(2012-04-30 04:55:01)

Transcendently Fascinating Drama of Sisterly Love and Agony...

The first impression of In Her Shoes might come across like a melodramatic story, but with a director such as Curtis Hanson, the final product should be something else. After all Hanson directed the brilliant thriller L.A. Confidential (1994) and the terrific film with the pot smoking college professor who could not finish his book in Wonder Boys (2000). In 8 Mile, he caringly displays the tough upbringing of the infamous rapper Eminem, and how his efforts paid off after years of misery. Thus, it is not without reason to expect that Hanson could pull off something extraordinary while the title plays directly towards the allusions of something trite and common.Even though, Hanson generously applies stereotypical females through Cameron Diaz's portrayal, as the typical long-legged blond bimbo Maggie. Then there is Toni Collette, with several admirable performances since her roll as Muriel in Muriel's Wedding (1994), who reveals a counter-opposite character to Diaz through her excellent personification of the overachieving sister with strong type-A and anal-retentive tendencies. Maggie, on the other hand, is the kind of girl men turn their heads after while Rose disappears in the masses. The differences between the two sisters cause much friction between the girls, as Maggie's beauty enhances Rose's insecurity about her looks and her ability to date and Maggie internalizes her insecurity through Rose's driven and self-made success, as she lacks knowledge, wisdom, and skill. The only thing that Maggie possesses is beauty, which she scandalously uses to her advantage to gain what she desires. However, time is catching up with Maggie, which only increases her own insecurities.Through Maggie neediness for constant attention have formed this helpless woman that barely knows how to drive a car. The only thing that Maggie seems capable of is to put together a sexy or fashionable outfit. It often means when she runs out of money or place to stay she returns to Rose. These moments are very difficulty for Rose, as does not have the heart to throw Maggie out, even though she is fully aware that Maggie will end up hurting her by using her for the moment. Rose even makes effort to help Maggie stand on her own feet, and not be dependent on others by trying to find a job for her, which proves to be a far more difficult task that expected. One of the best scenes in the film takes place when Maggie stays with Rose and it is when Maggie is trying on Rose's expensive shoes. During this scene they talk about the purpose of having these luxurious footwear, which subtly enhances the distinct difference in their existence.The insecurities and personalities that Maggie and Rose hold stem from their childhood, which seems to have strong ties with their mother who passed away while they still were children. Meanwhile, their father has remarried the stepmother from hell who does everything possible, both consciously and unconsciously, to make both sisters lives extremely difficult to deal with. On top of this, Maggie discovers that their grandparents are not dead, as their father has said. Instead, some hidden letters indicate that their grandparents live in Florida. To make things even worse, Maggie crosses the line of no return, as she sleeps with Rose's boyfriend and gets caught in the act by her sister. In this complicated situation, Maggie flees to Florida to use her unaware grandmother Ella Hirsch (Shirley MacLaine), as a resort where she can heal her wounds.To this point In Her Shoes seems to present a rather usual set up for a melodramatic drama, however, it is also at this point where Hanson throws in a wrench into the melodramatic machinery. Instead of turning it to a typical romantic comedy, or sappy drama, Hanson transcends the film beyond the superficial anticipation of a silly over-the-top comedy of broken hearts and retribution. The film brings the audience on a journey through the agonizing memories of distant and recent past, which allows the story to bring forth moving qualities such as forgiveness, understanding, and an opportunity for second chances. The story occasionally feels a little too sentimental, however, Hanson incorporates these elements of the story with delicate touch in such a way that it feels natural and acceptable. Thus, Hanson meets the expectations again, as In Her Shoes proves to be a poignant tale of two sisters' relationship issues that requires much change and wisdom.

moviewizguy

(2012-04-29 06:19:11)

...it's the sky of the sky and the tree called life...

