Review added December 11, 2005

IN HER SHOES

Review by Ann Stephani

This is a serious, yet heart-warming, touching and often humorous movie about family conflict and resolution. Two very different sisters reflect what each other lacks in life (the older, more responsible, educated attorney with a little personal life) and the younger (gorgeous, dyslexic and unstable, dishonest, dysfunctional) sister and a series of long-held family secrets and the consequences of those secrets.

Not having seen Cameron Diaz in a film previously (aside from the voice of Phiona on Shrek movies), she gives an amazing performance as the younger sister who is able, finally, to turn her life around with the assistance of her grandmother (subtly but deeply portrayed by Shirley MacClaine).

This is not a chick flick, however, as men are major players in the lives of these women and have their own skeletons to bear.

This movie may make you cry, with its explorations of such universal themes as understanding, acceptance and forgiving, but it's worth it. For some viewers, seeing Cameron Diaz in what one older resident of a "retirement community for active seniors" describes as wearing a postage stamp on her bottom (aka bikini), that may also be a draw.

I give it 4 stars (out of a possible 5).

And don't forget to look for the corgi! :-)

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Review added December 11, 2005