It occurs to me that we might be short-changing some movies when we pigeon-hole them into the “chick flick” category. I recently had a conversation with a male friend of mine who announced that “In Her Shoes” was the kind of movie that he’d “have to be dragged to by a date.” He didn’t have a date, so he wasn’t going to the movie. Pity that.

           “In Her Shoes” does cover issues that all women can relate to, but the bigger picture is that this well-crafted, well-acted film tells a powerful story. That should be reason enough for any guy to set aside the “chick flick” stereotype and see this film, regardless of his current social status.

           Shoes are not only an important physical prop in this movie, but they’re also a central metaphor. When we walk a mile in somebody else’s shoes, we come to understand their situation. The film looks into the relationship of two sisters, neither of whom understands the other.

           Maggie (Cameron Diaz) parties her socks off and then some. She’s twenty-something, beautiful, completely irresponsible, and painfully dyslexic. After being ejected from her father’s house where the rent was free, she moves in on her older sister Rose (Toni Collette). Rose has always been the responsible, sedate older sister, and she finds the disruptive nature of Maggie’s intrusion impossible. Maggie slobs her apartment, steals her car and cash, and wears her clothes – even her expensive Italian shoes.

           Rose is a successful lawyer, but woefully aware of her plainness and the extra fifteen pounds she carries, especially when she compares herself to the beautiful Maggie.

           She often takes refuge for her shortcomings by buying more shoes. At one point, Maggie explains that a new pair of shoes always makes her feel better. Shoes, unlike jeans, for example, are dependable size-wise. If you wear a size eight shoe, you can gain ten pounds and still wear an eight. Maggie’s closet is full of beautiful, expensive shoes, most of which she seldom wears. All those self-image problems are showing up on her feet. To make matters worse, Maggie sleeps with Rose’s boyfriend. For Rose, that’s the last straw. She tosses Maggie out.

           In desperation, Maggie lands in Florida to find the grandmother that she never new. Ella (Shirley MacLaine) is comfortably situated at a retirement home where she holds court over a whole gaggle of interesting friends. With aged wisdom, they begin to work their magic on Maggie, and she begins to make some changes.

           Ella makes some changes of her own, including reconsidering her relationship with both her granddaughters and their father. She’s finally able to forgive him for hurts of the past that occurred when her daughter, Rose and Maggie’s mother, committed suicide. Rose, Maggie, and Ella discover that they need each other, and it’s never too late to make amends. 

Above all, the chemistry among the three female leads creates perfect balance. These seasoned actors have good timing and a real sense of comedy. They say every line with heart and passion.

“In Her Shoes” isn’t typical Hollywood or mindless entertainment. It’s a smart movie that everyone should see, with or without a date.