annie-186

24 May 2012

Touching, if a little sugary

An interesting story about the relationship between two diametricallydifferent sisters in a dysfunctional family.Rose is the elder sister, a lawyer, hard working and materiallysuccessful. Maggie still believes she is 18 and life is just one bigparty with no responsibility. There is an exasperated love that bindsthem together.I don't want to tell any of the story as the joy is in watching thecharacters and the relationships unfold. It is an angst ridden tale,mainly of people misunderstood. It is filled with love and insightfulunderstanding which is mostly moving (tear jerking for me) although attimes a little sugary. My favourite character was Simon, a guy wholoves his food and is, in his owns words, "an expert orderer" for hisdinner guests.Quiet, professional acting from the cast. I particularly like ShirleyMaclaine's subtle performance. My husband enjoyed it very much too, soone you can comfortably take the guys to.

Pookyiscute

24 May 2012

Slow, but emotional...

There is no doubt in my mind, that ever learning this was originally anovel, that the book is probably better. Although it has an emotionaland poignant element to the story, it's just the story that is worththe film's length. Running over two hours long, it feels just that.Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette both give exceptional performances, andI think Diaz was overlooked in her performance. I'm surprised shedidn't receive any attention from the 'Globes'. And, although I likedher thoroughly, I think Toni Collette's character is much moreidentifiable for most people, and certainly women. The movie from thebeginning, takes you on an emotional roller-coaster, full of ups anddowns, laughter and lots of tears. There are very few male roles in thefilm, but the one that sticks out most, is Collette's admirer, playedby Mark Feuerstein. His geek like persona, slowly becomes more and moreattractive, until finally you see him in the same light that Collette'scharacter does. The directing was good, however a bit slow at times, and could haveused some shorter scenes, and gotten to the point more quickly.Realizing that this was taken after a book, it tries to give it thesame speed, and feel I'm sure as the writer did for her novel. However,it's a movie. And, as we all know, we want to know the punch line inless than 90 minutes. So, in that regard I mark it a little low.The performances were all noteworthy, and it's the sort of film I wouldlike to see again, just not anytime in the near future. I recommend itas a dramatic piece, with only a few funny lines. It's definitely notfor those who are seeking a light-hearted comedy, because it isactually quite the opposite. Although it is a positive film by the end,it really can be quite depressing at times, which reminded me ofanother similar film Collette did, called "Murial's Wedding".But, as films go, it's not bad at all and I liked it well enough.

greglandman

24 May 2012

Sensitive and moving, mainly for women.

Marvellous performances from the females in this picture, andsympathetic ones from the male actors, go a long way towards helpingone forget its somewhat leisurely pace. Cameron Diaz is a revelation,but the standout performance comes from Toni Collette, who useseverything in her formidable arsenal to flesh out her character, whocould have just been played for frump but is brought to vibrant life bythis masterful actor. The guys are well played , subtly toned down,even though they are stereotypes and could have become cardboard soeasily. Shirley Maclaine does her usual astringent thing very well. Ifshe hasn't got that down pat after all these years, who has? Thestoryline will appeal mainly to females of all ages even though thesensitive handling will make it palatable to most couples. Keep thetissues handy!

24 May 2012

A feel good movie

The beginning of the movie saw two struggling women - a drifting and jobless Maggie (Cameron Diaz) and her elder sister Rose (a slim Toni Collette), a lawyer who took care of Maggie in time of need. Both were unhappy and after a bitter quarrel split apart abruptly. Came to their rescue was grandma Ella (Shirley Maclaine) - a healer who helped Maggie stand on her feet (a job and a home), reunite the two sisters and consequently found herself reconciliated with her son-in-law. Although the movie had a slow and depressing start, it lighted up with hope when Shirley Maclaine showed up and graced the screen with her intelligence, subtleness and worldliness. The movie provided us a glimpse of an active community for retirement in Florida and it was here that Maggie found her worth and career. Cameron Diaz, as Maggie, looked very much in the role - she was so unattractive before her life was transformed by Maclaine but radiant with purpose afterwards, so much so she could rescue Toni Corette's fallen apart engagement. Toni Corette (Mauriel's wedding) was the one to watch. She was not very beautiful yet she was real and unpretentious. She had far less scenes with Shirley Maclaine than Cameron Diaz did, but she alone could deliver her own struggle with her feelings for and against her sister fluidly and capture attention. Towards the end, there were warm moments that could evoke an overflow of emotions and sentiments.Blood is thicker than water. An emotional baggage not handled means one (Maggie) has not yet grown up and jeopardised one's (Rose's) happiness even with an engagement ring on the finger. A feel good movie that women audience could definitely relate to their personal experiences.