-That's part of a poem by e.e. cummings. The poem it written reallywell and better said in the movie.This film is about 2 sisters, Maggie and Rose Feller. They fight andplay around all the time. One is a working lawyer, Rose, and the other,Maggie, is maybe the opposite. Maggie has no job. Rose just found a newboyfriend where she works but soon later finds out that he was sleepingwith Maggie. Maggie is said to leave Rose's apartment. Maggie soondiscovers that she has a grandmother. Now Rose, on the other hand,doesn't know where she is.This film is heart warming. The movie talks about having a relationshipwith your family. One sister can't live right without the othersister's help. The film is a dramedy. The jokes are funny and a lot ofdramatic moments. The acting from Diaz, Colette, and MacLaine were allexcellent! This film did not do well in the box office. That doesn'tmean it's bad. It's just a good... Scratch that -- Great film. Now I'llgive you a sentence that is powerful from e.e. cummings:i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never withoutit (anywhere i go you go, my dear ...

Connective

(2012-04-27 21:52:57)

Brilliant!

Calling "In Her Shoes" a chick flick, as some have done, is absurdlydismissive. If a movie has to have killing, explosions, and car chasesto not be a chick flick, then count me among the men who would rathersee a film like this any day. This is a great screenplay from a finebook, directed flawlessly by Curtis Hanson (whose previous films havelittle resemblance to anything chick flick-like).It also stars three actresses at the top of their form. Cameron Diazdoes her best work by far, and Toni Collette surpasses herOscar-nominated performance in "The Sixth Sense." Then there is ShirleyMacLaine, who puts on an acting clinic--a perfectly calibratedperformance by a truly remarkable talent.Ridley and Tony Scott, who co-produced and executive produced this film(and who also produce the TV show "Numbers"), are clearly tuned intothe joys and difficulties of being siblings. This film is about sisterswho share history, baggage, a confused father, and a few important butdifferently interpreted events. If you need a car chase, drive as fastas you can to the theater to see this film.

katedesco87

(2012-04-27 14:32:15)

A spectacular film for all!

The film "In Her Shoes" is a remarkable story of two sisters, Maggieand Rose, who have nothing in common except for their genetic makeupand similar shoe size. This and the reunion with the grandmother theynever knew they had brings the seemingly opposite girls to finallyrecognize how similar they really are and even to learn to appreciatetheir differences. The characters in the film learn not only aboutrelationships with others but about the vital relationship a personmust have with his or her self. Cameron Diaz plays Maggie Feller in this film, an unusual role forDiaz; she really took control of the character. Maggie is a selfproclaimed victim who thinks she is too dumb to be recognized foranything other then her good looks. She relies on the satisfaction ofmen and the depressant quality of alcohol to keep her going as shebounces from one job to another. After being kicked out of her sister'shouse, Maggie leaves Philadelphia and moves to an assisted livingcommunity with her long lost grandmother, Ella, where she begins tofind herself with the help of her new neighbors. Toni Collette playsRose Fuller; a hard working lawyer, struggling to lose weight. Afterwalking in on Maggie and her co-worker/boyfriend sleeping together;Rose not only kicks Maggie out but quits the law firm as well. Takingup the occupation of a dog-walker Rose beings to lose weight as shediscovers happiness and even love. Rose learns that she is just asbeautiful as the shoes hiding in her closet and like them she needs tobe released for the world to see. Shirley MacLaine plays Ella Hirsch,she really portrays the role of Ella with a tough-love attitude, a roleMacLaine also played in the award winning movie Steal Magnolias; a filmironically similar to In Her Shoes. With Maggie's arrival Ella'syouthfulness is brought back. In Her Shoes is a perfect example of a "dramedy", a movie which is acombination of humorous and serious content. Diaz and Colette portraytheir characters with an eloquent seriousness balanced with quirkyone-liners, as there is an equal amount of both wit and solemn contentin the work. Thelaughter of the theater is often countered with silenceand reflection, a quality seldomly occurring in today's film, anotherquality making In Her Shoes so significant. The ability to makeaudiences both cry and laugh within a one hundred-thirty minute periodis a difficult feat to conquer, one which the cast and crew of thisfilm did. This film is a wonderful portrayal of the trials and tribulations wesometimes go through in attempting to seek perfect relationships. It isa film that is loved by young and old; men and women. Based on thenovel of the same title, by Jennifer Weiner, this story attracts all ofus who have struggled with the relationship we have with others andourselves. I believe that In Her Shoes is an unforgettable film whichcan help us all learn to appreciate the beauty that is often overlookedin ourselves and one another.

