Kinky Boots (2006)

Might have been the bottle of wine I'd drank before watching this, but I absolutely LOVED this movie! Very much a "sleeper," as I didn't't expect to like everyone in it or everything about it.Great date flick--not overly sexual, but flirty (I guess?) in some regard. It's a great story (and a TRUE one!), and I just thought the acting was well done and believable. It's very touching and poignant in places (that's why the tears, but like I said, it *may* have been the wine!), but an overall great story.The only actor I recognized was Nick Frost, whom I've seen in just about every Simon Pegg movie (I, apparently, watch a LOT of Simon Pegg movies). In fact, I kept looking for Simon Pegg to show up in this, but he never does. Drat. Anyway, a great movie--didn't't even need Simon Pegg!

I have just watched Kinky Boots again and have once more been knocked out by the humanity that is demonstrated in this simple, yet just a little complex, story. It is populated with believable characters who are well fleshed-out and about whom you will find that you care. Chiwetel plays Lola magnificently, with humour and empathy. Joel plays Charlie as being just a little the under-dog who recognises a never before considered opportunity and rallies with the right support. Sarah-Jane is wonderful and has such an expressive face that you know exactly what she's thinking, even when she's not speaking. As an essay in how we should accept diversity and treat each other well, it works on several levels. It's good to think that there is more of this generous spirit in the world than not. On that basis alone, it would be hard not to feel good by the end of this little story.

This is a movie the whole family will like -- assuming your whole family, like mine, likes Rocky Horror and the line "You are making two and a half feet of irresistible, tubular sex" doesn't freak anyone out too much. I showed this movie to my best friend not long ago and she went from a skeptic (because, let's face it, the title doesn't conjure up images of family fun) to a wholehearted believer, too.The movie takes you on a ride you won't forget. You'll go through surprise, amusement, shock, anger, joy, and even moments of fabulous rage. You'll sing along with Lola. You'll plead with Charlie to man up.This is one of the few movies that never fails to cheer me up. If you're a fan of heteronormative action movies, it'll probably make you uncomfortable now and again, but like those who meet Lola, you'll fall for her quirks and grace, Charlie's awkward and belated personal growth, Nicola's business smarts, and even the old lady who rents out Lola's room.I'm not a big fan of musicals or lots of singing in a movie, but every musical number fits in perfectly and there aren't any random outbursts of song, so I was happy.Every time I watch this movie, I fall in love a little more. Yeah, some people might think it's clichéd, but I'm not watching an earth-shattering documentary... I'm watching a movie that will always make me laugh a little, cry a little, and feel warm inside for days afterwards. Watch it -- you'll like it.

It is a great pity that the title was "Kinky Boots". I am sure that it led some people to expect soft porn so those who flocked to it for that reason were disappointed and those who stayed away for the same reason missed an excellent little film. it was never going to be a blockbuster but it should have had least the business that "THE FULL MONTY" had. I think it would have appealed to the same people. Ejiofor was great in this ,I have to say totally unexpected by me, But of course he is a good actor and has a complete range. Everyone shows up well in this piece and it was a real treat to watch something intelligent, well written and acted and an adult film in the best sense of the word.Perhaps it was a plea for tolerance, perhaps not, but it certainly must have had that affect on viewers with open minds. It was also a rather good education for struggling businesses. Try something new it shouts. Good stuff.