Visitors Review

Mandy Lee (2012-05-25 23:21)

One of the best sister-relationship films ever

My girl pal and I went to see this movie expecting it to be nothingmore than a feel-good comedy, and half-way in we could not help wipingaway surreptitious tears and we came out of the theatre puffy-facedeven though the film is not meant to be a tear-jerker. This is not atall because the movie is saturated with mawkish sentiments, it's justthat its deceptively light-hearted humour belies its skillfulexplorations of female relationships and its poignancy derive fromnuanced and honest depictions of what friendships mean between sisters,between casual acquaintances, between distant relatives, betweenneighbours, between potential and ex-lovers. All cast members turned insuperb, understated performances and you warm to, and grow to care alot about, not only Cameron Diaz and Toni Colette's characters assisters, but even minor ones such as the elderly English professor whobecame Diaz's mentor. The director's light touch ensures that none ofthe depicted relationships were forced and 'actorly', so that whenunexpected turns of the relationship happens they became extra poignantprecisely because you've become involved with the characters withoutknowing it. This is really one of the most genuinely heart-warmingmovies I've seen, and I really choked up towards the end at Colette'sceremony. My friend compares it to Steel Magnolias, while I feel thisis even better than that, and we both agree that we will be getting theDVD as soon as it comes out, as it will become a favouritegirl-night-in movie. Now I have seen a lot of snickering reviews bymale reviewers in Ireland who dismissed the film as superficialchickflick, but really, they just don't get it. There's real heart inthis film, and it's a pity that people look at the story of the filmbeing about two sisters, look at Diaz as the main cast, and made uptheir minds already about what type of film it's going to be and won'tbudge from their prejudices. Trust me, you'd be pleasantly surprised bythis gem of a film.

(2012-05-25 19:53)

The longest 4 hours I ever spent watching a 2 hour movie

Toni Collette and Shirley Maclaine are great actresses. Cameron Diaz is believable here, but how hard is it to play a ditzy blonde, anyway? (For a great Cameron Diaz performance, see Things You Can Tell By Just Looking At Her.) So, the performers are up to the task. The script does not overdo it -- it doesn't veer off into unbelievability anywhere. The only thing to complain about is the pace, the overall low energy level that continues on throughout the movie. Even the scenes that should be dramatic, like the older sister walking in on her boyfriend cheating on her with her younger sister, seem to have less impact and excitement than they ought. I'm not one who minds movies with little action -- one of my favorites is My Dinner With Andre, consisting of two people having a two-hour dinner conversation. In Her Shoes just drags. Not horribly, but it drags.If you have the patience, this is a pleasant movie. But I think it could have been so much better if it had been shortened by 25%.

Disasterousbeauty (2012-05-21 21:40)

Not very good.

Alright, so I'm only 17 but I know movies pretty well. And to me, thismovie wasn't very good. I didn't think it was well thought out and Ididn't like the cuts. The angles were very straight on and generallysomething that people have become quite used to which didn't do muchfor the plot. The storyline was alright but nothing I haven't heardbefore. Girl likes boy, girls sister sleeps with boy, girl feelsbetrayed, kicks sister out... blah blah blah. There were errors inplaces that the audio tech should have picked up. Like when Rose istalking to Simon on the back porch in Miami at her grandmother's houseshe exhales deeply and the shotgun picks it up, leaving a very deep,very distorted boom in the soundtrack. In some places the audio was offfrom the video and that made it even worse because i couldn't focus onwhat they were saying. I didn't like the movie. so i gave it a 4.Thanks and bye.

blanche-2 (2012-05-21 13:02)