CHASE

(2012-04-26 18:35:50)

Not Just For Chicks For Guys Too

My girlfriend wanted to see this movie and she brought me along and i saw the previews and i thought it was a chick flick and not many guys wanna see dat depends on who plays in it but i went along with her cause i love her and the film was actually pretty damn good it had a good ending and a story and alot of it was based on real life and how it is with families and relationships so guys watch dis show with your girlfriends cause its actually a good movie and Cameron is hott

Ed Uyeshima

(2012-04-26 03:26:18)

Surprising Plot Evolution and Affecting Performances Greatly Buoy Standard-Issue Chick Flick

With its predictable situations and stock characters, I am genuinelysurprised that I ended up liking this 2005 movie, the epitome of achick-flick with its veneer of Lifetime TV banalities. However, after aslow set-up, a closer look yields a frequently perceptive, oftentouching film that exceeds expectations on several levels. First,director Curtis Hanson, not known as a women's director given hisprevious works include "LA Confidential" and "8 Mile", has anidiosyncratic eye for the overriding themes of self-esteem, caretakingand inextricable sisterly bonds. Adapted from a popular chick-lit novelby Jennifer Weiner, the story focuses on two sisters, a study inphysical and behavioral contrasts - Rose, a workaholic Philadelphiaattorney who falls into the trap of an office affair with her slickboss, and Maggie, a seductive, dyslexic and ethically marginal partygirl who cannot keep a steady job or a place to live.Their can't-live-with-her, can't-live-without-her relationship has anauthentic feel, even if at the beginning, their increasing polarizationsmacks of stereotype. They have an explosive blow-out at which pointthe movie tracks their evolving lives on parallel paths. This is wherethe film's strongest section begins, as Hanson and screenwriterSusannah Grant do a nice job of showing how Rose and Maggie havesimilarities beyond their mutual fondness for designer shoes. Rosehesitantly starts a relationship with a former colleagueunconditionally smitten with her, while Maggie journeys to Florida tomeet and live with Ella, the grandmother neither sister knew evenexisted, at a senior citizen community. Fulfilling the film's coytitle, Rose and Maggie eventually merge paths toward an inevitableconclusion by ending up in each other's shoes. The emotional pay-offgratefully resonates as Rose becomes more free-spirited and outgoing,Maggie becomes more introspective and respectful, and both likethemselves much more for the change.Hanson sometimes veers too far into soap opera but ultimately taps intothe emotional honesty of the characters by eliciting three superblyrendered performances. As she has proved in films as diverse as "DinnerWith Friends", "The Hours" and "Japanese Story", Toni Collette managesto get to the core of her characters with minimum fuss, and her Rose isan intelligently observed, warts-and-all performance. Tearfully pushingMaggie out of her life, she viscerally handles the plot's turning pointlike a wounded hyena. Collette also provides the film's funniest scenewhen responding to a humiliating slideshow, she wields a kitchen knifein front of her venomous stepmother Sydelle (played to the hilt byCandice Azzara). As Maggie, Cameron Diaz does unexpectedly strong workhere as she demonstrates how far more resourceful she is than herfun-loving personality would indicate. Unafraid to lose viewersympathy, she paints a rich portrait of a self-deluded young woman whogradually discovers that her self-worth extends beyond her obviousbeauty.In an even more dramatic change-of-pace, Shirley MacLaine does not playElla with the predictable bluster which mark her performances since"Terms of Endearment" but rather in restrained shadings that representsome of her most subtle work. It's a commendable turn by an actressentering the sixth decade of her illustrious film career. Not toosurprisingly, the male actors are completely overshadowed, but giventhat, there is nice work from Mark Feuerstein as Rose's supportiveboyfriend Simon, Norman Lloyd as the kindly blind professor who makesMaggie realize her inner strength, and Ken Howard as the sisters'resentful father. Brooke Smith plays Rose's cynical friend in a manneralmost identical to the character she plays in Woody Allen's "Melindaand Melinda", and Francine Beers is on Estelle Getty autopilot asopinionated Mrs. Lefkowitz.The DVD includes three surprisingly good featurettes. The obligatorymaking-of short, "The People in Their Shoes", actually providesinsightful comments by Hanson, Grant, co-producer Carol Fenelon and theprincipal cast on what motivates the characters and why the storyevolves the way it does. The funniest piece is "A Retirement Communityfor Acting Seniors", which comically profiles the non-professionals whotook part in the senior center scenes of the movie, while "From DeathRow to the Red Carpet: The Casting of Honey Bun" provides a sincerelook at how shelter animals are used in films, such as the puppy thatplays Maggie's dog, Honey Bun 2. Surprisingly, there is no alternativeaudio commentary by Hanson or the cast.

