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11 out of 13 people found the following comment useful:-
Reese Witherspoon's Best Performance, 11 November 2001
Author:
jhclues from Salem, Oregon
Don't judge a book by it's cover. An old saying we've all heard so many
times it doesn't seem to mean anything anymore. But it does mean something,
and it's important; and, before we proceed, go back and read it again. In
fact, let me help you: Don't judge a book by it's cover. There. Now take
a moment to think, really think about it. And if it still doesn't mean
anything, take a couple of hours and check out `Legally Blonde,' a comedy
with some real teeth in it, directed by Robert Luketic and starring Reese
Witherspoon. The premise of the story has to do with upscale sorority girl
Elle Woods (Witherspoon), who instead of getting the long awaited, much
anticipated marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Warner (Matthew Davis),
finds herself jilted as he prepares to leave for Harvard Law School. Elle,
it seems, just doesn't fit the oh-so-serious, somber profile that the wife
of a future Senator must have. It's all about image, and Elle's own 4.0
grade average earned in her `frivolous' curriculum apparently doesn't carry
any weight. Being outgoing, positive, beautiful AND intelligent just won't
do among the `serious' of the `upper crust' elite. So, because she looks
good and enjoys her life, Elle is given the gate, and she just can't
understand why. She's devastated. But she's also smart. Smart enough to
pick herself up and make a decision that stands them all on their ears.
With the grades and the wherewithal to swing it, she enters Harvard Law
herself, initially with the intent of winning back Warner. But along the
way she learns something important-- about the way things really are, about
people and about herself, as well. And she sets out to prove that if there
is any `shallowness' around, it's only in the minds of those who perceive
her as something and someone other than what she really is. And, for the
viewer, right out of the gate this is someone you want to see succeed in her
quest, because her triumph-- whatever it may be or however it comes out-- is
going to be one you share right along with her.
Make no mistake, this is one funny movie-- in fact, it's downright
hilarious at times. But beyond the laughter it evokes, there's a flip side
to the same coin. Because beyond all of the comedy there is some serious
issues at the heart of this film, and anyone who's ever been subjected to
trials and tribulations simply because they didn't happen to fit a certain
`mold,' or coincide with someone else's `opinions' of the way things should
be, will be able to identify with Elle's situation. And it's something you
have to be aware of, because even while you're laughing at the funny stuff,
at the same time it's almost painful to watch Elle endure the senseless,
heartless, unnecessary and unwarranted acts that are perpetrated upon her.
At the core of the matter is not only the need for tolerance and
understanding, but the necessity and importance of keeping an open mind
about everything that transpires around you. Who knows what monumental
contributions an individual is capable of making in this imperfect machinery
we call society if they are prejudged into oblivion? So there's a lot more
to this film than meets the eye; `dumb blonde' jokes get nipped in the bud,
and by using a comedy format, the filmmakers here have produced a film that
is not only entertaining, but thoroughly thought-provoking, as well.
Reese Witherspoon opens herself up and gives a dynamic performance here as
Elle; she conveys such a full-of-life spirit that it is easy to empathize
with her, and when the hurt comes, you feel it with her. And through it
all, the way she takes it on the chin then moves on with her life makes her
a role model for those who may find themselves in a similar situation. On
one hand, when Elle finds solace by getting a manicure at the local beauty
shop, it makes for a falling-on-the-floor moment of hilarity, and yet you're
always aware of that other side of the coin, as well. And it makes you root
for her all the more. Witherspoon has a perky, vibrant screen presence that
makes her perfect for this part, and she makes Elle a flawed and therefore
very real person. When she gets knocked down, you feel for her; and then
there's that feeling of triumph when she gets back up and stands her ground.
There's no question that this is Witherspoon's movie, and it's one of the
best performances of her career.
The supporting cast includes Luke Wilson (Emmett), Selma Blair (Vivian),
Victor Garber (Professor Callahan), Jennifer Coolidge (Paulette), Holland
Taylor (Professor Stromwell), Ali Larter (Brooke Taylor-Windham), Jessica
Cauffiel (Margot), Linda Cardellini (Chutney), Alanna Ubach (Serena) and Oz
Perkins (Dorky David), with a special appearance by Raquel Welch as Mrs.
Windham-Vandermark. An entertaining, accessible film that should be
embraced by a wide audience because of the clever way in which it gets
across it's message, `Legally Blonde' can be enjoyed by just taking it at
face value and soaking up the jokes, but offers even greater rewards to
those who really delve into it and see it as an examination of human nature.
Not always, but occasionally, a movie is so much more than what it appears
to be on the surface, and this is one of them. What makes it so good is the
fact that it can really make you laugh, while at the same time it's subtly
telling you that there is no place for cruelty within the realm of human
relationships. It's a film that's worth seeing many times over, and that's
the magic of the movies. I rate this one 9/10.
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