Kinky Boots DVD Review

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sarah-Jane Potts, Jemima Rooper, Linda Bassett, & Nick Frost

Produced by: Nicholas Barton, Suzanne Mackie, & Peter Ettedgui

Directed by: Julian Jarrold
Miramax films
Rated PG-13

With the success of such movies like The Full Monty, British comedies have found a certain niche with American audiences. With the newest comedy import from our neighbor across the pond, Kinky Boots now available on DVD, it too is hoping to find an audience. Unfortunately however, Kinky Boots never lives up to the bar The Full Monty managed to set.

Kinky Boots, which is loosely based on a true story, follows Charlie Price (Edgerton) who with his fiancée (Rooper) is trying to start a new life together in London. When Charlie's father dies, he begrudgingly takes over the family business which happens to be a failing and financially strapped shoe factory located in the town of Northampton. Charlie is forced to leave his somewhat glitzy life in London much to the chagrin of his fiancée, and move to the small working class hamlet of Northampton.

In a completely unbelievable coincidence that could only happen in the movies, Charlie happens to run into a drag queen named Lola (Ejiofor) who complains about uncomfortable boots. This is the beginning of a spark that does not fully ignite until Charlie officially takes over the shoe factory.

When Charlie settles in to his new life, he realizes the factory is hemorrhaging money, and is extremely close to going completely under. He begins firing employees left and right in hopes of getting the finances under control when he meets Lauren (Potts).She in turn offers up the advice of changing the product line instead of getting rid of the work force. This of course leads Charlie back to Lola and the idea of creating a series of exotic yet comfortable line of lady's boots.

Lola agrees to come to Northampton and stay for five weeks to help the new line of boots be ready in time for an important fashion show that could save the factory. This naturally leads to a tired plotline of everyone having to face their prejudices and come to grips with their own insecurities so in the end they are all better off and one big happy family.

Unfortunately the film is one tired movie cliché after another. It takes awhile for the story to really take off which leads me to believe only the most dedicated of movie goers would stick around long enough to see the end. I was really disappointed with how staunchly conservative the script was as well. There were some real opportunities with this movie to take some chances with the character of Lola, but it remained rather bland, and Ejiofor's talent was wasted.

The technical aspects of the film were strong especially the scenes shot in Northampton. You really get a sense of the working class society the town is built around. There are a couple of big musical productions with Lola doing her act that are a nice compliment, and are actually the best parts of the entire movie.

The actors all do a serviceable if not memorable job. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Sarah-Jane Potts shine in their respective roles even though the script leaves something to be desired. Ejiofor in particular was held back in his performance by an overly safe script. He more than likely could have turned in a truly memorable performance if he had only been given the proper material to work with.

The DVD does contain a few added bonuses. There are two featurettes, "The Real Kinky Boots Factory" and "Journey of a Brogue". Both are decent and are more interesting than the actual film. There is also a set of four deleted scenes which have an option of adding commentary from the director. The usual audio commentary from the director and a few of the actors including Ejiofor round out the special features offered on the DVD.

Over all Kinky Boots is not a really bad movie. It does take a while for the story to get going, but once it does, the film manages to hold your attention. It is a fairly predictable plot however, and the fact the directing, writing, and actors' performances all seemed reined in leaves the movie unfulfilling. Kinky Boots wants to be a little comedy with a big heart. With a few funny moments, a couple of over the top music performance, and an attempt at showing the good in human nature, it at least succeeds at being just that.