Review of Where God Left His Shoes (2007) by Marcelina F — 27 Jun 2009

This is a raw and desperate tale of survival in the big city (New York) with Leguizamo as an unemployed boxer with a shady past and his wife played by Leonor Varela. When they are evicted from their New York City apt, they have no choice but to move into a homeless shelter with their two kids.

After a few difficult months, a glimmer of hope arrives Christmas Eve since a nearby housing project has an apartment available immediately. The catch is that Frank (Leguizamo) needs a job in order to qualify.

So while the rest of the city prepares for Christmas, Frank and his 10 year old step-son hit the cold streets trying to find a job by day's end so that the family can have a home on Christmas morning.

In the vein of The Pursuit of Happyness and Eric Brockovich comes another (not as phenomenal) story of hope, despair, survival, and endurance. This family refuses to break apart during the darkest time of their lives, discovering in the process that they will survive as long as they have each other.

I could not give it four stars because I did not agree with the way Frank treated his step-son. Just because you show tenderness and love to your son does not mean you are gay! His character is very homophobic and he leaves a lot to be desired in terms of his parenting skills.

Along the film you also will find out he does not know how to read nor write! Relying on a 10 year old to read job wanted ads on the paper, helping him seek employment- what a parent! Good film overall but this guy leaves a lot to be desired as a parent and as a husband.