I Got You, Babe

Directed by Curtis Hanson, with a great script by Susannah Grant, "InHer Shoes" is the story of two sisters, a family secret, and anestranged grandmother. It stars Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, ShirleyMacLaine, Ken Howard, Richard Burgi, Mark Feuerstein, Norman Lloyd,Francine Beers, and Jerry Adler.The Feller sisters, Maggie and Rose, couldn't be more different. Maggie(Diaz) is a gorgeous, leggy blond who sleeps around, takes money fromguys, and steals. Rose (Collette) is the frumpy brain, an attorneyinvolved with a partner at the firm. Her big indulgence is incredibleshoes, which she purchases when she needs to give herself a lift. Whenthey were children, their mother died in a car accident, and theirfather (Howard) remarried.After a disastrous stay with Rose, Maggie, unwelcome by Rose and herstepmother, decides to move to New York to pursue a career as anactress, not letting her dyslexia and near illiteracy stand in her way.Then she finds dozens of cards from a grandmother (MacLaine) she neverknew in Florida and decides to go there instead.This is a beautiful story of reconnection and learning who you arethrough different kinds of love - sisterly, grandmotherly, man-woman,as each sister takes a road that will lead her back to the another."In Her Shoes" is perfectly cast, from Diaz's flirtatious, vagabondMaggie, MacLaine's strong but heartbroken Ella, to Toni Collette'slonely, insecure Rose and a magnificent supporting cast, each of whommakes a lasting impression.An unforgettable, unapologetically sentimental story that'll have youreaching for Kleenex - the whole box.

Stampsfightclub (2012-05-19 09:02)

Evidence that a star cast can do romance

On scraping cash together homeless and helpless Maggie (Diaz) looks tostart a new life away from her controlling sister (Collette) Romanticcomedies/dramas are frequently used to market a concept of idealisticlove in the face of adversity. Kind of giving hope to the lessconfident. Which is fair enough as I myself am not confident in such anarea. So we look at comedies for a spiritual guidance but also a goodtime. It is when however a credited all star cast appear and make jokesabout current celebrities and zeitgeist topics to make their appealthat these comedies fail. Richard Curtis' Love Actually or He's JustNot That Into You prove how talent can often fail on the basis offollowing mainstream trends, making the films short term entertainmentwith no emotional core.In Her Shoes may seem to be heading the same way but it takes the ideaof love and puts an appropriate delicate feel on the emotion by havinga witty sharp script with sparkling performances.The 2005 picture provides consistent entertainment. From the concept ofrelationships to the significance of family Curtis Hanson's romanticdrama is finely balanced on the real life aspects without diving toomuch into a soap styled genre. Therefore the events that unfold feelreal and yes, the inclusion of appearance and the significance ofclothes may feel like another Devil Wears Prada, but this is relativeand built with an emotional core unlike Hanson's other hit. Theseconcepts have an obvious feminine vibe but male viewers can take in thebouncy humour without feeling too unappreciated about the inclusion ofsoft male stereotypes. A certain Cameron Diaz should otherwise suffice.Over a decade since her career making performance in The Mask, Diaz hasgrown into a renowned star. Here her performance as sexed up Maggie notonly challenges the actress emotionally but more appreciatively also,evident in one heart wrenching scene heading towards the emotionalclimax. Collette lays the unappreciated undertone beautifully with thesibling rivalry showing her true acting qualities. That insecure andworried persona is something that has always stood out for theAustralian, particularly in The Sixth Sense and Little Miss Sunshine.There are inclusions of modern day trends such as MTV and fashion asimportantly relative in modern culture but with the spirited script andwonderful acts you will only remember the importance of emotions. Thispicture is therefore evidence that renowned stars can come together anddo romance pictures.

buckofletch_81 (2012-05-19 02:39)

I'm a Straight Man. I liked this Movie a lot

I have long been a Curtis Hanson fan, even before his late careerrenaissance after LA Confidential. When I saw previews for In HerShoes, I was surprised to see it was his. Then again a director who cuthis teeth in low budget suspense films (Bad Influence, Bedroom Window,Hand That Rocks The Cradle), then made the finest modern noir sinceChinatown (LA Confidential), moved smoothly into a keenly observedcoming of middle-age ensemble film (Wonder Boys), then made meempathize with Eminem (something I long thought impossible) with 8Mile, it was hard to predict where he'd head next. What departure can adirector make when the past decade of his career has been a successionof departures? When you look at his filmography, perhaps the onlyunifying element is his work is the masculine nature of his narrativesand genres. Even when his protagonists were female (Cradle, River WIld)they were left to exist in a masculine genre, the thriller. ThoughStreep and Sciorra played strong females, they still were archetypal intheir function within the confines of genre; they were observedprimarily in peril.Perhaps one of the few directions left for Hanson to pursue was the'chick flick'. Having said that, despite three strong female leads, InHer Shoes is no more a chick movie than say Wonder Boys is a boy movie.In Her Shoes is a nuanced, intelligent and witty story about HUMANBEINGS and their basic need for a strong community; in this case,family. As a straight male, I found the movie extremely easy to relateto. It was about the choices we make and the consequences they hold notjust for our destiny but our hearts. I never understand why men are sodeterred by movies with female protagonists or chick movies. Unless thewoman is scantly clad and killing vampires, errr werewolves,whatever... I won't tell you about the story, but I'll tell anyone who'll listenthat this is a great movie. Diaz gives the best performance of heralready distinguished career. Maclaine and Colette are radiant andpositively real, textured almost to an extent of rawness; tremendous,talented women proudly representing their generations with fine work.For these reason and so many others, among them script, energy, and afine job by my man Hanson at the helm, In Her Shoes is a movie foranyone who remembers the time when studios made smart movies about realpeople. When it was enough for audiences to look at and laugh atthemselves.

