Salmon Fishing in the Yemen (2012)

Adorable Emily Blunt and Ewan McGregor make witty sparing partners — at least by British standards — in what starts out as a harmless romantic comedy. Then the film turns into an overwrought drama about a missing soldier and dead fish.

d: Lasse Hallstrom | imdb.com | trailer | 32-inch waist | Man of faith

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

Isla Fisher’s charm can’t save a screwball comedy about an addiction to shopping and credit card debt during the current economic crisis — serious subjects for a serious time. What was intended as light fare comes off as irresponsible.

d: P.J. Hogan | imdb.com | trailer | getting back the mail