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Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde

List Price: $14.95
Your Price: $11.21
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Quircky film with a mix of fun while light on intelligence.
Review: Where do I start? The film starts off when Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon, prepares for her date with the love of her life, Warner, believing that it will finally be the night he pops the big question. When he unexpectedly decides to break up, simply because he's going to Harvard, and he doesn't think Elle is very smart, Elle decides to go to law school too to win Warner back. But the tables turn when Elle finds out he already has a fiancee.

Shortly: This film begins with a clueless type attitude and doesn't totally meet the hype the film has, but the humor eventually grows to be hilarious, and Reese Witherspoon turns out to be a total delight. While the film has a "goofy" everyday teen plot, this film is possibly one of the most charming comedies around. This film is definetely worth a gander.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Witherspoon's acting is so perfect , she should be illegal.
Review: I love to see a good actress really enjoying herself, but at the same time remaining in CONTROL of a part, especially in a comedy. Reese Witherspoon is incredibly good in this role of Elle, a spurned sorority airhead who decides to follow her former fiance to Harvard in order to get him to marry her after all.
The holes in the plot are easy to ignore because of her acting, which is fun and terrific. In fact, I bet even the men in the family could stand to watch this. It's "cute" but a guy could handle it. It's funny enough.

Witherspoon, wearing her absurdly inappropriate outfits and residing in her out-of-place, out-of-her-mind Harvard Law Scool dorm room (she even has fuzzy pink fluff covering her princess phone) reminds me, in this role of Elle, of the fabuolous Judy Holiday or some of the other actresses of earlier eras who could immerse themselves so gratifyingly in a comedy that you would end up just relaxing and going with whatever the ridiculousness was.

And ridiculous this is...but it's really well done.

And the reason it's well done is Reese Witherspoon. Fun supporting cast too..especially that doll who played the beauty parlor buddy. What a sweetie.

I enjoyed this more than eating cotton candy, which is about the level of seriousness at which you should take it. It's all in good fun and for that it gets four stars from me.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Here's proof that blondes do have more fun!
Review: Poor Elle... her boyfriend has just dumped her, forcing her to relinguish her glamorous Los Angeles lifestyle to pursue a career in law at Harvard Law School. No one likes her; she feels despondent and alone... what's a girl to do? Why, get a manicure, of course!

In "Legally Blonde," one might expect voracious amounts of high-pitched voices, pouting, and out-of-nowhere remarks and comments that have become the constituent image for blondes everywhere. The movie includes all of these things, no doubt, but somehow manages to cast them in a witty and extremely humorous light, while also possessing a heart and soul that are easy to relate to. It's a priceless comedic gem, and gave me every reason to fall into its spell.

In a performance that is easily likeable and irresistibly charming, Reese Witherspoon plays Elle Woods, who hopes to be accepted to Harvard Law School to prove to her ex-boyfriend that she's not too stupid to be a lawyer's wife. With a 4.0 grade average, a fashion major from CULA, and a video essay featuring herself and others in bikinis (a tactic made funnier by the fact that she doesn't realize the effect she will have on the all-male board at Harvard), she is accepted, and arrives intent on winning back her man.

Of course, things are not all parties and homecomings, and she soon discovers that no one really cares to be around her. Former prospective fiancé Warner is now engaged to the snotty Vivian Kensington, leaving Elle's plans in the cold. With no one to turn to except for Paulette, a manicurist with low self esteem, Elle decides to take life into her own hands, and quickly learns the tricks of the trade at Harvard.

This is where the movie takes on a personality much like its main character. By setting out to prove her worth as a law student, Elle shows a determination full of energy and real drive. By doing so, she becomes more than just the stereotypical blonde bombshell everyone sees her as, and in allowing her character to expand, the movie generates into something more than just an average teen comedy.

The laughs are almost non-stop, filled with a sense of humor that has great taste and tact. Much of this has to do with the movie's mockery of all things blonde, while at the same time embracing them so that the humor isn't hurtful or insulting. From pinks skirts and high heels, to a fuzzy phone and a Chihuahua that she dresses in matching outfits, Elle's persona is a riotous display of the typical air-headedness given an atypical treatment through the display of her kindness.

Her gentle nature and her unwillingness to give it up also gives the feel-good factor a shot in the arm of confidence. The movie covers just about every lesson you can think of, from friendship and broken hearts, to first appearances and loyalty, and takes on a moral that is good, clean fun without being overly sentimental. Take the scene in which Elle helps Paulette stand up to her ex-husband. Elle uses her technical language to completely confuse him and retrieve Paulette's dog, and the scene becomes funny and touching at the same time.

The sheer joy and glee one gets from watching a movie like this can be the result of nothing less than satisfaction. It brought a smile to my face and laughter to my heart, and gave me a warm feeling inside that most comedies cannot. "Legally Blonde" never oversteps the bounds of good humor, nor is it ever too saccharine for its own good. If nothing else, it proves the age-old saying that blondes do have more fun.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: DVD contains more information than you'd ever want
Review: A slight but entertaining movie somewhat in the vein of Miss Congeniality for its intellectual depth, but maybe not quite as funny. The double-sided DVD contains much more commentary and information than any normal human could stand to absorb, but if I were a student looking to learn about the movie industry this would be a good place to start.

For some reason, either the transfer to disc or the original print has strangely saturated colors that had me scrambling to adjust the color, tint, brightness and contrast on my television until I gave up and decided the effect, which I didn't like at all, may have been intentional, although the cinematographer's audio commentary didn't mention it.