Jasonnpimpsz

(2012-04-17 20:49:00)

A Sweet Movie

I just saw this movie last night and I really enjoyed it. It was one ofthe better movies of 2005. I cried in this movie, and dude, I nevercry! Cameron Diaz surprised me, and was actually really good. NotOscar-worthy but good. Toni Collette was great and I was so surprisedwhen someone told me shes British in real life, because she nailed theaccent. Shirley MacLaine is so great. She has such a wise look abouther and every line she said delivered. The directing and writing wasgreat as well. It is probably the best chick flick of the 2000's sofar.If I had to say this movie had any flaws, it was WAY too long. Theycoulda cut it down 30 minutes. But still, every second was enjoyable. Go see this movie on Friday. Its a great touching story. Guys, takeyour girlfriends to see this. You will BOTH love it.

(2012-04-17 19:08:39)

Throw Diaz to the curb!

This is a well written film. Ms. Shirley and Ms. Colette are superb with their performances. Such an entertaining motion picture within this world of rarities. The studio's poor choices are noted with the casting of Diaz. Her skills are certainly not genetic and one cannot create silk from crap. If Diaz's character were recast, this film would EASILY pull out 5 stars. The costume designs are remarkable.The lighting and cinematography are flawless.The screenplay is easily delivered.The film puts the viewer in a happy place and allows the mind to travel into the screen. Well done.

nycritic

(2012-04-14 21:46:04)

