romantic comedy, but it seemed like certain scenes were unfinished, and there was way too much back and forth banter, and not enough action!

Essentially, Gerard Buter plays Mike, the raunchy late night host of, “The Ugly Truth.” He talks about why women are crazy, and all men care about is the way a woman looks. Katherine Heigl plays Abby, a producer of a Sacramento morning show/news program. The ratings are low during sweeps month, and her manager decides to hire Butler to do his Ugly Truth program on the show.

As expected Abby (Heigl, “Knocked Up”) is furious with this decision, but slowly begins to realize Mike (Butler, “PS I Love You) is actually saying the truth about relationships, and starts to fall for him, (while she’s trying to pine after her neighbor—pretty boy orthopedic surgeon named, Colin—(Eric Winter).

There are some fun scenes, with Heigl and Butler dancing, and Butler having fun with two bimbos in a pool of jello, other than that, wait for DVD.

Vampire’s Kiss

1988, *, R
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Jennifer Beals, Maria Conchita Alonso

By: Meredith A. Iager

I’m calling this flick, the “Dude Where’s My Car?”--Vampire film—except “Dude Where’s My Car?” was actually a good movie (for the comedy genre of course). And I’m giving it one star, simply because there are some funny scenes where Cage is completely ridiculous—you just have to see what goofy acting he does next.

Peter Loew (Nicholas Cage, “8mm,” “Con Air”) is a big shot at a publishing house, and is in therapy just about everyday, because he can’t seem to cope with everyday life activities (maybe he should stop being a womanizer), and he is just a sad, lonely, pathetic, individual.

When he and a lady friend are about to make love, a bat flies in the apartment and scares them out. Then, the next evening Peter is drawn to a women sitting behind him at a restaurant and takes her home. DON’T TAKE STRANGERS HOME WITH YOU. PERIOD.

So, as you can tell, this is where the crazy female vamp bites him, and the process starts. Peter is undead.

This movie doesn’t seem to have much of a purpose, and I’m not going to go into any more details, because simply there isn’t much of a plot. I must note there are some different features of a vamps life that we witness in this movie—Peter sleeps under his sofa (turned upside down), and wears fake Halloween vampire fangs (to disguise himself—before he finds his prey). Kinda a different spin on the coffin and a unique tooth cover up.

Only watch this one if you like vampire films—you’ll have a few laughs, at least.

A Lot like Love

2005, **, PG-13
Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Amanda Peet, Taryn Manning, Ali Larter

By: Meredith A. Iager

This is definitely not your typical Kutcher film. It’s not that complete moron Michael Kelso from that 70’s show or the other moron who can’t find his car (Dude Where’s My Car?, Ashton Kutcher, Sean William Scott). Ashton is toned down a bit from his usual antics.

It’s definitely a “funky kind of love” that Kutcher (Oliver) and Amanda Peet (Emily) show for one another from the start. They abruptly get together in the bathroom of an airplane. Now, saying that would make you think it was a one time deal, but these two seem to hit if off “so to speak”.

Over the next couple years they get back together each time because one of them has gone through a break up and the other needs companionship. It seems as though they are destined to be together but neither will admit to it. Although the story does drag here and there you will definitely appreciate the funny moments throughout the story.

From road trips, photos, hang outs, bad break ups filled with heartache, the quirky pair finally make their decision about one another once and for all.

27 Dresses

2008, ***, PG-13
Starring: James Marsden, Katherine Heigl, Malin Akerman

By: Meredith A. Iager

Katherine Heigl (ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Wish Upon a Star”)
stars in this romantic comedy about a girl that’s been putting her life on hold for everyone else, especially her boss played by Edward Burns. There is of course a conflict in the storyline, when her (Heigl’s) sister pops into town, for no apparent reason, and goes after her boss. Then there’s come drinking involved (which might happen to most of us, when someone steals “our” crush), and Heigl goes for a journalist (Marsden) who begins to swoon her away.

And of course the title of the film gives it away—she’s worn 27 bridesmaid dresses, and been there for all her girlfriends on their special day. The film also stars, James Marsden as the journalist, and Judy Greer (“13 Going on 30,” “Cursed”) as Heigl’s co-worker annoying friend, in this delightful film.

A newly married Katherine Heigl in real life has serious trouble when it comes to her love life as Jane in, "27 Dresses." She is in love with her entrepreneur-publishing boss, (Edward Burns, “One Missed Call,” The Holiday”) 15 plus years her senior, who her sister (Malin Akerman, “The Heartbreak Kid,” “Entourage”) falls for.

Jane is completely lonely and even though she won’t admit it, she fills the void by becoming obsessed with the idea of marriage and lives vicariously through all of the weddings she attends just about every weekend. The joke is on her though, and Kevin (Marsden, “Enchanted,” “Disturbing Behavior”) a young journalist, soon discovers her weakness. In a sneaky pursuit he discovers the real Jane, and begins to fall in love with her. In the process of making his career skyrocket, he fails to mention to Jane his next big byline is all about her.

Superb acting done by all, truly a great cast of fine young talent. This is a great film, simple storyline, and excellent message; "You should please yourself before you please everyone else." In some ways, this film is the “better” version of the 2006 flick, “The Devil Wears Prada,” because both lead females are the assistant of a “hot shot” boss at a New York City publication, only in “27 Dresses,” Katherine Heigl gets to have hotter men, and a non-hostile work environment! Different storylines of course, but same premise, it all comes back to, picking the “right” guy.

This is a must buy film, if you’re a lover of romantic comedies!

Zack & Miri Make a Porno

2008, ***, R
Starring: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Justin Long

By: Meredith A. Iager


Films today, sure aren’t like they were yesterday, especially when Mr. Rogen came on the scene. This film is of course crude, but it is definitely hilarious if you’re willing too look past all the ridiculous behavior. Today, most of us are just more accepting to the raunchiness of cinema – or should I say sex-ima.

Zack (Rogen, “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” “Superbad”) and Miri (Banks) have known each other forever, live together, are absolutely broke, their power and water is shut off, and they are about to go to their high school reunion. When Miri begins to seriously flirt with her high school crush, Zack simultaneously runs into the dudes gay partner (cameo- Justin Long, “Jeepers Creepers,” “Accepted”) who happens to be in the gay porn industry in Hollywood. Zack then buts into Miri’s conversation and lets her know she is in love with a homosexual, and soon ponders the idea of making a porno to pay off their debts. Lets just put it this way – lights, camera, coffee shop! (They use the coffee shop where Zack works to film their raunch.) STARBUCKS EMPLOYEES- DON’T TRY THIS AFTER HOURS.

This film is outrageously funny from the start. The one-liners capture the silliness of the script, but they really work. This is purely a ridiculously dry-humor, black-on-white humor film, and dirty to boot, but if you’re in the mood for a Rogen film, you can’t go wrong. WARNING –NOT FOR CHILDREN. MAYBE NOT EVEN FOR ADULTS.