They say honesty is the key to good comedy, and "Confessions of a Shopaholic" is one of the most honest movies I've seen in a long time. It's a straightforward, fashion-drenched trifle that doesn't pretend to be anything it's not. But its theme of fiscal irresponsibility has accidentally become significant of late. For this reason, some worried that the movie would have to beg for acceptance in this fearful, recession-laden economy.

It doesn't.  It is unapologetic about the pleasures that shopping affords, but just as unflinching about the addictive nature of the hobby and the value (or is it worth?) of non-material things.  The uninitiated may not buy the movie's declaration that shopping is better than (or at least equivalent to) sex, but those who know will understand this confession. Those who do not shop will just need to suspend their disbelief, or better yet, earn their tutelage from the movie.

Isla Fisher finally gets a well-deserved lead as the movie's protagonist, Rebecca Bloomwood. I've always thought Fisher was a talented comedienne, and this movie gives her the chance to really shine. I honestly don't think the movie would have been half as funny without her: her small frame buzzes with energy, despite wearing six-inch heels throughout, and she happily throws herself across tables, floors, and other people with impeccable comic timing. If anyone deserves the title of a modern Lucille Balle, it's Fisher.

In the course of the movie Fisher's Rebecca, a struggling journalist and aspiring fashionista, stumbles into a job at a financial magazine headed by dishy English editor Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy). Rebecca's everygirl take on finances (and cute-as-a-button figure) catch the eye of Brandon and the rest of the world, even as she falls deeper and deeper into credit card debt and struggles to hide her shopping addiction. The chemistry between Fisher and Dancy is quite delightful to watch, just sexy enough to be fun but not over the top. Rebecca's double life is inconveniently revealed, as must needs happen in this type of story, but the resolution treads just the right line between ridiculous and serious.

The supporting cast is wonderful throughout. I never thought I'd see John Goodman (who plays Rebecca's dad) and Kristin Scott Thomas (playing the snooty French editor of a fashion magazine) together on the screen, but it just works somehow. Joan Cusack, another talented comedienne, plays Rebecca's mother; Kristyn Ritter plays best/friend and roommate Suze; Leslie Bibb plays Rebecca's disgustingly perfect romantic competition, and Wendie Malick has a fantastic cameo as a militant leader of Shopaholics Anonymous. It's also worth looking out for a brief cameo by Lynn Redgrave, as well as Fred Armisen playing a really unlikeable businessman.

I highly recommend this movie.  This might be blasphemy, but I think COAS has just as much style as SATC, and adds a bit of heart in lieu of unapologetically soulless materialism. Even guys who don't like rom-coms can enjoy Isla Fisher, I think, and women will certainly appreciate the clothes. I giggled quite a bit myself, I hope that others will too. All in all, a perfect release for Valentine's Day, whether one sees it with one's significant other or best shopping buddies.