seaview1 (2012-05-16 21:22)

IN HER SHOES Stands Tall

Having previously tackled a wide range of themes in his films, DirectorCurtis Hanson delves into the love/hate relationship of two disparatesisters in the film, In Her Shoes. The result is an enjoyablyentertaining comedy/drama featuring a number of topflight performancesand some hilarious dialogue.Maggie Feller (Cameron Diaz) is an irresponsible, practicallyilliterate alcoholic who sleeps around and mooches or steals to get byin the world. Her sister, Rose Feller (Toni Collette) is a selfconscious, workaholic lawyer who is dating her boss and indulges in herone passion, fashionable dress shoes. (Maggie's obsession with Rose'ssexy heels recalls an ongoing theme of television's Sex and the City.)Both sisters lost their psychologically impaired mother to a supposedcar accident that affected their family over the years. One day Maggieis thrown out of her house by her step mother and dad. Finding refugewith her sister, Rose, she proceeds to make life miserable with hercarefree attitude and interference that ends in embarrassment and angerfor both. As Rose's romantic and professional life is turned upsidedown, Maggie is sent packing and turns to one last hope, her maternalgrandmother she never knew, namely Ella Hirsch (Shirley MacLaine). Ellaworks in a retirement community in Florida, and Maggie's appearancecauses quite a stir. When she lost her daughter, Ella lost touch withher granddaughters, and Maggie's 'visit' serves as a catalyst forreconnection. Maggie's visit becomes a reawakening of sorts for herselfand a chance for Ella to rediscover her lost family. Meanwhile, Rose isat a crossroads in her life and decides to change course in her job andfinds romance from an unlikely source. Anxious to reunite hergranddaughters, Ella resorts to extreme measures to bridge an emotionalgap as her two girls begin to discover their own identities in uniqueand unexpected ways.This is a gem of a film. It says something when you realize early onthat you are watching something special. Curtis Hanson(L.A.Confidential, Wonder Boys) has struck gold with Susannah Grant's(Erin Brokovich) adaptation of the best seller by Jennifer Weiner. Thefilm is really about the secrets and lies that cripple a family overtime and how a strange course of events revisit the relationships orlack thereof. Hanson and the company do a marvelous job of balancingsome very funny dialogue with more serious, dramatic scenes. There aresome great, memorable lines, some of which are funny and smart withoutlosing sight of the context of the story. A number of scenes aretouching and affecting in their sensitive handling of real emotionswithout becoming clichéd. It's nice to see real people who change overtime and how seemingly inconsequential supporting characters graduallycome to the forefront.The acting by the entire cast is strong and you appreciate the littlenuances in facial expression and inflection of dialogue that enricheach character. This may be Cameron Diaz's best performance. That'ssaying something as the glamorous model has been more star than actressin her most popular films (Charlie's Angels, There's Something AboutMary) and she is given a juicy role with sharp direction. Toni Collettehas always been a solid actress in any film (Sixth Sense, The Hours)but she has found a wonderful character in Rose and makes the most ofit. Shirley MacLaine (Terms of Endearment, The Turning Point) isterrific in what is a change of pace role where she eschews makeup tolook her age and shows a maternal wisdom that is the stuff ofSupporting Oscars. You wish there were more of her in the film, butwhat's there is delicious. It's nice to see an old pro like NormanLloyd still displaying his acting chops in what is a minor role of abed-ridden patient who has a profound influence on Diaz's character.The performances are complemented by seamless editing which not onlycaptures the right reactions, but effortlessly switches back and forthbetween the two sisters especially during key scenes that arethematically linked. Although the running time goes over two hours, thepacing is good, and everything seems integral to the storyline. Themusical score by Mark Isham is quite effective in complimenting theemotional moments without ever being intrusive.Despite its strong script, the film never fully explores Maggie'stransformation which, while uplifting and remarkable, is never totallyconvincing given her origins and tendencies. Things get wrapped up in adreamy sendoff which is perhaps too good to be true, but those samequalities also make for a more upbeat film.Hanson displays a very keen eye in relating what is essentially awoman's film. Yes, this may be considered a woman's film in its themeand target audience, but considering the fact it is also a well made,funny, and heart rending film about love and family, the women ought tobring along the men. In Her Shoes is not just about rival sisters butrather it is about a family yanked apart and slowly brought togetheragain in ways that are not altogether apparent at the start. How theselost souls meld together is the stuff of high entertainment andsubstance.

