In its Indianapolis
premiere, "Kinky Boots" was the closing night film for the 2006
Indianapolis International Film Festival. The film captured the
Audience Award for Comedy at this year's festival, and is opening
currently in limited release. It opens in Indianapolis on May 12th,
2006.
Directed by Julian Jarrold, whose experience prior to "Kinky Boots"
has been mostly made-for-TV movies, "Kinky Boots" is one of those
predictable comedies that blends a mix of naughtiness with sweetness
and comes out with a feel-good story that is ever-so slightly bawdy,
constantly funny, predictably heartwarming and downright entertaining.
The story, from Tim Firth and Geoff Deane, is "inspired by" a true
story of a British shoe factory noted for its high quality shoes. The
factory, a staple of the community of Northamptonshire, is failing
when the owner does, long-gone son takes over and, after a chance
encounter with a drag queen (Chiwetel Ejiofor) the factor begins
making durable boots for drag queens.
Are you snickering yet? If not, then "Kinky Boots" may well not be the
film for you. However, the film's sold-out film festival screening
could be heard laughing hysterically throughout the film and, on
occasion, even being audibly moved by various scenes.
Ejiofor, mostly known for his tough-guy and "street" cred roles, is
absolutely remarkable as Lola. Quite often in films, drag queens are
treated as either flawed, caricatures or as preening sissies. This
stereotype is an easy out for most directors, and still gets laughs
from a society who hasn't quite grasped the entire "drag queen" thing
yet.
Jarrold, however, takes a different approach with Lola. Jarrold, whose
previous film credits have been mostly "B" movies such as the last
National Lampoon film, allows the comedy to exist between the
characters instead of at the expense of the characters. Lola is seen
as a strong, assertive and self-assured drag queen. Lola's sexuality
is never really the focus of "Kinky Boots," but Lola as a human being
is very much the focus.
Edgerton, as the straight-laced Charlie Price, is a tad more
stereotypical in his portrayal of the typical stuffy Brit. Yet, he
lends an uncommon sensitivity and depth to the role that is somewhat
reminiscent of the characters of "Love Actually." Edgerton does a
marvelous job playing a man who is torn between the good life he left
behind, the loyalties of home, his rich but shallow girlfriend (Linda
Bassett) and, of course, the secretly adoring factory worker (Sarah
Jane Potts).
"Kinky Boots" is the sort of film that commands you to surrender your
sensibilities and surrender to the energy, spirit and heart of it all.
The outstanding performances of the ensemble cast, but especially that
of Ejiofor, make this an easy task.
"Kinky Boots" is most likely to qualify as a guilty pleasure.
Solely based upon a critical evaluation, it would most likely garner a
"B" range rating, however, the film's charm, humor and easygoing
spirit induced laughter, tears, smiles galore and an overwhelming
happiness as I left the movie theatre. Sometimes, there's a special
film where personal satisfaction becomes more important than a pure
critical evaluation.
Fans of the "Working Title" films, "About a Boy," "Love Actually" and
"Notting Hill" are likely to find much to enjoy from "Kinky Boots."
"Kinky Boots" is the funniest film so far in 2006, and a heartwarming
and inspiring film to boot.
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