Hell on Heels: The Battle of Mary Kay (2002 TV Movie) User Reviews

Enjoyable diversion

[howie73 · 7/10 · 21 March 2005]

This is based on a true story but you wouldn't think it from watching this well made but TV movie with a top-notch cast which includes Shirley Maclaine, Parker Posey and Shannen Doherty. The tone is satirical rather than matter-of-fact. Some scenes are very exaggerated and ultra camp, especially the beginning which might dissuade many from watching the rest. It feels like a musical most of the time and you half expect the cast members to jump into song. There are many snappy lines from Maclaine as the eponymous cosmetics queen heroine, while Posey is very good as her arch-rival, she doesn't get enough screen time to compete with Maclaine, which is a shame. Doherty gives a totally hyperactive performance which is totally at odds with her depiction in the media. In some ways t doesn't feel like a TV movie. The sets are extravagant at times and you can tell more money was thrown at this movie than most. An enjoyable diversion.

Wicked, but one-note comedic showdown

[moonspinner55 · 6/10 · 19 August 2007]

Mary Kay Cosmetics founder Mary Kay Ash (Shirley MacLaine, well-cast) sees her empire challenged seriously for the first time with the Jinger Heath-fronted BeautiControl; but the new competitor, helmed by greedy upstarts, neglects to take into consideration the longevity in Mary Kay's cut-rate homilies and fiercely devoted sales-team, and the showdown begins. Jazzy, cynically-comic behind-the-scenes glimpse at big business--powder puff style--though the most interesting scenes are the more subtle ones in which Jinger Heath (the fabulous Parker Posey) is shown, unintentionally or not, aping her competitor's flossy social business style and manners, giving facile beauty tips with a beaming smile that belies an ignorance of the big picture. This TV-movie offers MacLaine in particular one of the best roles she's had in years; a cunning shark dolled up to look like an accidentally-on-purpose corporate czar, MacLaine nails this headstrong, stubborn lady who never lets anything slip passed her. The two leads (and Shannen Doherty as Mary Kay's most fervent saleswoman) approach this winking material with such moxie and self-assurance that it's a far more entertaining gossip-monger than it has any right to be. The handling is knowing and clever, but surface-cute. It scores points by not making the main ensemble out to be either saints or devils, yet its satire occasionally teeters toward self-parody.

Hysterical!

[Club Kid · 18 October 2002]

"Hell on Heels: The Battle Of Mary Kay" is hilarious! I was anticipating this tv movie because I'm a huge fan of Parker Posey and i was truly impressed. Shirly MacLaine plays Mary Kay, the woman behind the makeup company, we first meet her at a convention for all the sellers of her makeup. AT this convention, Mary Kay is basically worshiped, like she is Jesus himself. We then meet Jinger Heath (Parker Posey) who's husband owns another rival makeup company. For him to get more sales, he asks Jinger to come in and help sell his makeup, much like Mary Kay.

The story goes on from there, where the two rivals compete to get a bigger following. The performances are great. MacLaine can never do wrong, and she fits the part of Mary Kay to a tee. Parker Posey plays a bitch brillantly, the two of them together is a match made in Hollywood heaven. All in all, a great film! ***** (out of 5)

Surprisingly good

[kdm042 · 8/10 · 17 October 2002]

I decided to tape this movie on a lark. At first, I thought they were going for maximum silliness, but the story sucked me in anyway, and I enjoyed it all the way to the end.

Mary Kay's women are passionate about their product. For a lot a good reasons, too -- The lady herself was extremely inspirational. The rival company behaved more like modern entities: its executives rode their stock up, and then the employees hurt the most when the company crashed. Meanwhile, Mary Kay took her company private, kept treating her employees like human beings, and grew ever larger.

The movie's best line (from Mary Kay): "Son, you do know it was never about the makeup."

Shirley MacLaine outdid herself playing Mary Kay. Overall, the film was funny and serious at the same time, and a total treat. It's worth 8 out of 10 stars.

5 stars for Hollywood

[senhue-1 · 15 October 2002]

Shirley MacLaine, a veteran visitor to Winnipeg, makes this otherwise typically made for TV movie almost the quality of a theatrical release. The woman of the 50's and 60's once so stereotyped is well echoed in Maclaine's portrayal Of Mary Kay. The cliché quotes are direct from Mark Kay's philosophy of life and business. The story also gives an accurate account of Mary Kay's almost Bi-polar approach in her successful business. She could instantly turn on the charm and caring attitude with her public no matter what. Shannon Doherty has found a vehicle for which her abilities are best suited - slightly comic/overdone and, well ditzy Barbie Doll. Parker Posey plays the role of the competition to Mary Kay Cosmetics with a great level of believability. This movie was filmed in the summer in Winnipeg when the temperatures were high as well the humidity yet this all star cast demonstrated their `give it all capabilities' and maintained their cool. This movie also showcases many of the fine locations available in Winnipeg and provides great example of why this city is used in so many American productions. Bravo to all involved!

It Was Amazing

[jobakhume · 10/10 · 22 November 2002]

This movie has to be one of the best that Shirley has been in. It seems the roles that she loves the most are the roles she does to perfection every time. This was outstanding....she could almost pass for Mary Kay if it called for a resemblance. This is one of Shirley's better roles. Now, let's see someone top that role!