(2012-05-16 13:00)

Shirly MacLaine is the catalyst

How can two sisters be so different? Toni Collette plays Rose, a big-city lawyer who is a real straight arrow. Her sister Maggie, played by Cameron Diaz, is an irresponsible party girl who specializes in sponging off her relatives and avoiding work at all costs. This movie starts out rather slowly and does not really pick up speed until the appearance of Shirley MacLaine, the sisters' long-lost grandmother. She attempts to make up for lost time, first with Maggie and then with Rose. She never pushes them, but under her patient guidance, Maggie begins to find herself and discover that she has a brain in addition to the obvious physical attributes which she has always depended on. Somehow, under her subtle guidance, the sisters are able to stop feuding and start acknowledging the strong bond between them. Interesting characters who add a lot to the movie include the sisters' overbearing stepmother and Rose's caring fiance. When all is said and done, however, it is Shirley MacLaine the talented veteran, who steals the show.

Beth Tsai (2012-05-15 17:49)

Perfect Boyfriends Are Hard To Find, But Shoes Will Always Fit.

The best movie I've seen in this year!For quite a long time, watching film is no longer a pure pleasure, itis always either for class or for project needs, like my own obsessionwith Wong Kai Wei's style of abstract cinema. It becomes reallyannoying when a cliché movie like "Crash" would suddenly be the talk ofthe world, the "most astonishing", "breath-taking" and "no film hasever talked about racial issue like that". Come on! Yet "In Her Shoes",based on a novel by Jennifer Weiner, is a successfully funny andtouching story that will win applause of almost every female in thetheater. The reason for complimenting so is because I've alwayssuggested that film should not be restricted to narrative structure,while moving-images should guide our sensory-motor. Nevertheless, mostpeople walked into the movie theater are usually looking for strong andsimple narrative, and here it is. The movie is delightful mainly is because of the excellent performance,unlike many big featured Hollywood film, this movie does not focus onthe struggling and growing of one central character, i.e. Maggie/Diaz,but the plot evolves around sisterhood/family issues, the idea ofre-searching/finding new meanings to cookie-cutter lifestyles. With themore subtle acting, Toni Collette who plays Rose as Maggie'solder/stubborn/successful sister stands out more than Diaz's outgoingattention grabber. Of course, Shirley MacLaine who plays Rose andMaggie's grandmother Ella is even more excellent. Her eyes sparkle withintelligence and understanding, sends out the vibe of loving motherhoodcombined with witty amusement. As for Rose's fiancé Simon, played byMark Feuerstein is not only remarkably sweet and charming, but as thosewho will notice, this actor appeared in one episode of "Sex and theCity" before. (Hint: Miranda) Not to mention, "In Her Shoes" also has ahumorous reference to this popular TV series too. Overall, here I want to quote Rachel's line from "Friends" in oneepisode when she found a perfect nanny (Freddie Prinze Jr.), "I LOVE ITI LOVE IT I LOVE IT!" Another thought: what is it with women and their shoes?

