The Story

Two gals using a boyfriend’s high tech equipment eavesdrop on some crooks making a big payoff from some ‘heavy duty’ safety deposit cash. They decide to blackmail the criminals to steal in on some of the money they lifted. The thieving gang doesn’t respond to the thieving girls so the girls decide to take things into their own hands and raise the stakes. Meanwhile, two incompetent police (who’re always two steps behind) track the girls and robbers in an attempt to foil their plans.

The Players

Shannon (Minnie Driver) – The ever present ‘social conscience’, Shannon is the on again off again blackmailer who can’t decide if it’s a good idea to steal from thieves. Shannon’s a nurse who helps get some guys shot, then cares for them at the local hospital. 3*

Frances (Mary McCormack) – Frances is the below average actress that wants her blackmail scheme to pan out so she can be rich instead of poor. She compromises with Shannon to spend their million quid (about 1.2 million dollars) payoff on some needed hospital equipment. 3*

Danny (Danny Dyer) – The haphazard bank robber ‘lackey’ and the youngest guy on the bank robber team. Danny is quite naive but very willing. 3*

Mason (Kevin McNally) – Mason is a true and evil criminal. This main figure on the bad guys side is the power center for the operation. 4*

Kerrigan (Michael Gambon) – An old pro, Kerrigan is demanding and highly protective in his old age. Kerrigan is the quintessential head Mafioso type. 3*

(1*=horrible, 2*=half & half, 3*=solid, 4*=exceptional, 5*=award winning)

My Feedback

This female oriented style ‘chick-flick’ comedy satirizes (albeit subtly) “Selma and Louise” personas with some really outstanding laughs and great dialogue. Although stereotypical in many ways, this flick still has originality and genuine comedy. The stereotypes include; 1) In classic Disney style the bumbling, goofy girls seem to always hit their mark despite ineptitude, 2) Every male character is bumbling, evil and selfish – and don’t ever seem to hit their mark, 3) and the stereotype that girls are always right is deep in this flick. Despite the clichés in “High Heels and Low Lifes”, I thoroughly enjoyed this film.

Kim Fuller and Georgia Pritchett, who wrote the story for this movie, and Kim Fuller’s screenplay coupled with direction by Mel Smith come together in this well crafted comedy. Although the acting by the main characters is mostly solid (or average), the combination in this (often) hilarious romp creates a very high quality laugh. The humor tends to center on a ‘battle of the sexes’ theme, which may often not be funny at all depending on your viewpoint. It’s not my favorite kind of humor. I tend towards Jim Carrey and more ‘stupid’ modern slapstick formulas. I am, however, considering adding “High Heels and Low Lifes” to my movie collection.

To recap, this ‘girls can do anything’ (and are always right) movie is put together in a very ‘Disney-esque’ format that creates an enjoyable parody at times, and flows solidly with close to above average dialogue. For those of you who like the Eurythmics, the movie ends with their popular song “Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves”. There’s a good soundtrack, the director and screenwriter’s take full advantage of Minnie Driver’s comedic talent (subtle, but very solid), and Kevin McNally’s evil portrayal adds the necessary intensity and tension to the film.

This movie is MPAA rated R for language, some violence and nudity. It’s very unfortunate there’s so much nudity in the flick. There’s only one scene, with strippers at a bar, but it lasts a little too long and except for five seconds is probably totally unnecessary.

Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12