Movie Stats:
Released 2001 (USA)
American, in English
Director - Robert Luketic
Stars - Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Coolidge, Victor Garber, Luke Wilson
Plot Summary:
When Elle Woods (Witherspoon) is dumped by her boyfriend at the exact moment she expects a proposal, she follows him to Harvard Law to win him back. Coolidge co-stars as Elle’s manicurist BFF Paulette; Garber as Callahan, the professor who gives Elle a shot on a murder case; and Wilson as Emmett, Callahan’s associate/Elle’s new love interest.
Warnings:
Mild blue language; very minor violence.
Bad Stuff:
It’s improbable in every way imaginable.
The stereotyping, especially of gay people, is seriously cringe inducing.
Some of the dialogue leaves much to be desired.
Good Stuff:
I love the message. On the surface, it seems like a cliche romance film. You don’t have to dig very deep to discover that in reality it’s about being kind to people and believing in one’s self.
It’s got a great heart.
It’s fun and funny.
About the Performance:
So, I originally planned to review Witherspoon’s performance in “Walk the Line,” which she won an Oscar for. While I do like that film, I wasn’t in the mood for it. I’ve always felt that that film is more about Johnny Cash, and Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of him, than it is about June Carter, and Witherspoon’s portrayal of her. I wasn’t a fan of her win, not because she wasn’t good, but because I thought it was more of a supporting role. Ultimately, I chose to switch films.
Do I think Witherspoon is amazing in it? Not exactly. I do think she has great comedic timing. Also, she imbues Elle with a lot of likability. Her bubbly, excessively cheerful character could be annoying. Instead, she’s endearing. That’s not easy to pull off. I do think she’s a good actress. I probably could’ve picked a better film to showcase that, but sometimes you just want to watch something fun.
Other performances of Witherspoon’s I’ve reviewed: none.
The Verdict:
Listen, this is a very silly film. Practically nothing that happens in it could ever happen in real life. But this isn’t the kind of film that you watch expecting realism, Oscar-winning performances, or great storytelling. This is the kind of film you watch to be entertained and to make you feel good. I’ve always loved it for its message. Elle thinks that she needs a man to make her happy. What she discovers is strength and happiness inside of herself. I also love that she starts out the film as a confident person. This isn’t some sad sack character that learns to love herself. What she learns is to love different things about herself. Maybe that’s a bit after school special-ish, but I think it’s sweet. We could all stand to get to know, and love, the different facets of ourselves. It may be silly but it’s also fun as all get out.
I give it 4 stars.
2 comments:
For a Reese Witherspoon performance I found delightful in its off-the-rails execution, might I recommend 1996's Freeway? I also think the role she played in Election was made for her.
Both of those are dark, though. This movie is a wonderful dessert with a good message.
I seriously considered doing Election instead. I love that movie and she's delightful in it. But the fact that we own a copy of Legally Blonde, giving me the ability to post my review on time when I decided not to do Walk the Line, won out.
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