(2012-05-15 12:05)

Being In My Sister's Shoes: Charming Drama with Good Acting of Three Ladies

When theatrically released in America, `In Her Shoes' was not a big hit. Then it came to Japan, it was not a big hit either. It is a pity that not many people have seen this film because for all its flaws, `In Her Shoes' is a sweet, heart-warming film with good acting from the three ladies - Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, and Shirley Maclaine. Well, probably people thought the film is so-called `Chick-Flick.' (words I hate to use). It is, perhaps, but that does not mean a bad thing.The story is about two sisters -- Cameron Diaz's Maggie and Toni Collette's Rose. While Rose is very serious-minded and a little frumpy lawyer, Maggie is easy-going, fashionable, beautiful, but utterly self-centered and irresponsible. When Maggie is evicted from the house of her father, she goes to Rose's apartment, in which she `borrows' her sister's desinger clothes and expensive shoes without permission. And finally Maggie steps on the toes of Rose, by doing what you can predict in the first ten minutes by watching sexy Diaz roaming in the room. Again evicted from her sister's room In Philadelphia, Maggie heads for the south to seek for comfortable life, after finding that she has a grandmother she had never met. The grandma Ella (Shirley Maclaine), living in Florida's home for the old, welcomes Maggie, but she is also wise to detect the true purpose of her granddaughter's visit. In the meanwhile, Rose starts to have a date with a handsome but slightly geekish co-worker Simon (Mark Feuerstein), but it doesn't take long for her (and us) to realize that the presence (or absence) of Rose is the obstacle for her to begin a new life with him.It must be said that the script of Susannah Grant shows few unexpected developments in story itself. The film goes where you think it goes, and Curtis Hanson refrains from using obtruding skills in telling this simple story. Perhaps the film is too long (more than 2 hours), and perhaps the three ladies are typecast. Perhaps, and this is the most important, `In Her Shoes' wears its heart on its sleeve.However, I liked the film because it does wear its heart on its sleeve. And when the film moves us emotionally, it does so with complicated characters supported by the intelligently written dialogues. Flawed as they are, the characters, even minor ones like the charming old folks, come to be more and more endearing.`In Her Shoes' is a kind of film of which content you think you know before watching it. In a sense you are right. But that doesn't change the fact that this is a well-made, feel-good drama with the attractive cast and sophisticated line. It is sweet, maybe too sweet at times, but delightful all the same.

elorac (2012-05-12 09:59)

Fabulous

Kudos to Jennifer Weiner for the novel. I think the screenplay was wellwritten and gave the character of Maggie the right depth that Weinerhad originally wanted. Rose was too thin in this movie for the role. Ienjoyed this movie greatly, the acting was exceptional. I enjoy a storythat shows families as they truly are.. dysfunctional and lovely at thesame time. The cameo of Jennifer Weiner really made me smile, and theold people in this movie were a great way to teach lessons without thetypical stereotypes of old people. Toni COlette played Rose perfectly,and I actualyy had seen her as Rose when I read the book. Cameron Diazwas the only person who could possibly make Maggie the monster andmisunderstood angel that this role required. Very different role forMs. Diaz.

Drew-Barrymore-Obsessed (2012-05-11 13:05)

If I was this movie, I would jump off a cliff

First off, Curtis Hanson, brilliant director but the acting cast andplot of this movie bombed. First off Cameron Diaz was full of crap andwas just like all her other roles she plays, a ditz. She took all theattention of the movie and then we heard all these depressing woes onhow they're mother committed suicide and how the grandmother wanted herdrugged. This gave comedy a bad name, even the previews were better. Itwas a drama not meant for even being made. If it was better casted Iwould have enjoyed it, but seeing Cameron Diaz in a movie in everyscene for two hours and thirty minutes alone is a bomb. Don't wasteyour time.

rutland274 (2012-05-06 15:48)

Two sisters with become estranged.

I have seen "In Her Shoes" and watched it every time it appears ontelevision even though I own the DVD. I was delighted with every one ofthe performances in the film. I especially have become a fan of MarkFeuerstein. He played his role with just the right nuances of love,respect, and strength, that was not apparent when he first came on thescene. I am a Cinderella story romantic, and I love films such as this.One other film, that I simply adore, is Bridget Jones' Diary. It was myfirst time seeing Colin Firth, and I immediately became an ardent fanof his. I, now am placing Mark Feuerstein alongside of him in myesteem. These guys know how to make a gal feel special. Beatrice

theowinthrop (2012-05-05 20:07)