jldmp1

22 May 2012

A Few Sizes Too Large

What is this supposed to be? A date movie? A romantic-comedy? A comedydrama? A morality tale? A self-help guide? A star vehicle for Diaz? Ittries to stuff in everything and ends up filling nothing.The endless slogging comes from the inability to make the storytellingengaging, to do anything really of interest with narrative structure.This is purely ordinary because all the writers knew how to do was topile on more and more plot and baggage. The makers of this should watch"Sideways" for an example of capable writing and embedding that withinthe structure.And the cinematography? It must be a struggle to film Diaz -- no matterhow much exercise she does, she can't reshape that moon face, so theyhave to light her correctly. This was mostly a success, but there's amajor stumble in the scene with the harsh supermarket fluorescence.And Collette is not so much a subject as an obstacle. Her eyebrows arenon-existent here. Her teeth are too big for her mouth anddistractingly gapped.All in all, not a pretty picture.

crotchhotjt

22 May 2012

Real Life Acting, finally.

I have grown up my whole life behind my older sister that has alwaystaken care of me. I was the wild one exactly like Cameron Diaz, and ofcourse she was Rose. Difference was, we had a mother and not a father.I am 30 years young, my sister 33. I have not exactly grown up yet, butslowly on my way, and till this day my older, more sophisticated sisterstill looks out for me as if I were her own child. She has the greatoffice job being with a great company, making great money for herself,to where I've worked small jobs like salons, bartending,or meeting richmen and being taken care of. Loose every boyfriend because of my wildpartying , which I call just having fun and enjoying life. After all,you only live once. Anyway, no matter how different my sister and Iare, we are the closest best friends you'll ever see. Seeing this moviemade me think it was written about us, and made me open my eyes a lotmore to my sisters point of view of her 30yr. old wild childsister,(me). Its nice to finally see a realistic movie thats easy torelate to then seeing another person trip and fall whenever their beingchased, or a perfectly, in good shape five minutes ago car not startwhen being chased by some weird psycho out to kill them. I give thismovie two thumbs up! It totally showed me this, (Quote from the movie)"WITHOUT MY SISTER, I Don't MAKE ANY SENSE."

Kristin Pettit

21 May 2012

Decent.. but not great.

