A surprisingly funny and heartfelt film, "In Her Shoes" comes from what seems like the least likely of directors, Curtis Hanson. But this may very well be what makes the film work so perfectly. Hanson casts the very best talent out there, shoots the film with a minimalist style, and takes his time, moving effortlessly between story threads here which, somehow, gives the film the perfect pace.

Often we see films with interesting characters and expansive storylines and think that the film is good but the novel must be excellent. (The recent "Bee Season" ) is a perfect example of this). But here we see the film and feel like Hanson has somehow been able to capture not only the characters and storylines but also the subtle nuances and intricate observations of the novel. There seems to be nothing lacking here.

Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette are perfect as sisters who seem as opposite as opposites could be. Diaz's Maggie is gorgeous but an airhead. Even worse, she is slightly uneducated and has a problem with reading. A drunken party girl, the ageing Maggie has spent her young life getting by on her good looks and easy virtues. Collette, meanwhile, plays a character named Rose who is, of course, diametrically opposed to this ideal. A lawyer, she is smart, hard working and composed. Rose often takes care of Maggie, since the two have grown up without a mother and the dynamics of their relationship have become their standard way of life.

I don't want to give too much of the interesting story away so I'll try to be as ambiguous as possible. Shirley MacLaine enters the film about a third of the way into its running and provides one of the most lovely older characters to grace the silver screen in a Hollywood film in quite some time. MacLaine isn't afraid to look older or appear "elderly." Even in doing so, she still looks fabulous here and plays her character perfectly. She offers to help Maggie and when the young woman asks her why, she replies with the stands, "Because, I'm your grandmother." But she delivers this line so perfectly, my heart nearly broke. Suddenly, I missed my grandmothers enormously. And since both of them have passed away, I was flooded with memories of all they had done for me and all the love they had given me unconditionally. MacLaine evoked this with a single line of dialogue. Her performance is utterly magical.

Hanson earns the accolades that were showered upon him with "L.A. Confidential" with this film. We have to look back to note he also directed "8 Mile" and "The Wonder Boys" since that cultish film to realize just how diverse his work has been over the past few years. Hanson brings forth what might be the best "chick flick" directed by an established male Hollywood director in quite some time. Considering the state of movies in 2005, to have a solid film with a great story, interesting characters, unique performances and the vast expanse of a novel is truly something to be rewarded. "In Her Shoes" is all that - and Cameron Diaz in a bikini!

Notes:

Also with Francine Beers, Jerry Adler, and Mark Feuerstein (of TV's "Good Morning, Miami").

Based on the novel by Jennifer Weiner, who has a cameo walking in a street scene. Weiner's sister, grandmother and agent also have cameos.

Collette gained 25 pounds for the part which she lost during filming to reflect her character's evolution.

Viewed in Austin in November, 2005.

Report Card

Script: A+

Acting: A+

Cinematography\Lighting: B+

Special Effects\Make Up: A+

Music: A+

Final Grade: A+