A film both amusing and touching

I saw this film yesterday, and enjoyed every minute of it. Cameron Diazand Toni Collette are sisters who have had a bumpy relationship. Theirmother died in an auto accident years before, and their father marrieda shrewish woman who has always favored her own daughter over herstep-daughters. Collette was able to graduate law school and build up agood career in a law firm. Diaz, the more attractive sister, has alwaysseemed a chronic failure and good time type. She also has otherproblems, including a learning disability and a habit of stealing(especially from Collette). After a series of particular blunders andescapades that injure Collette (who is feeling low for her own reasons)there is an explosion that leads to the sisters splitting. Collettealso leaves her regular job, in order to re-evaluate her options. Diaz,in the meantime, discovers the existence of their surviving grandmother(Shirley MacLaine) and goes to visit her (she has no alternative). Atthat point I will not explain anymore plot.The acting is superb, as the two estranged sisters end up how much theyreally rely on each other as their closest friend and ally. MacLaineplays an intelligent grandparent, who slowly reveals her own tragicghosts, and how it has helped hurt the two girls growing up. The othermembers of the cast do fantastic jobs, in particular Norman Lloyd as anelderly patient in the local hospital: he helps Diaz regain herself-confidence regarding her brains in a moving segment. Although theladies dominate the film, it really is better than to call it a "chickflick". It's an intelligent, even funny, movie.

Trashcan (2012-05-05 08:43)

The best serious movie I've seen in years - beautiful

This movie starts out slowly and somehow, shall we say quietly. Whenyou watch the first 20 minutes, you will think you've already figuredit all out. The skanky but hot sister (Cameron Diaz) and her older, notso hot, but lovable sister (Toni Collete) are like chocolate andvanilla and in the end the pretty one is going to show the "uglyduckling" how to fly and the "duckling" shows the no good drunken hotchick that it's all inside her and that she has a wonderful soul besideher already wonderful body. And because you seem to see through it soeasily, you are tempted to watch something else but cannot seem to dragyourself away from your TV because Cameron Diaz's butt is just so damnfine and she keeps running around in underwear.And you'll be mistaken because it's much more than that. It keepsgrowing and growing until you start to feel that incredible sensationthat you remember from your childhood when you watched theseheartwarming Disney movies. The difference is, that this movie is realand absolutely believable. It is not cheesy and the plot will take youon a gentle journey up to a point when you realize, that this is atremendous story with great actors. Special bonus goes to Toni Colletewho plays the older sister with such charm and natural beauty that youjust wanna hug her and never let her go. In this context you have tounderstand that in the movie she is supposed to look rather unattrativeand her wardrobe and makeup is chosen accordingly. To make such amemorable impression under these conditions is really not easy and shedoes it with bravura. Cameron is doing a fine job as well, especiallyfrom the middle of the movie when her character starts to change into abetter person (The scenes with the old man are adorable). Of courseShirley MacLaine does a big part for the film to be so realistic. Shestill has it even as a granny (the acting, not the hots).Well to conclude, I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a moreserious but not so dramatic movie that will make you think and maybeeven push some tears of joy and compassion out of your eyes. This moviestirs up emotions in a gentle way without being boring or cheesy and ifyou like that kind of thing you should definitely go see this beautifulfilm.Thanks for reading;-)

angelicjolie (2012-05-04 19:38)

Sole sisters.

