Starring: Joel Edgerton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sarah Jane Potts, Nick Frost
Kinky Boots launched both Joel Edgerton and Chiwetel Ejiofor into Hollywood’s casting eye. For good reason. Ejiofor is an obvious force to be reckoned with. It’s funny that I’ve seen him do several films, including 12 Years A Slave, and I’m just now seeing this. It actually makes me appreciate him more. Had this been the first thing I’d seen him in, I’m not sure I would have understood how against character this is.
Ejiofor, of course, had been around as a character actor for years. Prior to this, he had already done films I’d seen, like Serenity, Love Actually, and Four Brothers. However, this was his first leading role, and the first role that kicked off his new career as an actor with name recognition.
He’s fantastic. Edgerton is great, as a man who lacks confidence, but has a strong moral foundation. He is a quiet person who fights for what is right. Edgerton had also done a few things before this, but was much less noticeable in those than Ejiofor, except for Star Wars fans. Nick Frost is good in a supporting role, playing a different type than he’s used to playing.
I haven’t seen the musical, but I’m more interested in it now than I was before. Kinky Boots is a great story, funny and dramatic, and featuring great performances. It’s a shame that more people haven’t seen this film.
Kinky Boots only made 1.8M domestically in 2006, and 8.1 in foreign markets, but luckily for you, it is now available on Netflix Instant! Ejiofor was even nominated for a Golden Globe! It’s an underseen gem you shouldn’t miss. It has a great message about being yourself, and not doing what others expect from you.
FINAL GRADE: A-
