Kinky Boots on DVD (2005)

Best British Comedy since Full Monty. No, It's Even Better.

TristanWhite [Highly rated reviewer] , 07/10/2005

I saw a sneak preview of this in Soho earlier this week and it is absolutely BRILLIANT. The story is a rehash of the usual (prejudiced Northerners have a bit of trouble getting their heads around something a bit different but eventually they come to) but it's a winning formula so why stop it? It's more than just a rehash, though. This is hilarious laugh-out-loud stuff. Honestly, the crowd in the cinema were wetting themselves during this huge crowdpleaser for all the family.

A shoe factory is going under, and the young guy (Aussie Joel Edgerton does an excellent British accent, it has to be said) who has recently inherited it is faced with a huge conundrum and needs to start making staff redundant, which he hates doing. But then a chance meeting with Lola, a drag queen (resplendent CHIWETEL EJIOFOR - he who played the Nigerian immigrant in DIRTY PRETTY THING - is brilliant and MUST get a supporting Oscar for this!!). It doesn't take long for the factory owner to realise that there is a niche market in kinky boots specifically designed for transvestites and drag queens, but will he get them all ready in time for a show in Milan.

You may think the film would appeal to a certain type of audience but believe me, it is one of the most mainstream films I've seen in ages and would appeal to everyone in your family. The sexuality in Lola is never thrust down the viewer's throat (oo err) and is closer to 'Tootsie' or 'Some Like it Hot' than say 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' in its mainstreamness. It would be enjoyed worldwide, and is sure to conquer America. It gets a 12A certificate, and this is only because of a single use of the F word. Otherwise it would be a U.

A great great film, really funny, excellent acting, what more! I want to see it again!

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Paint-by-numbers 'entertainment'

Rehan from London , 08/01/2007

A lot of people will find this film moderately enjoyable and amusing: the sort of people for whom 'entertainment' and 'undemanding' are synonymous.

There isn't ONE SINGLE CLICHÉ left out here: the drag queen, damaged but of great integrity; the confused and unimaginative inheritor of the business; his ambitious, cheating girlfriend; the faithful, supportive replacement girlfriend from the shopfloor; the burly, phobic worker who eases up; the ... I could go on, but it's too boring.

Every single plot development, however close to the original story, was conveyed in the style of an ITV film. If that's what you want, this film is suitable in every way.

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Brill!!!

Emma from Bristol , 01/06/2006

Absolutely Brill, one of the best films i've seen in ages! Funny, sad and mind broadening all at the same time. Although the cast weren't paticularly well known to me, they were all excellent in their own way.

Definate recommendation for a light hearted, funny, and eye opening night in!

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fab film

mand2803 from Lancashire , 30/03/2006

Absolutley brilliant film, some fab one liners, my kids have watched it 5 times,

Superb way to make homophobes change their outlook.

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Customer Review

A customer from UK , 23/06/2008

Very, very predictable with some awful wooden acting.

Described as a comedy but no one laughed and only I recall 1 or 2 vaugely amusing lines (I won't mention the script).

An example of everything that is wrong with British film - predictable and tired based on a quaint view of Britain that is more 19th century than 21st century.

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Heart-warming

lulu82 from London , 12/08/2008

I thoroughly enjoyed this light-hearted British comedy, with a serious undertone. Somewhat predictable, but brings a smile to your face. Joel Edgerton is brilliant as the moody yet bumbling Charlie Price, and Chiwetel Ejiofor brings drag queen Lola to life. A great one for a rainy Sunday arvo.

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