Director Curtis Hanson has consistently used literature as a centerpiece for his films, within the life of an English professor in "WonderBoys", the undercover world of tabloid journalism in "LA Confidential",and the transformation of a struggling rapper through the inspirationof lyrics in "8 Mile"."In her Shoes" is primarily a story about family issues, most notably,sibling rivalry, but with an underlying message about the importance ofliteracy in everyday situations.The film which is adapted by Susannah Grant from a novel by JenniferWeiner, is about two sisters who couldn't be any more different, otherthan their common shoe size.Maggie Feller (Cameron Diaz) is a promiscuous party girl who seeminglygets through life with the help of her appearance alone. She has nosense of responsibility and cannot keep a stable job, which is in partdue to a learning disability.Rose Feller (Toni Collette) is a mousy lawyer who buries herself inwork and only occasionally indulges in a romantic relationship.Suffering from low self-esteem, she uses her career as a means to feelappreciated and noticed by others. She is also the person Maggie callson to rescue her after seemingly countless drunken episodes.When Maggie's stepmother Sydell (Candice Azzara) becomes intolerant ofher irresponsibility, she orders her to move out, causing Maggie to endup at Rose's place. When Rose leaves on a business trip, Maggie beginshelping herself to some of her belongings which include her food, herclothing, as well as her boyfriend.After a heated argument between the two sisters, Maggie is forced tomove out once again. After discovering a collection of unopenedchildhood birthday cards, Maggie is then lead to a Florida retirementhome in search of a grandmother she never knew existed.Maggie's arrival at the retirement facility is initially welcomed withdoubt by Ella Hirsch (Shirley MacLaine), when it becomes clear thatMaggie is only there to ask her grandmother for a monetary handoutwhich would allow her to go to New York to pursue an acting career.Ella tells Maggie that she must earn a salary by helping around thecommunity. Soon, Maggie becomes both fashion consultant and personalshopper for the residents, as well as begins caring for a blind formerprofessor who helps her overcome her dyslexia by having her read poetryto him.Meanwhile, Rose has resigned from her high-powered job to begin adog-walking business. She has also embarked on a relationship withSimon (Mark Feuerstein), a former colleague, and they soon becomeengaged.Eventually, both sisters begin to lead new lifestyles, with onelearning about responsibility and the other about living a morecarefree existence. After they reunite at the retirement home, they arebrought together by their grandmother and by the family history theycome to discover.Unlike what the trailers might seem to indicate, this is not merely astarring vehicle for Diaz, as all three leading actresses present asolid ensemble contribution. Diaz lifts her trademark ditzy-blondepersona to a higher level of underlying intelligence and maturity.Collette once again relies on the heavily-portrayed case of the uglyduckling type that discovers its potential for beauty and finds itshappy ending. And MacLaine shines in her limited material as the honestvoice of wisdom that attempts to solve the more youthful conflict thatunexpectedly becomes part of her life.In conclusion, this is a film that can be enjoyed by both women andmen, who will appreciate a lot more than just Diaz's skimpy attire. Itis a perfect fit for everyone.

(2012-05-02 10:20)

Timely

For the first 40 minutes, "In Her Shoes" is as uncomfortable as a pair of new shoes. Indeed, the first half of the film is so awkward and slow that there's legitimate reason to believe the film will be a complete flop. But this is one of those rare redemption films that redeems even itself, at least to a certain extent, if you are willing to stick with it a little longer than you perhaps should. The major characters, who at first seem plastic and unreal, suddenly take off in the second half of the film. The minor characters, who at first seem irrelevant, gradually begin to impact the film in a meaningful way. And the conflict, which at first seems forced, eventually begins to deliver with raw power.At some point, truth emerges. And then we find ourselves smiling and saying something like, "Yes, life's really like that, isn't it?" See this film and experience the joys the characters experience. This film is really a treat after you get by the rough patches in the beginning. Believe me, you won't be disappointed.

(2012-05-01 22:02)

In Her Shoes fits perfectly

When I first considered watching this film I was not aware who thedirector was and assumed it would be a debut for an up and comingfilmmaker or a veteran rom/com personality. Imagine my surprise thenwhen I watched the film and discovered that none other than 8 Mile andL.A Confidential man Curtis Hanson was the man behind the magic! Iabsolutely loved this movie because of the darker elements that Curtisbrought along from his previous work and I love the fact that this filmis so accessible. It is certainly not something just for the girls. Insetting out with a simple but very realistic and layered storylineabout family and relationships this turned from being a romantic dramato being a detailed look at life and its interesting features. With twoin-depth performances from both Toni Collette and a surprising CameronDiaz and as always great support from Shirley Maclaine In Her Shoes isone of the best films of the year. See this if you want to take acloser look at a very real situation containing one of life's greatestand worst assets: Family!

(2012-04-28 23:35)

Chick Flick For Guys

This is a full-blown one-hankie chick flick, but I still enjoyed it. Cameron Diaz looks impossibly hot. The old folks are real residents of a real Florida place where this movie was shot. Shirley Maclaine has been playing this role for the last 25 years, and she's got it down. Good script. Decent plot line. Nice soundtrack. Not a bad waste of two hours.

noralee (2012-04-28 17:35)

