thePeanutBloggery

Normally I resist labeling any film a “Chick Flick”, because it sounds condescending. However, this week’s Friday Night In pick, In Her Shoes, a movie adapted from a book by Jennifer Wiener, one of the grande dames of chick lit, in which men are either perfect or pigs, and the central issue is self-esteem, is truly a Chick Flick.

Steeped in fairy tale imagery, In Her Shoes is the story of sisters Rose (Toni Colette), the smart and responsible (ie, ugly) one, and Maggie (Cameron Diaz), the gorgeous and reckless one. When their wicked stepmother evicts Maggie, she moves in with Rose and proceeds to make her life miserable. While the title suggests a Freaky Friday scenario in which the sisters switch places and ultimately reach a better understanding of each other, this movie is far less formulaic and more sophisticated than that. These two women love each other dearly already, but they must take baby steps toward being okay with themselves in order to show that love.

Toni Colette is appealing as the insecure Rose, who compulsively fills her closet with expensive shoes she never wears. However, Cameron Diaz stands out as Maggie. In her halter tops and her short shorts (and in her sister’s shoes), she is stuck in adolescence, stealing money from drawers and purses out of spite as much as need.

As the buzz issues continue to pile on (body image, excessive drinking, mental illness, dyslexia), the film starts to feel a little like a Lifetime Movie of the Week, but Curtis Hanson’s (Wonder Boys, LA Confidential) careful direction, and strong performances like Shirley MacLaine as the estranged grandmother, keep this film compelling and steer it clear of melodrama.

If you’re spending Friday night in, because you can’t get a date, In Her Shoes may be the perfect movie for you.