How Does it Feel to Be Walking In Her Shoes

A chick flick that never goes overboard and has great, solid characterswho are perfect in their flaws -- and one that doesn't need the"requisite" confrontation between its characters to make resolutionsany less powerful. IN HER SHOES would not be a movie that one wouldassociate Curtis Hanson with, but he's been on an unpredictable swingsince abandoning the thriller genre for more adult-based themes. Whichis good, because too many directors want to be the "next (insert namehere)" which reflects the director with whom they feel closest to, andearly on in his career as a director he came up with thriller afterthriller, all homages to Alfred Hitchcock himself, all with varyingresults. Come 1997 he took a major turn in his style and starting withL.A. CONFIDENTIAL he has come up with more interesting, less clichГѓВ©dstories about people not always seeming to be who they are, whodiscover themselves through the use of language -- spoken or written.IN HER SHOES is another of this cycle of loosely connected filmsexploring character change through words and comes neatly packaged as awoman's picture -- it most surely is -- but that's just the icing onthe cake. At first, the two sisters at the core of the plot would notseem foreign to sitcom situations: many have cashed in well at theNielsens telling these kind of stories of mismatched, total opposites,whether they be siblings or adopted siblings or people in asibling-like relationship. The Fellers are Maggie and Rose: Maggie(Cameron Diaz) being the younger, completely irresponsible,self-centered, not above some vague sociopathic behavior, and Rose(Toni Collette) being the older one, who has had to deal with feelingsof a low self-esteem, who shops for shoes to make a space for the voidinside her, who is overweight but trying to make it as a career woman.Neither is aware of a grandmother -- they've been told she passed away-- and both of them have this love-hate relationship that reaches ahead when Maggie sleeps with Rose's current boyfriend and boss (RichardBurgi).A separation is inevitable for both women to grow and make closure withthe inconclusiveness of their estrangement. A parallel story in whichwe learn that Ella (Shirley MacLaine) had been all these years tryingto reach both girls via cards but because of circumstances involving afamily dispute she was shut out mirrors the present dispute. Maggie'spresence in Ella's retirement home is a catalyst for these skeletons tobe dragged out of the closet and burned in a pyre. While I won't getinto talking about the subtle but complex turns the story takes as itmeanders toward the inevitable reunion of both sisters (and the entirefamily), I will say that Hanson pulls it off nicely without resortingto a James L. Brooks resolution where buckets of tears are shed and oneleaves the theater feeling devastated. Shirley MacLaine's part isexceptionally well-written: the last twenty years have had her have herBig Scene reminiscent of Aurora Greenaway in TERMS OF ENDEARMENT formovie after movie but it's nowhere to be seen here. Her Ella is astrong woman, savvy, but reserved. Of the sisters, both sisters makemajor changes in their lives -- Rose's change is more subtle, goingfrom overweight to slightly slender and more self-confident in herself,but Maggie's is more dramatic. Unable to read, being put in a situationwhere she has to do just that to an older gentleman whom she is takingcare of in a facility and getting in touch with her own inner selfpresents the film's strongest growth of character, and Cameron Diazcouldn't be better in a part that asks for less cute, and more inneracting. Watch her read, and watch her act.

(2012-04-14 06:31:38)

Pretty good

If you read the book you'll want to see it thought it wasn't as good as the book. Cameron Diaz played her part well.

wdarrylc

(2012-04-10 17:16:56)

Cameron Diaz bad casting call

I enjoyed this movie, however I was stuck through out the moviewondering who thought that Cameron Diaz was right for this part! I keptthinking that I should be feeling sorry for this uneducated,underachiever, wild-child, party girl but all I could do was thinkabout, what a great movie this would have been if Maggie had beenplayed by someone who could have pulled off a sympathetic Maggie. ToniColletti, was great as the over achiever, caught between what was moreimportant, her or her sisters problems. Shirley MacLaine as always wasOscar quality. Her best friend in the movie steals the show in severalscenes. (I wish I remembered the characters name so I could mention hername here.)Over all It was a good movie that should have been a greatmovie. 6 out of 10, with a Sympathetic Maggie 9 out of 10

g-arana

(2012-04-10 07:33:13)

All you want from them

This movie will present you with Cameron Diaz the way we like her,playing the ditsy, beautiful blonde that is free spirit.Will also give you Toni Colette the way you like her the most, playingthe not so cute that have problems with her appearance but finallyaccepts her image and blah, blah, blah - That is the character for realpeople to relate And Shirley McLaine is there too playing the eccentric old lady with aquick mouth and witty personality.And boy, they do deliver it. They play it like they know we like it,with a good story and good support characters around them

(2012-04-05 23:39:20)

