LEGALLY BLONDE

2001

Its always nice to walk into a movie thinking you're going to hate it and actually really like it. Such was the case with Legally Blonde. Resse Witherspoon is a seemingly ditsy, airhead blonde who chases her ex-boyfriend to Harvard law school when he breaks up with her. As with the common "fish out of water" plotline, Reese is first an outcast, then she learns to adapt, then everyone loves her. What makes this film better than the rest are the clever little twists in the plot and the actual intelligence of it. Sure, there are some really absurd aspects, but overall its a bit more than just that typical bubble gum dialogue and braindead laughs that at first glance seem inevitable. Not a LOT more, but a bit. If you're looking for a good lighthearted comedy this summer, its a good bet you'll enjoy this film as much as I did.

3.5 Stars

CDF

I know what you're thinking. Why did Nick go to see a movie where the valley-girl character, played by Reese Witherspoon, dresses in pink, gets accepted to Harvard Law School, ATTENDS Harvard Law School, and helps to win a big murder trial? Absurd and implausible right? Of course. But it's also fun and sometimes clever, in a Rocky/Cinderella sort of way and, Reese Witherspooon lights up the screen in every scene that she's in. There are no Oscar nominations coming out of this cute little film, so don't bother to run to your theater to see it. But some night, when you have nothing to do, rent the video. On those terms, I guarantee that you'll enjoy it.

3 Stars

NJB