A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Kinky Boots

Date of original theatrical release: 2005

Details:

Joel Edgerton

Chiwetel Ejiofor

Sarah-Jane Potts

Jemima Rooper

Stephen Marcus

Mona Hammond

Nick Frost

Linda Bassett

Director: Julian Jarrold

Score: +

The Review: An "inspired by true events" sort of drama, laced with comedic touches and a few roll-in-the-aisles scenes.

Even in the most conservative circles of English society, styles change. Take shoes, for example. How much market is there today for a high-quality, hand-made, lasted leather brogue? Apparently not much, and this movie follows the fate and foibles of a multi-generation shoe company now dealing with hard times and change. When his father passes the family shoe business to him, Charlie (Edgerton) has long ago decided to have nothing to do with it. But as he starts to deal with its problems, and discovers it is on the edge of bankruptcy, an alternative presents itself. It's not classic, indeed not even classy, but it opens an unexplored market and leads to a corner of high fashion you never thought existed. Just imagine -- where do transvestites find snazzy footwear to support their needs? And who best to help design such footwear than one in the business?

Good character actors in the factory with some familiar faces (Marcus, Hammond, Frost, Bassett). Lola (Ejiofor) is wonderful as the "consultant."

(10-Sep-07)

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