Great story about family and forgiveness

I'd heard a very good review from Joe Morgenstern (KCRW / Wall Street Journal) who said that Cameron Diaz has gone to a whole new level of acting, and we would have to agree. This movie was excellent -- an original and engaging story, outstanding performances, and a very emotional ride. Bring your handkerchief. (It's definitely a "chick flick", meaning that it is a film for women and for sensitive men. But then the film is about relationships, sisters, and shoes. Need I say more?)All three stars were superb -- Shirley Maclaine as the alienated grandmother with both hard and soft edges, Cameron Diaz as the blonde floozy who finally learns a few things, and Toni Collette as the plainer and more responsible sister who has her own issues to deal with. Many of the other roles were well-cast and memorably performed, including the "good" boyfriend, the hen-pecked father, the step-mother from hell, Mrs. Lefkowitz (the grandmother's friend), and an old professor (a charming balance of gentle grandfather crossed with John Houseman from The Paper Chase). With some marvelous lessons about family and forgiveness, this was a perfect film for the Jewish high holy days season.

annie-186

(2012-04-05 20:39:00)

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.

The-Office

(2012-03-28 10:12:44)

Shoes may be a perfect fit, but this movie wasn't....

This movie has NOTHING to do about being in someone else's shoes. Thetitle and the plot of the movie do not match. I found that odd. Do notsee this movie. It is not worth it and you will be sorely disappointed. Free-wheeling irresponsible Maggie Feller (Diaz) constantly goes to herstraight-laced, plain-Jane successful lawyer sister Rose (Collette) forfinancial help. After Rose has had enough, Maggie goes to Florida tofind her long-lost grandmother (Shirley MacLaine) whom she hasn't seensince her mom died years ago to get money out of her. However, in turn,the grandmother reveals a dark family secret that helps bring Maggieand Rose back together again. Plot sounds great. Trailers really looked funny. However, this moviereally missed the mark on comic relief, drama and romance. There was NOchemistry in this movie. I kept waiting for something funny andwonderful to happen, but nothing ever did. Even when the duh-duh-dummmm- "secret" was revealed about their mother, it still didn't grab me.

(2012-03-27 22:40:58)

Pretty bad movie

I saw this movie on the plane to Europe and to tell you the truth I didn't like it at all. It's a bad story itself, but the actors were horrible. How could Cameron Diaz sleep with her sister's boyfriend? I think it's one of those movies that if you don't see you don't lose anything. It's bad, real bad.

(2012-03-19 15:14:53)

Love "In her Shoes"

