Rating: 
Summary: (2 1/2) Cute Enough to See Once - Reese Does a Good Job
Review: This film was not disappointing only because I had low expectations after seeing the previews and reading the critics' reviews. I often disagree with the critics regarding lighthearted comedies, but their lukewarm reviews are right in this case. This is a summer comedy meant to showcase Reese Witherspoon and it does that adequately, but the plot is very thin and it is sanitized so the potentially controversial aspects disappear. Most unfortunately, a strong supporting cast is severely underutilized. Several of the characters from LEGALLY BLONDE reprise their roles and their familiarity lends continuity to the story but also serves to remind us how much better that film was. In addition, the roles of Luke Wilson and to a lesser extent Sally Fields have no character development at all. Bob Newhart does a great job with his usual deadpan style but is only slightly less peripheral to the story.The plot is simplicity itself. Despite her upcoming wedding to Luke Wilson, Elle leaves Boston after being fired from her promising job at a major law firm when she espouses the cause of animal-free testing of cosmetics to the potential detriment of the firm's relationship with a longstanding large client. Since this is a personal crusade for Elle out of loyalty to Bruiser, the chihuahua who is her constant companion, she feels compelled to continue her efforts to eliminate such testing. She thus decides to go to Washington to work as a Congressional aide and orchestrate a political crusade to change the laws that currently allow such testing as an alternative to voluntary compliance by the cosmetics industry. Of course, as a vision in pink in a town of dark pinstripes she is initially ridiculed as "Capitol Barbie" but perserveres. Elle has to learn how the political process works, and soon encounters the usual intrusion of "political reality and fundraising needs" on any hope of our legislators making informed decisions based on principle, Thus she has to mobilize grassroots support to have any hope of success. The story actually has some potential, but is played for cuteness rather than either outright comedy. And every opportunity for an educational discussion the issues is avoided. (E.g the writers use the sophisticated technique of a discharge petition but miss a great opportunity to aid the moviegoer's understanding of our legislative process.) It is as if everyone associated with the making of the movie believed that causing the audience to have to think might limit the movie's appeal. I rounded up my rating to an extremely generous three stars for three reasons. First, it has some truly funny moments, several of my favorite actors are in the cast and does showcase Reese Witherspoon. Second, dogs in movies always have the potential to raise my rating and they are the key to this storyline - the Rottweiler is great. Third, it is always wonderful to find a comedy that succeeds without relying on violence, sex and/or profanity. So, if you have seen the previews, you have seen a lot of the funniest parts - but this is worth an investment of about eighty-five minutes of your time when you want to relax and smile a lot. However, seeing it once was definitely enough for me, in contrast to LEGALLY BLONDE which was both funnier and less contrived in proving that blondes can be smart and also have fun.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely not as good as the original
Review: Reese Witherspoon is good, but the other cast members are wasting their time. Elle Woods (Witherspoon) heads off to Washington D.C., hoping to pass a bill that would protect animals from cosmetics testing. The movie has one awesome sequence when Elle and a guy rush into a dog care center. Everything else is just little chuckles. Okay for anybody wishing to get out of the house for 95 minutes. Otherwise recommended for video release only.
Rating: 
Summary: BORDERING ON ABSURDITY
Review: First off, I did enjoy the first LEGALLY BLONDE. I found it to be fun and somewhat originally. So when I discovered that a sequel was in the making I was naturally excited. My excitement, however, faded shortly after the movie started. While Reese Witherspoon does a fine job as Elle Woods in her crusade to pass a Congressional Bill prohibiting animal testing I found the unfolding of the plot a disappointment. This film has all the predictable characters (i.e. the supportive husband and jealous co-worker who aims to foul your plans) and outcomes. Despite these flaws, I was especially offended by the portrayal...dog sub-plot that had no importance to the plot itself. Overall, I was very disappointed in LEGALLY BLONDE 2.
