From Deseret News archives:
Legally Blonde
Film review
The latest example is the comedy "Legally Blonde." As charming and downright silly as it may be, this is definitely not the vehicle that up-and-comer Reese Witherspoon deserves after her much-heralded turn in 1999's "Election."
For one thing, it's only funny in fits and spurts, and the story takes a ludicrous, unbelievable turn toward the end. Even worse, the filmmakers fail to develop an interesting romantic subplot, and the film suffers as a result.
Still, Witherspoon does impress as Elle Woods, a sorority president at a Southern California university. Elle thinks she has it all, including a perfect boyfriend wealthy preppie Warner Huntington III (Matthew Davis).
However, it all falls apart for Elle in a hurry when Warner dumps the perky blonde so he can concentrate on bigger things, such as legal training at Harvard University.
Elle isn't content to leave it at that, however, and she's determined to win back his heart. So she buckles down, takes the law-school entrance exam and manages to get into Harvard herself.
Screenwriters Karen McCullah-Lutz and Kirsten Smith ("10 Things I Hate About You") have a lot to work with, but their adaptation isn't nearly as smart as the source material (Amanda Brown's novel). In particular, all the plot threads are wrapped up in a particularly unsatisfying manner (with a clich�d "Where are they now?" bit).
First-time filmmaker Robert Luketic doesn't make a lot of mistakes, but he lacks the visual flair to pull it all together. That leaves most of the work to the cast, especially Witherspoon, whose portrayal of Elle is much smarter and much more subtle than the part is written.
Unfortunately, the way the story is structured, Witherspoon doesn't have a whole lot of scenes with co-star Luke Wilson or with the talented supporting cast (Holland Taylor is wasted in what amounts to a cameo).
"Legally Blonde" is rated PG-13 for crude sexual humor and references, scattered profanity and brief, slapstick-style violence. Running time: 96 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair
Find a Movie Theater
- New Mexico has not quit on season 2:09 a.m.
- CSU spoils BYU's senior night 2:08 a.m.
- Utah Grizzlies win 2:07 a.m.
- Firm believers in TCU's talent 2:06 a.m.
- GameDay shows MWC some love 2:04 a.m.
- RSL heads to MLS title game 2:02 a.m.
- Hall ties Detmer's record for wins 1:57 a.m.
- TCU creams U. 1:56 a.m.
- SLCC campus briefs 1:42 a.m.
- UVU campus briefs 1:40 a.m.
- Apostle's wife felt comfort in attack
- Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
- Short-handed Jazz fly past Sixers
- D-Will home for daughter
- Utes excited for 'dream' game
- Bench proves fruitful for Y.
- Crash on snowy road kills woman
- GameDay in Fort Worth
- Born of water and the spirit
- BYU happy to escape with victory
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
358 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
200 - BYU happy to escape with victory
194 - Will state consider gay rights law?
148 - TCU creams U.
134 - Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?
130 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
129 - Utes remain silent about BCS
120 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
106 - Celtics crush Jazz
104
So Great!!! So Proud - Love RSL - Bring Home The CUP!!!!!
mr cannon's bold assertation that the purpose of the first ammendemnt as...
Great great great game!!!! Nicky Rimando is a god! We're the most complete...
I had the game on DVR and just watched it. That was the most exciting game...
financially cannot this year, but I will watch loyally, how great to hear...
This is hardly surprising. Bennett has a remarkable arrogance which is also...
I guess that is why "they play the game" as Herman Edwards would say.. ...
What was the score of the LSU vs LA tech game? Alot closer than you'd like to...
Has Fedor not said that THIS IS OUR YEAR all year long? Go back and...
This is just a small glimpse of the future with Obamacare: corruption, waste...




You can be the first to comment on this story.