I love this great movie. It's really good. It's about two sisters named Rose and Maggie Feller. Rose is a lawyer who is kind of plump and has a bad self-image though she is mature and reponisble. Maggie is a beautiful and fun party girl who is outgoing and loves hanging out with men who find her iressible. Maggie calls Rose to come pick her up at her 10 year high school reunion one night. Rose does, only to find Maggie drunk and wearing her shoes. Maggie loves to borrow them since she can't really afford any nice heels herself. She takes Maggie home with her, and Maggie lives with her a while. My favorite part of this is when Maggie puts milk in ice cream and then eats it. That looks so good. I want to try to make that myself and eat that. It looks delicious. Maggie tries on Rose's high heels while Rose is at work. She loves all the nice things her sister has. Maggie tries out for a spot on MTV but doesn't make it since she can't read the words and it goes too fast. One night after a fight Rose tells Maggie that she has to move out. Maggie is angry so she sleeps with her sister's boyfriend and this causes Rose to be really angry. She calls Maggie stupid and Maggie yells that Rose is a fat pig. Then Maggie leaves and goes off to Florida where their grandmother lives in a senior center, a grandmother netheir Maggie or Rose ever knew about. Maggie meets her grandmother Ella (played by Shirley McLaine) for the first time and lives at the old folks home working there and helping an old man by reading to him. The old man, a former school teacher helps Maggie learn how to read. Maggie gets smarter and bonds with her grandmother who has secrets of her own about Maggie's dead mother. Rose meanwhile is dating a guy from work and falling in love with him. She even is planning on marrying him. She finds out about the grandmother through birthday cards Ella sent them as children and Ella who wants to know her other granddaughter sends Rose a letter. Rose flies to Florida only to discover her sister is living there too. All three bond over a dark past, one in which their mother who was mentally ill took them out one day when they were kids and it was a good day. Rose a got a Nancy Drew book and Maggie got a dog named Honey Bun and they both got out of school and ate wonderful chocolate baked by their beautiful mother. But it was also sad because the school called their father and he found out they weren't there. When they return home from shopping, their father and mother fight and he tells her he's going to put her away. Their mother says she's a good mother. Rose hears all this, but Maggie doesn't since she's in her room listening to music. Their mother leaves angry and drives her car into a tree, killing herself. Rose remembers this very clearly from that day, even though her father remarried to a horrible wicked stepmother who makes Rose's and Maggie's lives hell. Maggie never knew this until her sister tells her that she was trying to protect her from it. Maggie understands, and forgives her sister. Likewise, Rose forgives Maggie for sleeping with her boyfriend. They both make up and start over. Rose married the guy and Maggie reads a beautiful poem at her wedding. Then Rose takes off to a new life and Maggie greets her farewell. I love this movie. It's cool. And it's funny and sweet and cute and touching and good. I love Toni Collette as Rose. I loved her in "Evening" and "Little Miss Sunshine" but in this she's really awesome. And Cameron Diaz, who I loved in "The Invisible Circus," is really good as Maggie. She's a beautiful blonde actress who is sexy and has such chrisma. It's a great flick for a girl's night in. All girls can see this movie and get something out of it. It's about sisters, family and secrets from the past can change who we are today. I love this film. I love the book, too. Even though it's long, it's still worth reading though it's a little different then the movie. See this movie or buy it. It's worth the money. It's about relationships and family.

(2012-03-18 23:53:12)

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.

(2012-03-13 10:37:57)

I'm reading the book next!

Toni Collette (Muriel in 'Muriel's Wedding') chose another great role, or perhaps it chose her? She plays older sister Rose to a very messed up 'party girl' Cameron Diaz (Maggie). Maggie gives the line; 'You only hurt the ones you love' deeper jabs as she sabotages her own life and her sister's. But family bonds are never truly broken in this movie, and when Diaz discovers she has a grandmother (Maclaine), their past with a mentally ill mother becomes clearer to all of the women. Once they are able to sift through some childhood shadows, Maggie realizes that Rose has been her protector all her life. I found it interesting that the film brought out how the adolescent mind can 'tone down' tragic moments. This movie has soul, and though my husband dubbed it as a 'slight' chick flick, he enjoyed watching as well.Chrissy K. McVay - Author

Bigbang

(2012-03-12 22:02:34)

Very good chick flick

What brings this chick flick over the top is Cameron Diaz. It's a greatperformance by her and she carries the movie. I didn't expect that. Theonly other time I remember her being almost this good was in "BeingJohn Malkovich" and of course "Something About Mary". She is a goodactress but she does pick bad roles sometimes, that's her flaw.The movie itself is way better than I ever expected it to be. Mostchick flicks let me down with sappiness but "In Her Shoes" rises wayabove any of that. The director Curtis Hanson lets each scene breathand doesn't rush things. Characters get a chance to express themselvesthrough nice dialogue and subtle conversations. We really get to knowthese people. Shirley Mcclaine as the grandmother of the two sistersbrings warmth and intelligence to every scene she's in. There are somefunny moments but mostly this is a drama. There are some very touchingscenes, especially with Diaz and an old man in a nursing home who shebefriends.There a a few flaws here and there, like there are one too many plotcoincidences, and the over-the-top portrayal of the mother-in-law, butnothing bad enough to make a difference. Toni Collette and all theother actors also do great jobs. I'm a guy and I'm a little addicted tothis movie, I've seen it a few times. Weird. Congratulations to CameronDiaz on a great performance.