I normally don't rate movies. However, before seeing this movie I hadnot seen the preview.. I read the reviews on IMDb and figured thatbecause an overwhelming number of people gave it a ten (enough to bringits score up to a seven), it must be decent at worst.Wrong! This movie is about the trouble between sisters and theunconditional love that manages to overcome these troubles. It is notexciting, touching, moving, or enlightening. I, myself, can relate towhat the characters in the movie want to get across.. but in the mostdramatic of scenes, it fails to connect.Diaz's sister, whom they refer to as the "fat pig" is actually veryaverage in size.. which made me wonder how the lady next to me felt(who weighed considerably more) while they repeatedly insinuated thatshe was too big to have a boyfriend, too big to dress nice, too big todo anything but be a smarty pants lawyer.. etc.. etc..Something I really want to clarify for readers is that this movie isNOT a comedy, a romance, or a heart breaker. This is a very long anddrawn out, two and a half hour drama, that still doesn't manage to tietogether all of the loose ends.For instance, the boyfriend starts off as a really likable,over-the-top, take home to mom kind of character. He has absolutely nosympathy or patience for what his girlfriend is going through, and shewon't tell him.. he suddenly turns into this cold fish who displaysnone of his original qualities and leaves you wondering "who is thisguy and why would anyone want him??" Then, there is the grandmotherthat so many have described as compassionate and loving. I honestlynever got the feeling that the grandmother "wanted" to get to knowDiaz. They say she looks like her mother, but if she looks at her andsees her daughter in her, they never expand on it. Then there is theman who wants Diaz to meet his grandson.. when she does, theconversation is all of one minute long, and you're left thinking.."what was his point in the movie??" On the other hand, I am verythankful that they did NOT expand on this area or the already two and ahalf hour movie would have been even longer..There are no moments in the movie where the long lost characters run toone another and embrace while the music in the background plays andbrings tears to your eyes. It is not enlightening or uplifting, even tothose who can relate. In fact, there is no progression of characterwhatsoever. These characters are supposed to be metamorphosing intobetter, more well rounded people.. and it happens, but it happens overnight, in a way that it never could in real life.I spent the first hour waiting for it to pick up, and the second hourpraying for it to end, and the last thirty minutes in disbelief that Iwas still there..The only way this movie is really one of the best people have seen thisyear is if it is the only movie they've seen this year. I will say thatit isn't necessarily torturing to sit through.. but if you are lookingfor entertainment, save your money and your time.Like I said, I normally don't post about movies unless I love them. ButI saw this movie because of the reviews I was reading and anticipatedSteel Magnolias or Friend Green Tomatoes.. I left feeling like I'd seena different movie from the people who had reviewed it. For people out there who are reading this.. know this - it isn't awful,but you could do better things with your money.

20 May 2012

Beautiful, romantic story

This review is from: In Her Shoes (DVD) This is a must for any fan of Cameron Diaz, and it's a sister-bonding romantic story that is so well cast~ starring Shirley Maclaine as the womens' long-lost grandmother. And the fabulous Toni Collette will just tug at your heart strings. The best part of the film for me is the E.E.Cummings love poem at the end! Highly recommended for all ages. Just a little bad language and sex. The penultimate chick flick!

19 May 2012

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!

Beth Tsai

19 May 2012

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?

Dragoneyed363

17 May 2012

If The Shoe Fits....WEAR IT!!!!

In Her Shoes was a really nice, heartwarming comedy.It combines threeladies that I find to be really good actresses and they were ALLequally funny in this film.If you like Toni Colette, Cameron Diaz, orShirley McLaine, or if you're into movies like this, you NEED to watchthis movie right away.It was a really good film, and it's story linewasn't breathtaking, but it was sure quite near it.There were maybe 3or 4 flaws I found, but I'm not going to reminisce on them at all, forI feel I should talk about the good things, since there were more.Ofcourse, all the acting was fabulous, and I really love all the scenerywhere this movie took place.The way each step further into the filmgets more interesting and tends to suck you in as you go along wasphenomenal and professional.In Her Shoes was delightful, and although Iwouldn't say it is a must see, if you like these kinds of movies, WATCHIT.

lkayhill10

16 May 2012

Excellent Movie

I thoroughly enjoyed "In Her Shoes" and recommend it highly. The castwas excellent, and the story definitely held my attention. The actresswho played Rose, not only gained weight for the role and purposelyminimized her good looks, but drew us into the sadness of hercharacter. Her heartbreak and sincerity touched us. Cameron Diaz didvery well as the truly despicable sister, Maggie who always managed toshock us. Shirley MacClaine was a gem, as always, and deserved higherbilling. The movie wouldn't have been the same without her. What aclassy lady. The older folks in the retirement village were a hoot andadded some humor to the movie. Don't miss it!

