In Her Shoes, directed by Curtis Hanson, is the story of two sisters who seem to have nothing in common. After loosing their mother when they were very young the eldest sister Rose, played by Toni Collete, feels it is her responsibility to keep her younger sister, Maggie played by Cameron Diaz, out of trouble. The two have nothing in common. Rose is a hard working lawyer who believes the only success you can have in life is what you earn. Maggie is a free spirit who gets by on her looks and promiscuous behavior.

One night Maggie calls Rose in a drunken stupor. She needs help and a ride home. As always, Rose rushes to her rescue, leaving the man she believes is her chance at love behind. This starts the vicious cycle the two sisters seem to be caught in. Maggie taking advantage of Rose and Rose constantly rushing to the rescue. When Rose has finally had enough of her sister’s attitude and behavior, she and Maggie get into a huge fight. This results in Maggie sleeping with Roses’ boyfriend. The two go their separate ways.

Maggie has discovered she has a long lost grandmother named Ella, played by Shirley MacLaine, living in Florida. In her twisted mind, she believes she has found her meal ticket and flies down there to see what she can get out of this “new relationship”. Ella is on to her though. She is determined to help this girl turn her life around without letting her realize she is doing it. Finding her a job and giving Maggie a purpose in her life may be all she needs to start fresh.

In the meantime, Rose has quit as a lawyer to become a dog walker. She wants a new and fresh path in life and to be able to find happiness once and for all. Former business partner, Simon Stein, played by Mark Feuerstien, thinks it is his chance to finally woo Rose and the courtship begins.

Even though life seems to be going well for Rose, she is in turmoil over her sister’s disappearance and her inability to find her. The sisters, once very close, now seem to have lost one another. Ella decides to step in and try to bring them together. A family secret will be revealed. Can this secret be what is keeping them apart or will it draw them all back together? Watch the movie and find out for yourself.

This movie is 130 minutes long. It is rated PG 13 due to some language and sexual content. Full cast of primary characters are:
Cameron Diaz ... Maggie Feller
Toni Collette ... Rose Feller
Richard Burgi ... Jim Danvers
Shirley MacLaine ... Ella Hirsch
Candice Azzara ... Sydelle Feller
Brooke Smith ... Amy
Mark Feuerstein ... Simon Stein
Francine Beers ... Mrs. Lefkowitz

My favorite line from the movie is this one about shoes.

Maggie Feller: If you're not going to wear them, don't buy them. Leave them for someone who will get something out of them.
Rose Feller: I get something out of them. When I feel down, I like to treat myself. Clothes never look any good, and food just makes me fatter, but shoes always fit.


Overall, I really enjoyed this movie. Humor intertwined with situations that will pull at your heartstrings kept me interested throughout the movie. One minute I was laughing the next I needed tissues. The cast of characters were wonderful. I loved the straight-laced Rose who needs everything in its place and on an agenda. The fun loving spirit of Maggie will make you laugh out loud with her antics. The gentle but firm hand of Ella is just as a grandmother should be. I could see people relating to each of the characters. I bet we have all have known a Rose, Maggie or Ella in our lives. At least I know I have. This is a movie I will want to watch again one day.




Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older