Charming Bittersweet Comedy About Adults Growing Up

"In Her Shoes" is a mostly successful effort at sustaining abittersweet comedy about imperfect adult family members affecting eachother as they learn to live with each other by growing and changing.The film well demonstrates that the way people interact with the worldis based on how they learned to interact as children with theirimmediate family members so that we are still those children inside.Director Curtis Hanson is in his "Wonder Boys" territory, but this timefocusing, atypically for him, on the women. His quick back and forthediting on the two sisters' parallel lives keeps the pacing brisk androoted in some realism. His facility with cityscapes works well toestablish the sisters in their separate environs, particularly CameronDiaz as she lurches, on the titular heels, from one dark disaster tothe next, particular with men.The acting makes up for what are on the surface quizzical castingchoices. Diaz and Toni Colette are only believable visually as sistersin the sense that they both are females; I expected the Big FamilySecret Revelations to be that they had different mothers, especiallywhen family members comment how much Diaz looks like the mother but thephotos sure don't reflect that or maybe that she will have inheritedanother ominous similarity from her mother. But they manage toestablish a rapport of once closeness that's fraying apart, though thepast intimacy is only implied.I suppose it's intentional that Colette blends more into her scenery,as a literal wallflower, as she likes playing these supposed PlainJanes (as in "Muriel's Wedding," "Clockwatchers" and "About A Boy") andhere she has claimed to have gained 28 pounds for the role so that thefamily can rib her "Rose Feller" about her weight but she looked normalto me and only the scraggly brown hair in her face and clunky glassestelegraphed that this was a movie star playing ugly duckling.I would have liked more evidence that she was not a mouse in her lawyerskills, but we don't really see a demonstration of her competence tocontrast with Diaz's floundering but sexy "Maggie Feller" as theygradually cross-over how they each gain confidence to face their pastsand forge a new future together. I suppose there's some sort offeminist message about the advantages of entrepreneurship for women.Beyond the opening voice-over narrative, the relationships aredeveloped very well visually. I particularly liked how MarkFeuerstein's "Simon Stein" is believably introduced and evolved intothe story line as a romantic interest. Unlike the cardboard males inmost chick flicks, he seems like a real, three-dimensional guy who isendearingly trying to make a connection with a colleague. It is notjust due to Grant's adaptation of Weiner's novel that he manages to benot quite hunky but cute and appealing, especially in a charming use ofa stereotyped romance novel for seduction (though how his characterstays thin when restaurant eating is his #1 hobby is the magic of themovies), and even though wearing glasses he is not a push-over eventhrough to the conclusion -- I really felt for him when "Rose" hurtshis feelings. But then unlike most chick flicks, even the guys who dobad things get to explain their own hang-ups.Shirley MacLaine is literally playing her "Terms of Endearment"character 23 years later, with only a slight change in the post-storyline. By bringing that past association with her, we believe more abouther interactions with her son-in-law and grandchildren thandemonstrated in this script. I liked the gradualness of her developingrapport with Diaz. The candy-colored, sterile production design around her Del Ray, FLretirement community is a marvelous contrast to the wintry messy Phillysetting, though there are too many easy "Golden Girls"-type jokes. Hanson commendably resists the usual chick flick tendency to stringtogether pop tracks until over halfway through, and here the Jamaicansongs thematically refer to a key scene and are even mostly by theoriginal performers (though I was surprised that he didn't use a coverof Jimmy Cliff's "Sitting Here In Limbo" that would have changed thegender.)The other pop culture in jokes are amusing - the gathering around theTV to watch the also Jimmy Choo shoe-obsessed "Sex and the City" (whichFeuerstein guested on); Diaz's character not being able to read a lineabout Eminem, of Hanson's "8 Mile"; and Colette's character setting a"Rocky"-like goal of running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum.The poetry reading is incorporated a bit heavy-handed but at least it'sbelievable that Norman Lloyd is a retired English professor who couldpatiently introduce the joy of reading poetry to someone who has neverread it before.What is jarring was the choice to keep the Jewish context of the noveleven with the casting of Ken Howard, MacLaine, Colette and Diaz, whoare individually not given any Jewish shtick or personal connection.All the secondary characters are still made explicitly, andunnecessarily, Jewish -- we see "Scott"s bar mitzvah photo, his dadmakes a "mazel tov" toast and a key scene is a Jewish ritual; theresidents of the retirement community have specifically Jewish namesand inflections, particularly the best friend "Mrs. Lefkowitz"; and theevil Step Mother is a caricature of a Jewish Mother bragging about her"My Marsha" daughter who gets a spiteful comeuppance that's odd giventhat the only way I could absorb the main characters was by assumingthat they were gentiles who had married into a Jewish family orchildren of an inter-faith marriage. The only justification I couldthink of was to have a warm ethnic family surroundings a la "Big FatGreek Wedding," but the importance of family and friends could bedemonstrated with surroundings that matched the lead actors morecredibly.