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Kinky Boots (PG-13)





Release Date: April 14th, 2006 by Miramax Films.
The Cast: Joel Edgerton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jemima Rooper, Nick Frost, Linda Bassett, Sarah Jane Potts.
Directed by Julian Jarrold.

BASIC PREMISE: After inheriting his father’s shoe factory, Charlie (Edgerton) teams up with a drag queen named Lola (Ejiofor) to save the factory by designing high-heel stiletto boots for men.

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: Although Kinky Boots has a predictable plot that reminds one of other quirky British comedies, it still has enough charm and good performances to hold your attention. Chiwetel Ejiofor (pronounced Chew-it-tell Edge-oh-for) gives a truly outstanding performance as Lola, a drag queen whose real name, beneath all the make-up, is Simon. Ejiofor can also sing surprisingly well during scenes when Lola performs cabaret songs. Joel Edgerton gives only a decent performance as the Charlie, who must save his father’s factory from waning profits. So, what does he do? He listens to the advice of Lauren (Potts) by searching for a ground-breaking product. Luckily, he comes across Lola performing her act at a cabaret in the Soho district and, of course, he can’t take his eyes off her sexy red boots after that night. If you’ve seen Calendar Girls, Saving Grace, or The Full Monty, it’s easy to predict the rest of the plot. Unfortunately, Kinky Boots doesn’t have any memorably laugh-out-loud scenes like in those films. Screenwriters Geoff Deane and Tim Firth could have gotten many more laughs from the public’s reactions to the boots. Much of the humor comes from Lola as she nonchalantly walks into the shoe factory with her high heel boots and argues with Charlie in his office while his factory workers eavesdrop. One factory worker in particular doesn’t notice that Lola is actually a man when they flirt with eachother. The rising success of the “kinky” boots does feel a bit contrived and rushed as is the romance between Charlie and Lauren, but thankfully, in more ways than one, Chiwetel Ejiofor steals the show.

SPIRITUAL VALUE: Besides the feel-good, uplifting ending, none is required or desired.

INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: Predictable and derivative.

NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 0

IN A NUTSHELL: Chiwetel Ejiofor steals the show! A delightfully funny and charming crowd-pleaser! Not-to-be-missed!

RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: Movie Theater (1st Run)


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