Review of The Cobbler (2014) by Jeff B — 03 Nov 2015

Just the cast alone should earn this film three stars. Hoffman, Buscemi with standard fair, but it's nice to see Sandler step out of his comedic comfort zone to take a chance. However, if you're the demented type who only rates excessive action or gore above an original, intriguing story line, you'll come away disappointed.

Not many stories out there about an enchanted heirloom that turns a standard shoe mender into a guardian of the downtrodden of the Lower East Side. By trying on various customer's shoes, the bored and disgruntled Max is transported by this device placing him in some interesting and thought provoking scenarios as he sees what kind of fun and intrigue he can put into his rather staid and still life.

Of course the fun eventually turns into potential disaster, but this is where the story takes a turn as Max finds that there's apparently a guardian angel or something working in his favor after an accidental murder.

There's even a very sweet scene when Max puts on his father's shoes to take his mom on a date with her long-lost love. Again, if you're just a heartless thug who only lusts after gore and action, this is not for you.

The twist at the end, that Jimmy is actually Max's dad, Dustin Hoffman, should catch most by surprise. Ultimately, Max discovers that even though being a cobbler is rather event-less, being a Simkin cobbler is something altogether extraordinary and potentially impactful beyond one's imagination and dreams.