"Legally Blonde" is a light comedy that's perfect for an afternoon retreat from the summer heat. I expected it to be a diatribe against dumb blonde stereotyping, but it's more than that. The movie cleverly manages to validate feminine perspectives. I left feeling unashamed of my rhinestone sunglasses and pink toenails.

In addition, the film appropriates self-confidence and determination as means for women to excel in an environment dominated by male-governed rules. Here's a story that elevates the status of what society deems "frivolous" information relating to beauty, hair and skin care, bonds of sisterhood, and fashion—innate knowledge that's programmed with the first Barbie acquisition.

Unfortunately, "Legally Blonde" trades one stereotype for a variety of others, but this movie will be attractive to anybody who's ever spent more than an hour at the makeup counter deliberating over moisturizers.

Elle Woods lives a life of pink adoration. Beloved president of Delta Nu Sorority, Elle's major in fashion merchandising puts her at the top of her class regarding designer shoes and fabric texture. When her boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Matthew Davis) drops her instead of proposing, she takes drastic steps to win him back and decides to reinvent herself from a "Marilyn" into a "Jackie."

Elle re-channels her energy, leaving Vogue and Cosmo for LSAT reviews. The process is too easy, but she's admitted to Harvard. She arrives with all of the pink accoutrements of home.

After a few bumpy starts, Elle brings her intuitive knowledge to the classroom. She demonstrates that being blonde, fashionable, and glamorous doesn't diminish her brainpower. It's not long before the venerable Professor Callahan (Victor Garber) chooses her as a summer intern.

This enviable position gives her access to one of Callahan's important murder cases. The defendant Brooke Taylor Windham (Ali Larter) happens to be a fitness guru that Elle knows and respects, as well as a Delta Nu sorority sister. The relationship opens doors for both of them.

Elle saves the case because she knows the first basic rule for managing a new perm (avoid getting it wet), and not because of her superior legal knowledge. Will Warner notice? Will he want her back? More importantly, will she want him back?

This is Reese Witherspoon in her element and in her finest hour. I have a feeling that she's basically playing herself.

The feel-good ending postulates a very Pollyannaish view of the world, but the message in Elle's graduation speech is worthwhile. Elle may be looking at the world through rose colored glasses, but at least they're trimmed in rhinestones.




Recommended:
Yes

Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12