15 May 2012

Above average chick flick

This is a good sister relationship movie. I liked it because it has a good script and doesn't go just for laughs. I guess it's what used to be called a melodrama. It's a word that seems out of use today but fits this movie perfectly.It's about two sisters who are very different from each other. Cameron Diaz plays Maggie, who enjoys a life of dalliances and trifling experiences. Her sister Rose is played by Toni Collette. She is a serious lawyer who used to make herself feel better by food and has turned to shoes. Both Maggie and Rose are trying to fill a void in their lives. But it's Rose that has to bail Maggie out of trouble and is tired of it. She wants a real life. Their fragile relationship is damaged when Maggie has a fling with Rose's suitor...or at least Rose wants him to be a suitor. They lose touch with each other when Maggie decides to go to her long lost grandmother. This is a great rainy afternoon movie that maybe some sensitive guys can get into as well (but I wouldn't count on it!). Get some ice cream and curl up on the sofa or in the bed and enjoy!

meeza

14 May 2012

Like Athletes Foot- PUUUUGHHH!

Director Curtis Hanson! What happened? You have directed suchcommendatory cinematic artworks as "L.A. Confidential" & "Wonder Boys".So what the hell were you thinking when you decided to take on theproject of "In Her Shoes". Let's just say that "In Her Shoes" does notfit to your directorial philosophy. This faltering chic-flick starsCameron Diaz and Toni Collette as two antipode bickering sisters whocome to conversion points in their lives. Maggie, played by Diaz, is adefinitive eye-appealing charmer who discovers innate goodwilleccentricities from her experiences with her grandmother (ShirleyMacLaine) and her nursing home companions. Sister Rose, played palpablyby Collette, is the ill-looking responsible sibling who undeniablywishes she was in her sister's______; You got it! If the shoe fits,write it! The calamitous problem with "In Her Shoes" is not theunpretentious acting of Diaz, Collette, and MacLaine. It's the stretchy& irrelevant floundering scenes that encompass a good foot chunk sizeof "In Her Shoes". Hanson is more the prototype director for multitudestory lines that entangle into a well-defined connecting web ofmeaningful relationships. "In Her Shoes" was shoeless, I mean, cluelessto that! The bare facts is that "In Her Shoes" was atrocious, stinky,and callous. If I was in your shoes, I would not wear onto "In HerShoes". ** Needs Improvement

14 May 2012

Shoes are the only thing they have in common

This review is from: In Her Shoes (DVD) This movie is based on Jennifer Weiner's book of the same name. I enjoyed In Her Shoes, but since I read the book before I saw the movie I was dissapointed in the movie because of the noticable differences between the two.The story-line is the same Rose and Maggie are sisters that have nothing in common, but their shoe size, but after a parting of the ways they find that they have to mend fences when the grandmother that they thought was dead ends up very much alive and well and living in Florida. Very good acting by Toni Collet and Cameron Diaz.

13 May 2012

In Her Shoes DVD

This review is from: In Her Shoes (Widescreen Edition) (DVD) It must have worked or she would have told me by now. The shipping was quick and the DVD was factory sealed and packaged in an adiquit shipper.

13 May 2012

Surprisingly enjoyable.

This was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. I didn't set out to watch the movie from beginning to end (cable), but it kept me in my seat. The ending was rather predictable, but the acting was top-notch. I don't expect any less from Toni Colette, but I was more than surprised by Cameron Diaz. She was very convincing, as was MacLaine.Overall, the movie did a good job at portraying the tension, rivalry, and love in the family. I don't think there is a single family out there who doesn't have some form of dysfunction. This was believable.A good flick for a rainy afternoon.

13 May 2012

Ok to Watch Once

Maggie (Cameron Diaz) is this lying, backstabbing, mooch sister. Diaz's sister (Rose) is a successful lawyer. Apparently this movie shows how Diaz evolves and becomes a better sister, and how Rose stops being so uptight and learns to live life. Personally, if I was Rose, I would never forgive Maggie. The Maggie character is a burden on Earth. Most of the movie is able to hold the viewer's attention but some parts are kind of boring. In Her Shoes is ok to watch once. I must have had high expectations because this movie did not live up to them.

jpschapira

10 May 2012

Strange unions...

