Review of Legally Blonde (2001) by Rachel H — 22 Apr 2012

Some may heap scorn upon this film for being a quote-unquote "fluffy comedy" (which it is) and therefore not a piece of true art, but those who make such claims clearly did not see the movie for what it is.

I won't say that it is a perfect film, because it isn't, but for what it is, Legally Blonde is a damned entertaining film and one that I will always enjoy watching. I also like that beneath the sugar and the candy-coating, it has a genuinely good message that, though it has been said before, needs to be said.

Namely, that one can do whatever one wants to so long as they put in the appropriate amount of hard work. That, and the whole being yourself and making yourself happy (going to law school as opposed to being a senator's trophy wife) message.

However, the film would not be as memorable or funny as it is if it weren't for the fantastic writing and the fantastic central performance of Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods. This is one of the performances where I could see no other actor playing the character.

If they had a different actress play the role, or if they had a different screenwriter (but I put particular emphasis on the former), the film would not have been as good. It wouldn't necessarily be bad, but it wouldn't be good either.

Witherspoon is an absolute delight as Elle Woods. She is bubbly, she's charismatic, she's sweet, and she plays a genuinely likeable character whom we want to see succeed and be happy. In other words, she is a total delight, and the movie would not be the same without her, as she delivers one of my favourite comedic performances.

She is backed up by a series of awesome supporting performances from the likes of Selma Blair, Jennifer Coolidge, Luke Wilson, and Victor Garber, and a terrific screenplay. Needless to say, this film holds a special place in my heart, and it is a ton of fun to watch, even though it is not a perfect film and it does have some silly moments.

It has a good story, memorable characters, great performances, and it's an all around great movie, though I cannot see it appealing to the tastes of everyone.