31 Aug 2006

Kinky Boots

Director: Julian Jarrold

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Chiwetel Ejiofor

Screening: 2006-05-09

Drag queens, dig out your heels and stand tall! In Kinky Boots,
Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a strong black transvestite whom many drag
queens would be proud to call "my sister". His muscular physique
and baritone voice may initially be at odds with his thick eyelashes
and his red stiletto-heel boots. But soon enough, he'll make you
see why these things go together on him like a wink and a smile.


Chiwetel is a glamorous stage performer whose routine includes
These Boots are Made for Walking and Whatever Lola
Wants
. However, his large feet make it difficult for him to
find women's shoes that fit. When he chances upon the down-and-out
manager (Joel Edgerton) of an unsuccessful shoe factory, he urges
the latter to specialize in shoes for transvestites. And waddaya
know? Chiwetel helps to turn the factory's fortunes around —
and change the way the factory workers think of drags queens.


Kinky Boots is a mildly entertaining and sweet-tempered
comedy along the lines of The Full Monty and Calendar
Girls
, though not quite as funny as either. Although it preaches
tolerance and acceptance of all humanity, it is ultimately too lightweight
to make much of an impact. Still, trannie viewers will have a lot
of cheer for in Chiwetel. A paragon of drag royalty, he is strong,
proud, brave and very very trendy.