The objective of a comedy movie is to be funny, and comedy in its most simplistic form comes in an unfettered way with the 2001 piece “Legally Blonde.”
With its outlandish plot and cartoonish stereotypes of vapid women and New England elitists alike, “Legally Blonde” will have you bellowing laughs from start to finish in a fast paced and thoroughly enjoyable movie.
Reese Witherspoon stars as Delta Nu Sorority president Elle Woods, and does so in a way that reminds you Witherspoon is one of the better comedic actresses in Hollywood. Witherspoon burst into stardom in the 1999 teen drama “Cruel Intentions” in a supporting role, but with the staring role in “Legally Blonde” proves she has what it takes to carry a film on her own.
Elle Woods is the quintessential Beverly Hills babe; fashionable, amused by the simplicity of shopping or getting a pedicure, and of course cascading blonde hair that draws the affections of men and the ire of other women. Elle’s seemingly perfect life comes crashing down at the movies onset when long time preppy boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Matthew Davis) dumps her over dinner, where she was certain he would be proposing. “If I’m a senator, I need a Jackie not a Marilyn.” Warner advises in a cold and heartless way.
With her mind set on winning Warner back, Elle enrolls at Harvard Law School where she encounters the dismissive prejudices her looks afford her and a rivalry with Warner’s new upper class girlfriend.
“Legally Blonde” is whimsical to say the least, but director Robert Luketic is careful to craft the absurdities in such a way that they seem plausible as you’re watching. The result follows closely to the Amanda Brown novel of the same name and of course, makes you smile with its silly but hysterical dialogue throughout.
When Elle first arrives at Harvard with her purse-sized dog Bruiser in tow, she is ridiculed by the other students with comments like “check out Malibu Barbie” and “wheres the beach honey.” While tongue in cheek its funny to envision people reacting this way to an attractive woman. I’ve been to the Harvard campus before and gorgeous girls are rampant, some of them even have blonde hair. When the Harvard board is considering her enrollment application (which includes a video of her lounging poolside in a bikini) one board member concedes that her list of extracurricular activities is impressive to which the traditional president replies dryly “she was in a Ricky Martin video.”
Unlike Paris Hilton, Elle is a highly sympathetic character who has clearly been underestimated her entire life. While somewhat ditsy, Elle shows a knack for her intelligence with a 4.0 average, albeit at Fashion School. When she finally passes her Harvard entry exam after hours of prep work and study, you really have no choice but to pull for her.
In today’s world of gender shaming, Elle Woods shows that being a girlie-girl doesn’t mean you have to be clueless in life. Witherspoon is perfectly funny in the performance; her first course at Harvard sees her surrounded by studious classmates with noses buried in laptops as she produces a heart shaped notebook and frilly pink pen.
When she runs into Warner in the halls of Harvard he stunningly asks her what she’s doing at the school. “I go here.” She coyly replies. “You go where?” “Harvard. What, like its hard to get in?”
The supporting cast is excellent in rounding out the edges. Selma Blair is perfect in the role of Vivian Kensington, the preppy snot and Warner’s current flame who spars with Elle in their very first meeting, going so far as to get Elle kicked out of the class. Vivian is clearly jealous of Elle, and treats her like a second class citizen right from the start.
The great Victor Garber (“Titanic“) plays Professor Callahan. At one point Elle applies for an internship at Callahan’s law firm by handing over her pink, perfume scented resume. “Do you suppose she woke up one morning and said, I think I’ll go to law school today?” He asks Emmett (Luke Wilson) another attorney who becomes a love interest for Elle.
“Legally Blonde” is a fun movie that succeeds in being a straight forward comedy. With its long line of laughs and strong replay value, its a definite Instant DVD Purchase. Its simply a great comedy that’s a pleasure to watch, and a movie you’ll hate yourself for loving.
by – Matt Christopher