Rating: 
Summary: Washington's new 'do
Review: America should be like this, with a French manicure, a big ol honest heart, and matching heels. Fry the critics and purists, wherever they may shout, Elle is back and as good as ever. Legally Blonde 2 has an admittedly ridiculous premise: Elle's getting married, wants her beloved pup Bruiser's mama to show at the wedding, and when she finds the matriarchal canine as a test animal for a cosmetics company, she's outraged, at first because they won't let the dog out in time for her wedding, but she soons sees the crime in it. She then goes to DC to turn it all around (a fine revelation she has while picking out a wedding dress). And she doesn't turn Washington around with shrewd arguments and hard edged research, she takes it by storm, Bel Air style. But the film doesn't take itself seriously at all, in fact the realism of the film is about as present as it is in "Moulin Rouge", and it doesn't pretend to be realistic either, as several scenes attest. In fact the setup is simply a vehicle for the larger underlying theme: this Washington, if anything, is an alternate reality, and the movie plays out as something of a symbolic satire. In this simple yet complicated Washington D.C., getting a congressman to side with you is as easy as finding a similar personality trait (in this case dogs and Delta Nu) or to put on a good performance in any number of strange places (use style!), but politicians still double cross, compromise their own visions and conscience for appeasment and success, and they still seem to have the good of everything but the people in mind. Elle, on the other hand, represents all that isn't snobby and cynical. She's the Valley girl with a big heart, great clothes, a Harvard law degree, and a quirky sense of getting things done. The political action may be comically simplistic and idealistic, with a good number of average comedy-sequel jokes, but it's satire at it's heart. I was surprised by this. I was expecting the typical sequel fare, but this had a lot to say about politics and government, and cynicism and selfishness vs idealism, masked in big budget comedy. Where the original was an ode to blonde fun and anti-snobbery, this takes the risk of being critical and satirical. In many ways it's "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (which actually makes a cameo appearance in the film) with a goofy streak and a bite. The film is fun, it squires broad and situational comedy, and a good deal of charm and glamour, plus a load of cleverness. The film had clever touches left and right, and I think I'll attribute that to the inspired choice of getting the talented indie director Charles Herman-Wurmfeld (Kissing Jessica Stein), who gave the film a one-two punch, a wink, giggle, and a grin to go along with it. The writing is funny, but it isn't as sharply witty as the first film, and it can be predictable, but it flows quite well, and the charisma of the piece gives it a shimmer and shine. Reese Witherspoon is quite cute. Though this isn't finely tuned acting (she's capable, it's just the way it was written), it's a great comedic performance, and it is a performance, because she milks it for all she's got. Interestingly, she also makes Elle inspiring. I know it's not cool to say a blockbuster chick flick comedy sequel's character is inspiring, but Elle is so sure of herself, so proud of being pretty and stylish, so non-judgemental of people and wanting to help others, and unabashedly careless about the low opinions people have of her, she's a character who's nice to be around for 2 hours and made me want to rummage through my InStyle magazine collection. But next to Reese the real star of the film is the costume design. These are great costumes that help to tell the story, and contrast characters; it's films with wardrobes like this that raise my ever increasing respect and admiration for costume designers. Luke Wilson overacts in this one, I like him, but he's a bit too "aw-shucks", though his lack of screentime and chracter developement isn't his fault, so still it's nice to see him. Sally Field is wonderfully conniving; Bob Newhart is wonderfully endearing, and Elle's trio of friends thankfully get some more screentime than the first film. Actress Mary Lynn Rajskub gives a great performance as the downtrodden preppy-lawyer wanna be, who gets an attitude and style makeover. I'm a chick flick fan, partly because I'm a chick. I'm also a displaced San Diegan which makes me partial to California laced films. But as a film buff, and I try to be as honest about movies as possible, I'll say that this film is a satire and it is funny, but don't look for Dr. Strangelove or Some Like it Hot. It is cute, and refreshing. It's a big sequel with a heart and was thoughtful enough to be thoughtful. It knows it's entertainment, but it doesn't pull any cheap manipulative tricks, and I think it has some legitimate things to say about the nature of politics, idealism, common courtesy, and how style is a very, very good thing. In a way it's funny, you'd never think Elle Woods would represent a higher themed film, but then know one ever really expects much of her.
Rating: 
Summary: Red, White, and Dumb
Review: When watching this movie 3 things come to mind: man this plot [is bad], boy this is horribly done, and wow its extremely cheesey. 1. Man this plot [is bad]
I could have thought of a better plot, its so stupid that she wanted to invite her dog's parents to the wedding. They took her being a blond goober way too far this time. 2. This is horribly done
OK, heres a spoiler: Bruiser is gay, oh God help us all! He's in love w/a Rottweiler! Come on! At one point the Nurse told Elle and the other dog's owner that there dogs are both gay and that they had been humping all day, which is stupid to begin with. A Rottweiler humping a Chihuahua, of sweet Jesus save me. Remember the quote "I mean really, the sheer mechanics of it are mind boggling" from our British friend Austin Powers? Well the fact that Bruiser managed to survive that little shenanigan was mind boggling. 3. Wow this is extremely cheesey
The first movie wasnt as bright and cheery as this one, from the bright lighting to the seen in the salon w/the sorority sisters, the movie was just cheesey. Oh yea and the end, please. Overall, I gave this movie 1 star bcuz Reece Witherspoon is hot and Luke Wilson, I thought it was cool that he wanted to be married in Fenway Park, and I also appreciate his awesome work in Old School.
Rating: 
Summary: Blondes Really Do Have More Fun!