I don't remember why I decided, besides a free ticket, to watch thismovie in the first place. I'm sure it wasn't Cameron Diaz; I don't findher beautiful (without mentioning "The Mask": I saw her and Iwent…Wow!) or talented, and nothing she's done is still in mind today.I'm sure it wasn't Jennifer Weiner's novel; I don't know he she is andI didn't know the novel existed.Probably my only reason was Toni Collette, an actress I remember forher last movies, but I know very well if I go back in time carefully. Ihave seen her work and I have liked her surely always, but she'sgenerated me the same image every time I watch her. I'm fond of theroles she chooses because they remind me of the mother of a friend ofmine. What I said about the same image is because when you see her yousense you'll get that compulsive, restrained portrayal.From Cameron Diaz, on the other hand, you'll get the crazy, wild anduninterested grown woman that believes she is still in high school. Thetwo women play the film's main characters, the Feller Sisters; and theyintroduce themselves, and talk, separately, about the things that occurin the picture. Believe or not, this is the way they probably are inreal life.The title of the movie comes from the title of the novel, and thecamera shows the shoes from time to time, the screenplay deals withthem. Susannah Grant wrote the feature, being the first of amultifaceted working pair. "In her shoes" is Grant's second writtendramatic comedy, after Sandra Bullock's starring role in "28 Days". ButGrant's versatility is explained in the fact that she's writtencharacter pieces ("Erin Brockovich"), series ("Party of Five"),romantic films ("Ever After") and even a Disney production("Pocahontas").Director Curtis Hanson completes the singular pair. What a talentedman! He directed his short amount of films; he received his Academynomination for directing and his Oscar for writing. But again; theversatility…Hanson directed blockbusters ("The River Wild"), thrillers("The hand that rocks the cradle"), fantastic character dramas ("WonderBoys") and if you could call it like that, star vehicles (Eminem's "8Mile"). He came unharmed from every project."In her shoes" leaves everyone unharmed too. The movie is doing nowrong to anybody. It tries to accomplish many things, it threatens withseveral closures, and it seems unsure and tricky, kind of like reallife. It displays this real life perfectly, with some perfectly castactors, and it wants the best for each individual.Am I forgetting something? Oh, yes, maybe a group of old people, inwhich the incredible Shirley MacLaine stands out, as the caringgrandmother of the rival sisters. With a whole life to reconstruct, thepro actress leaves us clear why she is who she is. I was thinking ofJane Fonda and her comeback last year with a movie I wrote about. I'mnot comparing, they're both great but…She disappeared from the map;MacLaine stayed.

09 May 2012

Diaz, Collette MacLaine

Beautifully adapted by Susannah Grant from the novel by Jennifer Weiner, exquisitely directed by Curtis Hanson and played to perfection by Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, Shirley MacLaine and a hand-picked cast, this overlooked family comedy was one of the very best films of 2005.Collette and Diaz are sisters, living in Philadelphia. Toni is a responsible attorney with a low self-image when it comes to men, while Cameron is a flaky, flirty, uneducated party girl who detests work and leaches off of her sister. The girls have a major falling out when Toni discovers Cameron in bed with her (Toni's) boy friend.Out on the street, Cameron discovers that she has a long lost grandmother (MacLaine) living in a Florida retirement community, so she heads South, figuring that she'll mooch off the old lady for awhile.Shirley, however, is not that easily taken in and she forces her newly-found granddaughter to not only turn her life around, but also effects a reconciliation with her sister.IN HER SHOES is a joyful, very human film; one that can be enjoyed over multiple viewings. The supporting cast includes Mark Feuerstein as Toni's fiance', Ken Howard as her and Cameron's father, and Norman Lloyd as an ailing college professor who touches Cameron's heart.The above average "Behind the Scenes" featurettes include one about the Florida seniors who played small roles in the movie and another about how a dog was saved from the pound to play a key part in the film.© Michael B. Druxman