Kinky Boots

© A.J. Malouin 2008

(5 by Caryl and a pass by Al)
(2005—Julian Jarrold—USA/UK)
The rural quaint small English town is in trouble— and so is everyone in it!!! For generation upon generation upon generation the town has revolved around its shoe factory. Most recently, for year after year after year the factory has been producing conservative men’s wing-tip shoes (and conservative men along with them!!) The outside world is changing, however, and if the rural quaint small English town doughnut change…it will die! Oh what oh what oh what is going to happen??? Wellllllll, CHANGE happens. The old man who owns the factory dies. His son very reluctantly takes over…and finds out that the factory is going bankrupt. Something MUST be done!!! What will it take, however, for the young man to turn the situation around? First it takes the support of a female employee, who believes in you even if your bride-to-be doesn’t. (Guess what happens in this triangle!) Next, it takes a partnership with a big-hearted cross-dresser who cannot find the kinky boots which his ensembles require which are designed to fit a man’s foot. (Guess what product the factory starts making!) Next, it takes a Let’s-win-this-war attitude on the part of ultraconservative rural English folk who have never been to The Big City, much less taken Orders from (and for!) a cross-dresser. (Guess whether these two cultural opposites attract each other!) Finally, it takes supra-human efforts to have the new products ready for the Milan Show, no matter what or who has to model the new product. (My oh my, guess what happens Here!) Chiwetel Ejiofor is fabulous as Lola, the big-hearted cross-dresser. The actresses who play the son’s bride-to-be and the female employee who convinces him to fight for the factory both do very nice jobs. “Kinky Boots” is a loverly, fun-fillt and winsome story: totally totally totally lovable and enjoyable. The music is Great, Lola sings songs Great, and Everyone in “Kinky Boots” has Great fun and speaks with British accents. Caryl loved it and so will you!!!

(1 hr 47. Rated PG-13 for thematic material involving sexuality, and for language.)