Review: Reese Witherspoon is on a roll with a sequel that is just as hilarious as the original. This movie is funny without taking itself too seriously, original with its comic send-up on homosexuality in dogs, and totally enjoyable thanks to a supporting cast that includes the venerable Bob Newhart and the still perky Sally Field. Special kudos should go to Stanley Anderson as the congressman from Alabama, who in one of the film's classic scenes, 'outs' his dog. This time around, Elle Woods is off to Washington on a mission to save Bruiser's mom from the horror of a testing lab. With help from her Delta Nu sisters, even one in an unexpected place, she takes the town by storm. If you liked the original, you'll find this one just as enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: OK if you are looking to a 'beach read' alternative
Review: This film is like a 'beach read' book. It pases the time and that is about all.
Rating:
Summary: ELLE IS BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!
Review: IF YOU ENJOYED THE FIRST MOVIE, YOU WILL LOVE THIS ONE AS WELL. ELLE IS PLANNING HER WEDDING AND WORKING AT A LAW FIRM WHEN SHE FINDS OUT THAT THE LAW FIRM SUPPORTS A COMPANY THAT TESTS COSMETICS ON ANIMALS. SHE GETS FIRED AFTER HAVING A DISSAGREEMENT WITH HER BOSS. SHE DECIDES TO HEAD HER OWN CAMPAIGN AND WRITES "BRUISER'S BILL," WITH THE HELP OF SOME OLD FRIENDS. LUKE WILSON, MAGGIE SMITH, JENNIFER COOLIDGE, SALLY FIELD, AND REGINA KING CO-STAR WITH THE AWESOME REESE WITHERSPOON. CAN I SAY, BRING ON NUMBER 3!!!
Rating:
Summary: high hopes and dissapointment
Review: after seeing the first one,i had really high hopes for the sequel. But when i saw it, i found that the jokes were a second round of humor from the first movie, the gay dog humor was too crude for a Reese Witherspoon film, and that the plot was at many times confusing to a non-lawyer. I generally thought the movie was entertaining, but only as a summer chick flick.
Rating:
Summary: Summer of the Blonde!
Review: Reese Witherspoon is an amazing actress. She has charm, charisma, and attitude, which come off extremely well in her film roles. She's extremely versatile and can seem to do just about anything. And now she's back as Elle Woods in the sequel to one of her breakthrough roles--Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde, which is as sweet, light, and fluffy as the original. This time around, Elle is juggling a demanding career as a rising young lawyer amidst preparations for her wedding to the man of her dreams (Luke Wilson). But when she stands up for the rights of the other guy in her life - Bruiser, her chihuahua - Elle is fired from her job. She's devastated, but you can't keep an optimist down. In a wonderful spoof of "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," Ms. Woods travels there as well, to take matters into her own well-manicured hands. Trying to learn the political ropes and win over self-serving politicians, Elle faces a formidable challenge. But with her clever and sassy signature blend of determination and intelligence, she bucks the system the Elle Woods way, inspiring those around her to find a voice of their own.
Directed by Charles Herman-Wurmfeld, who had a modest indie success with the wonderful "Kissing Jessica Stein," and written by script-polisher-about-town Kate Kondell, "Legally Blonde 2" moves at such a brisk, easy clip that there isn't much time to linger over its flaws. The story adheres strictly to formula, and the jokes are as cheap and fast as Elle's friend Paulette (Jennifer Coolidge), but however lightly played, the animal-rights issue gives the film indisputable kink. Although the film's politics are more inspiring than a flock of gun-toting Angels, they never get in the way of its silliness. Like a wait-listed designer handbag, the animal-rights plot provides Elle some stylishly correct, demographically savvy ornamentation. What's interesting here isn't what Elle is fighting for but the unshakable smile with which she wages her war. Elle has more changes of clothes than the four friends in "Sex and the City" combined and like them she's clearly happy to be female, nestled in the company of other women. She dresses in shades of sorbet and dolls up her Chihuahua like a bantamweight drag queen, but by fighting the good fight she's also giving alpha girls and women their due, rescuing them from the magazine horror stories and the taint of Hillary. However empowering, alpha women like Hillary and Madonna don't make being a woman seem terribly fun - a lot of hard work, yeah, but not fun. Elle Woods does. Madonna's brand of stealth feminism made her an equal among male stars, but there's always been something exhausting about her need to outmuscle everyone in her periphery. You can see the same strenuous effort in Britney Spears' perfect triceps and the smiles of the teenage stars grimacing in the recent Vanity Fair. Witherspoon - whose production company is called Type A Films and who served as executive producer on "Legally Blonde 2" - isn't exactly Gloria Steinem, but not since Cyndi Lauper has a major pop figure projected such a blissfully happy, self-amused view toward being female. Elle knows you can have your Jimmy Choos and your equal paycheck too. The film is silly and inplausible, but it's too clever and witty for me to care. After a disappointing number of summer blockbusters, "Legally Blonde 2" pleased, amused, and entertained, just like I knew it would. This is summer's guiltiest pleasure.
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