Shopgirl MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -3

Based on Steve Martins best-selling novella, this romantic drama is about Ray Porter (Martin), a wealthy, middle-aged executive who divides his time between two luxurious homes in Seattle and Los Angeles. Hes a total loner, but he knows how to manipulate attractive young women when he desires female companionship. He spots Mirabelle (Claire Danes) working as a sales clerk at Saks 5th Avenue. Mirabelle, flattered by Rays attention, succumbs quickly to his charm, good looks and generosity. He is the opposite of her boyfriend Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman), whom she recently met at a washateria. Jeremys clumsy behavior and social ineptitude gives this mostly melancholy love story the spark of humor it needs. He and Mirabelle choose different paths, but when they meet again, both have discovered that their strengths far outshine their weaknesses.

For all his business and social savvy, Ray is unable to love. He tells Mirabelle on their first date that he is not seeking commitment but wants a sexual relationship. While she foolishly thinks he will change, shes in reality nothing more than his mistress. The three principal characters compensate for their extreme loneliness in different ways: Ray uses sex, Claire takes antidepressants, and Jeremy engages in self-gratification. Several sex scenes include Mirabelle with Jeremy on their first date and later with Ray. Full female rear nudity, side nudity and highly sensuous caressing earn Shopgirl its R rating. Lisa (Bridgette Wilson), one of Mirabelles coworkers, gives Mirabelle lessons in how to manipulate men with graphic descriptions. Later Lisa tricks Jeremy into having sex as she ties him to the bed. That episode has no connection to the plot and appears to be added for titillation only. Throw in a few obscenities and profanities, and you can understand Shopgirls negative acceptability rating.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Buena Vista