Movie Review by Susan Hodgetts
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Linda Bassett, Josh Cole, Joel Edgerton
Director: Julian Jarrold
The latest warm-hearted, quirky British comedy from the producers of CALENDAR GIRLS employs a similar air of sauciness to its predecessor, this time emanating from the glamorous world of the Soho drag queen.
Charlie Price (Aussie Joel Edgerton) is forced to run the traditional family shoe factory on his father’s sudden death. Charlie was hoping to move to London and the last place he’d seen his future was in lowly old Northampton. Also when he discovers that the factory is in dire straits, he welcomes the burden even less. With his workers’ jobs on the line, Charlie desperately needs inspiration. One night, visiting London, opportunity presents itself when he wakes up in drag queen Lola’s boudoir at The Angel Club, a cabaret joint. With the help of feisty factory worker Lauren (Sarah Jane Potts) he invites Lola (Chiwetel Ejiofor) to Northampton to design a range of erotic boots for men.
Pressure mounts on Charlie as the Milan Fashion Fair approaches, and his problems with his fiancee (Jemima Rooper) are getting out of control. Charlie snaps at Lola, putting their prospects at the Fashion Fair in jeopardy. Charlie and Lola must both learn to find their place in the world as their unlikely friendship is put to the test.
This is a gentle film with sweet and funny moments, and good performances. Chiwetel Ejiofor gives yet another diverse but brilliant performance, lighting up the screen with ease, grace and charm. Damn him, the man even looks stunning as a woman.
And the fantastic thumping soundtrack will be fabulous for drunken house parties.
