Jennifer Weiner’s In Her Shoes is truly brought to life in the artful hands of Shirley MacLaine, Toni Collette, and Cameron Diaz. Weiner’s sophomore novel was a slightly disappointing read after the clever Good in Bed, but this acting trio managed to tap into an emotional vein that had been lost on paper.

Rose (Toni) is a professionally successful, but drab attorney who is romantically, psychologically, and socially miserable. She is drawn to loser men and her only solace is purchasing stylish, expensive shoes that she never wears, just relegates to her closet, much like her emotions. By comparison, her younger sister Maggie (Cameron) lacks all sense of responsibility, as well as a home yet, excels in having a zest for life. Unfortunately, that passion equates to suffering for her sister and Michael (Ken), her father, as they are the ones consistently bailing her out of trouble. Still, one cannot help pulling for Maggie as her utter buffoonery and emotional dysfunction somehow evoke sympathy.

But, when Maggie goes too far, forcing Rose to put her out, everyone’s lives are irrevocably changed. Rose discovers love and finds some peace, though she still yearns for the chaos that is her sister. Maggie locates their grandmother Ella (Shirley) - - thought to be dead - - and taps into her own talents, all the while wishing that she could have her sister’s forgiveness. Ella gets the opportunity to be a grandmother and make up for what she did not give her own daughter. And Michael comes to terms with the fatal errors he made concerning his daughters and Ella, after his wife’s death.

The just over two-hour running time seemed a bit much initially, but one gets so caught up in the humor, love, and demonstrative nature of the story that time seems to dance by quickly. Shirley MacLaine, of course, is a natural as the feisty, guarded grandmother and Cameron Diaz gives her finest performance to date, given her limited dramatic talents. Hopefully, Toni Collette (most brilliant in Muriel’s Wedding) will continue to get solid roles.

In Her Shoes leans more towards being a chick flick, but has enough to keep the guys watching, as well. The tale of family, forgiveness, and romance could have easily been a fluff piece, but Director Curtis Hanson (8 Mile, L.A. Confidential, Hand that Rocks the Cradle) really pulled off something quite touching.