People who live in Massachusetts may find the cheesy attempts to use locations in Pasadena to pass for Cambridge to be the most entertaining aspect of this film.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A Triumph for Reese Witherspoon
Review: 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.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: The reason why the stars make the big bucks
Review: Reese Witherspoon saves this movie from mediocrity. This is, in fact, a bland, hackneyed, completely predictable, badly scripted, and unoriginal flick that Reese Witherspoon single-handedly elevates to utterly delightful light entertainment.

I have been a Reese Witherspoon fan for a long time, though not always knowingly. About ten years ago I saw on cable a delightful movie about a young girl learning about love called THE MAN IN THE MOON. The young (14 years old) actress in the main role just sparkled, and although I didn't remember her name, I remembered the movie. Last summer, I was looking through my video store, saw the cover for the movie, and thought I would double check the name of the actress, to see if she had gone on to any sort of success. I was delighted and shocked to see that the movie had starred Reese Witherspoon.

As much as I have enjoyed her in PLEASANTVILLE and ELECTION, I absolutely didn't expect that she would be able to carry a film to the degree that she did this one. She did more than carry the film: she made a bad film good. And that is a rare achievement indeed. I really do think that Reese Witherspoon's best films are ahead of her. She has talent, charm, intelligence, and versatility.

So, I definitely recommend this film, but only for one reason: Reese Witherspoon. Besides her, there are just no reasons to see this film.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: This is like such a good movie!
Review: When my friends and I went to go see this at the theater, I thought it was going to be another movie about dumb blondes. I was very wrong! Reese Witherspoon stars as Elle Woods, a blonde sorority sister who is equal in brains and beauty. Her boyfriend is a Harvard law student who dumps Elle because he thinks she is not smart or good enough for him. Elle proves him wrong by taking an entrance exam and making it into Harvard! Elle wants to prove to her boyfriend, er, ex-boyfriend, that she is as good as him, and in my opinion, she is much better. She uses her wits, skills, and charm to solve a murder that her friend is accused of committing. I give this movie 4 thumbs up!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Super comedy!
Review: I was looking forward to seeing this movie, and it didn't disappoint me. It was cute, funny, musical, and not a bad DVD to boot (despite that it was shiny on both sides, which is sort of odd.) Witherspoon plays to a tee a sort of Cher-from-"Clueless"-esque(though I like this girl better than Cher, she seems less full of herself) college girl named Elle Woods. Her shady boyfriend Warner dumps her and goes to Harvard law school just when Elle's expecting to marry him. To get him back, she goes to Harvard too, and at first doesn't fit in at all. It's a very hilarious movie, with a California beach girl trying to blend in with serious, boring, stuffy, preppy law students. Along the way, she makes enemies with Vivian, Warner's fiance. Her best friends are her Chihuahua, Bruiser, and the lady who does her nails, Paulette, who is played by Jennifer Coolidge, who was in "Best in Show" not long ago. Paulette got dumped by her filthy trailer-dwelling man, too, and now she's falling in love with the nameless UPS man. Elle helps her get the strength to go back to her old boyfriend and demand possession of her precious bulldog, Rufus. In the end, Elle dates a cute and very nice guy named Emmett. Paulette marries the UPS man. Elle and Vivian become friends because Vivian dumps Warner. Professor Callahan, the teacher who hit on Elle, loses out because he gets fired as the representation of Brooke, a woman charged falsely with the murder of her husband. Through superior knowledge of perm care, Elle forces the dead man's daughter to admit to the whole court that she murdered him. Apparently she thought it was Brooke coming through the door. So, Elle is now a successful lawyer, and the ending to a very cute and very funny movie is happy. I recommend "Legally Blonde." The Chihuahua, Moonie in real life, is just too cute. He shows up a lot and is one of the stars. Wait'll you see the transparent inflatable bowl with flowers Elle has for him, or the stylish neon orange PC she uses. Everything about this movie is bold, colorful, bright...see it!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Like I totally enjoyed this movie!
Review: LEGALLY BLONDE may seem like your typical "air head" movie at first but there's way more too it. Reese Witherspoon is excellent as Elle in this film. She plays the part very well. Basically LEGALLY BLONDE is about this girl whom everyone thinks is your "typical blonde girl" so they don't give her enough credit. Elle (Reese Witherspoon) is determained to proove that she's got what it takes to make it as a lawyer. That's basically how it goes in a nutshell. There are some surprises and it's filled with humor. LEGALLY BLONDE is filled with fun, lots of laughs, and a great storyline. The acting is also well done. Great movie!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Shiny Blonde Fabulosity On DVD!
Review: This is one of the most surprisingly brilliant and funny movies of 2001, and can't be missed on DVD! The deleted scenes are great, and the two behind-the-scenes documentaries are quite interesting (the way the young director was found and hired; the selling of the author's first novel, the pain of having to find just the RIGHT blonde shade for Reese's hair, etc.)

The studio has wisely split the extras up on to two sides of the DVD, so that everything can be easily played on any DVD player (some DVD players have trouble playing DVD's that have too much compressed information on them).

There's also pop-up trivia that comes up that tells you all about the making of the movie, history of cast and crew, etc. (You can turn this function off if you just want to watch the regular movie.) As far as the movie goes- Reese Witherspoon turns in yet another spectacular performance. Is she America's new sweetheart? Why, yes! I think she is! This movie was sort of marketed as a stupid, mindless comedy- which is a shame because it's not really that at all. This movie has got a lot of heart and hilarity- great story, acting, EVERYTHING is perfect. Jennifer Coolidge turns in yet another HILARIOUS performance (check her out in "Best Of Show" is you haven't seen that)- she should be a major comedic star soon!


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