"KINKY BOOTS"
DVD Review
by Rachel Buccicone
| MOVIE: **** (out of 5 stars)
DVD EXPERIENCE: **** (out of 5 stars) STARRING Joel Edgerton as CHARLIE Chiwetel Ejiofor as LOLA Sarah-Jane Potts as LAUREN Jemima Rooper as NICOLA Rated PG-13 Studio: Miramax Directed by: Julian Jarrold Back to DVD Review Home |  |
Based on a true story, “Kinky Boots” is a film about a shoemaking company that decides to make boots for women who are men. Brought to us by the writer of “Calendar Girls,” this British comedy is light-hearted and hilarious.
Charlie Price (Joel Edgerton) is forced to change his life’s persuits when his father, owner of the family shoemaking business, dies. But the business of quality, classic, men’s shoes is declining, and it’s when Charlie is in the process of laying off a portion of the staff that he receives insight from Lauren (Sarah-Jane Potts). Lauren suggests Charlie change the product to fit the demand. But what shoe market should Charlie pursue?
A chance meeting with Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a drag cabaret performer, presents Charlie’s calling. You see, men dressed as women must buy women’s shoes. Regrettably, women’s shoes are not made to support the weight of a man which results in many a broken heel. Charlie, Lauren, and Lola team up to save the company with the start of production on the company’s new product: “Two and a half feet of irresistible, tubular sex.”
With Lola’s designs, Charlie’s guidance, and the labor of the conservative and reluctant workers, kinky boots are created. Charlie is so confident in his creations that he decides to take the men’s shoe line to a fashion show in Milan. The team rushes to complete the boots necessary for the show and heads to Italy. Charlie’s kinky boots knock the socks off Milan with an outrageous and hysterical performance.
Director Julian Jerrold has assembled a great cast for “Kinky Boots.” Joel Edgerton (“Star Wars: Episode III”) is perfect in the role of an uptight, nervous entrepreneur. His frustrations and joys are believable throughout the picture. Charlie’s partner and love interest is played by Sarah-Jane Potts (“Keen Eddie” [TV]). She is cute, but at times her emotional performance is confusing. Now for Lola: I have been convinced of Chiwetel Ejiofor’s (“Inside Man”) talent since I first saw him in “Dirty Pretty Things”, and he certainly does not disappoint here. Ejiofor plays a beautiful and very convincing woman, both in and out of a dress. Not only that, but he has a lovely woman’s singing voice. Ejiofor plays a great character emotionally and physically.
Geoff Deane and Tim Firth (“Calendar Girls”) have written a wonderful comedy. The characters are believable, the dialogue natural, and the plot silly enough to brighten anyone’s day. The romance between Charlie and Lauren is subtle and does not distract from the main plot. The final catwalk scene is such a funny and happy ending that I could not help but grin through the entirety.
The sets are great. We get an intimate look at the art of shoemaking as well as a beautiful view of Milan, Italy. The costuming was appropriate, right down to the flashy daywear we’d expect of a drag queen. Finally, the soundtrack is both hip and appropriate - who knew there were so many songs about shoes!
The DVD offers a range of bonus features. The deleted scenes are of more dramatic instances, rather than the funny outtakes one might expect. The audio commentary is done by the director, and the main stars of the picture. You will also find featurettes on the real Kinky Boots Factory and the making of traditional men’s shoes.
Bottom line: If you loved “The Bird Cage” you are sure to enjoy “Kinky Boots” at least as much. If questionable sexuality makes you uncomfortable - buck up and watch it anyway. This film is truly a comedic treasure.
Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Widescreen (2.40:1). French language track. Spanish Subtitles.
