In Her Shoes (2005)

Sadly Over-hyped

Good movie but grossly overrated

Good concept, poorly executed.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Curtis Hanson's In Her Shoes leads you down a treacly opening act that thoroughly seems like it's headed for chick flick territory, and then does a 180 degree turn into something far more mature and thoughtful. Hanson helmed the classic L.A. Confidential which had no end of jarring plot revelations, which he employs here in a softer, more genre appropriate fashion, losing none of the intrigue and believability to the character's actions. Anyone who has claimed in the past that Cameron Diaz is lacking in the talent department and is just another pretty face need only watch her turn in this. She plays Maggie, a slutty, sexually careless soul who has meandered through her twenties with no clear path or idea where her life is headed. She has no talents, no drive, and constantly leans on her older, more established sister Rose (Toni Colette) for support and security. Rose is loving and understanding, until a reprehensible incident involving her asshole boss (Richard Burgi) drives the two of them apart, forcing each to reevaluate their lives, their relationship to each other and the path in life they are headed for. Maggie runs off to their estranged Grandmother played by Shirley MacLaine, showing grounded reserve framing a slowly melting heart that's still raw from old wounds involving the girls long deceased mother (Ivana Milicivec). The dynamic between Diaz and Collette is excellent because they are so different. Rose is unsure, frumpy, and endlessly insecure, not helped by Maggie's magnetic sex appeal and bubbly carefree disposition. Rose is the rooted tree, terrified of change and spontaneity but in danger of placid rot, while Maggie is a dancing kite, flying high in fresh air but altogether untethered and in danger of flying to far, and getting lost. Collette is fantastically intuitive even when no dialogue is present, giving Rose a buried vitality that claws to break free from her timid chrysalis. Diaz rocks it too, reigning in her trademark perkiness especially in scenes with an elderly professor at the hospice centre who teaches her about poetry. It's unassuming first act makes the later story all the more rewarding for audiences who like their relationship dramedies to have some substance to ground them. Highly recommended.

In Her Shoes (2005): Dir: Curtis Hanson / Cast: Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Feuerstein, Ken Howard: Curtis Hanson has become a director of several genres and he seems comfortable wherever he points the camera. Among his other films are L.A. Confidential and Wonder Boys and here again another example of his talent. It regards relations between sisters who differ. Cameron Diaz plays an irresponsible party girl who cannot hold a job, and Toni Collette plays her sister who is a lawyer. She throws Diaz out of her apartment when she is caught sleeping with her boyfriend. Central plot regards Diaz visiting her grandmother in Florida and the reason behind her grandmother's absence. Screenplay is detailed from beginning to end despite the fact the we know where it is headed. Terrific performance by Diaz who will learn that her actions can bare consequences even at the expense of others. Collette learns to let down her guard to make room for trust. Shirley MacLaine is superb as their grandmother who knows the pains of life and refuses to subdue herself to it. Mark Feuerstein plays a co- worker who eventually proposes to Collette. Ken Howard plays Diaz's and Collette's father who carries much guilt about the circumstances surrounding their mother's death. Entertaining film about the bonds that heal despite difficulties in relating thus placing the shoe squarely on the other foot. Score: 9 / 10

Rose Fellow (Toni Collette) is a hard working straight laced lawyer. Her sister Maggie (Cameron Diaz) is a hot drunken mess who can't keep a job. They have a massive fight after Maggie sleeps with Rose's boyfriend. Maggie becomes homeless and starts living with a grandmother (Shirley MacLaine) neither knew. Meanwhile Rose quits her job and starts a dog walking business.This movie is too unnecessarily slow. Toni Collette is great and Cameron Diaz is interesting. They have a great scene together. But the great scenes in this movie are separated by too much filler. Cameron Diaz could be darker. The drama simmers along for far too long. The sisters are great together but the movie's not as explosive separated. The long middle is held back as we wait for the inevitable reunion.

This film is classified in several spots including the local video store as a romantic comedy which is absurd. There is very little comedy to this thorough drama and its a little dark to be considered a romantic film. Regardless it turns a terrific, must see film that has some powerful performances and some really great lessons on family, love, and life. It is sort of a coming of age story for a middle aged woman. While the film might seem like a women only kind of adventure there is absolutely redeemable qualities for any movie goer. Entertaining and powerful and moving and Cameron Diaz wearing next to nothing throughout the entire film, good enough guys? But movie going should almost exclusively be about entertainment and this one really knocks it out of the park. Actually I'm surprised it didn't get more awards than it did besides a pity Golden Globe nomination for Shirley MacLaine. The film goes from two sisters at great odds, to a woman finding herself to a granddaughter and grandmother renewing an age old relationship. The women in the film are strong and classy and the characters definitely multi-dimensional.I am the world's biggest Cameron Diaz fan but she really belts it out of the park in this film. She is brilliant as the free spirited and completely lost Maggie. I know she has the acting chops but sometimes it really gets buried in her less than desirable run of the mill roles she takes. I think the ensemble cast helps bring each other up in every way. Toni Collette is really terrific as the together sister Rose. Her character has amazing range in this film and she really finds her way throughout the film. She goes through some incredible emotions and experiences throughout the film and while Rose is a very awkward person you will learn to love her. Much like the film it is immediately easier to relate to Diaz but Collette wins you over. Shirley MacLaine plays the estranged Grandmother and she is good in her role. I didn't mean to imply earlier she wasn't but her performance isn't the best in the film by any means and she doesn't get a lot of really great scenes but certainly she raises the standard for the cast I am sure. The supporting cast truly shines in this film too. Francine Beers is truly terrific as the best friend of MacLaine's Ella. Jerry Adler, Richard Burgi, Candice Azzara, and Ken Howard are amazing in their individual roles no matter how small. They carry the film easily and support the lead cast amazingly. Mark Feuerstein is the romantic interest of Collette. The two of them have an awkward clumsy chemistry but it fits their characters.While I have never read the original novel I can only imagine that the film makers must have really captured the great aspects of the novel. Screenwriter Susannah Grant has loads of talent. This is the woman who penned enormous successes like Erin Brockovich, The Soloist (recently reviewed), 28 Days, Everafter (hey I liked it), and a writer for Party of Five. She has to be given kudos because she can handle comedy and drama like an expert. Same could be said for the talent of director Curtis Hanson. Granted I have never seen anything of his that I can rave about but he still has had a lot of experience with drama and talent. I think this is one of those rare films where everyone and everything is in the right place at the right time. Guys if you really want to impress your lady pick this one up and if you let yourself you'll truly enjoy the story and ladies if you need a movie for chick night you will find little else as good as this terrific drama! 8.5/10