In Her Shoes (2005) [PG-13]

So often, a movie based on a book just doesn't measure up to the original material. That is not the case here. In the hands of the excellent director, Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys, 8 Mile), what could have just been a low grade "chick flick", is instead an insightful journey of two sisters finding themselves and reconnecting with each other.

Perfectly cast, Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette play Maggie and Rose, sisters with little in common but their past and their shoe size.  Maggie is wild, sexy, and always in some kind of trouble. Toni is straight-laced, struggling with her self-image (although she owns a ton of amazing shoes), and often the one who bails out Maggie when she fouls up. When Maggie finally goes too far, Rose disowns her. With nowhere else to go, Maggie travels to Florida to investigate their past, and ends up at a senior retirement community where she encounters Shirley MacLaine, who is ideal in the part.

Many of the seniors in the movie are amateurs, who, like the rest of the cast, deliver exceptional performances. This movie will pull you in and involve you. You will find yourself unable to take sides with either sister, instead rooting for both of them.

I promise that after the movie ends, you will find yourself at the library or the bookstore, looking for the book. While you're there, check out Good In Bed, also by Jennifer Weiner. In fact, after reading  and seeing In Her Shoes, I read every book she wrote!

Whether you have a sister or not, you will enjoy this movie!

DIRECTOR: Curtis Hanson. CAST: Cameron Diaz, Toni Collette, Shirley MacLaine, Mark Feuerstein, Ken Howard, Candice Azzara, Brooke Smith, Francine Beers, Norman Lloyd, Jerry Adler.

AWARDS: Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 4 nominations.