Thursday, September 30, 2010

Movie #23 Easy A

In my opinion the teen sex comedy in recent years has really gone down hill . There are a few exceptions to that rule of course.  "Juno", while not exactly fitting into this sub genre, was a tremendous achievement.  It managed to reinforce that today's youth (in all their self imposed existential angst) really isn't that different from the generation that bore them.  It also was refreshing to see a bright, confident all be it snarky teen female lead in a movie.  Compared to cookie cutter stereotypes that are repetitively trotted out in film after film.  You know what I am talking about.  "The Cheerleader", "the book nerd", "the rebel", "the best friend".  The documentary "American Teen" embraced these pigeon-holed conventions and exploited their high school experiance for all to see.
I am glad to say that Easy A continues more along the path that Juno blazed.  The story is loosely a modern retelling of The Scarlet Letter.  Emma Stone gives a electric performance as Olive.  The whip smart high school student who becomes the subject of all the school gossip.  The word 'round the campfire is that she s sleeping with everyone and even doing so for money.  A rumor that she inadvertently starts and at first thrives on the recognition she receives.  Once she becomes aware of the negative impact these fabrications are having on her life and the lives of those she cares about, she attempts to set the record straight.

At first I had my concerns for this film.  Much like Juno, it open with some dialogue that fall totally flat (honest to blog).  Fortunately it rights the ship and delivers a wonderful story with some rapid paced, intellectual/witty banter.  Which Emma Stone and the majority of her co-stars handle wonderfully.  Stanley Tucci and Patriaia Clarkson play Emma's parents and they are among my leaders for supporting performances for the year.  The family dynamic in this film is so captivating and real.  This has been a good year for non-traditional families representing new family values.  Both this film and the wonderful The Kids are Alright are front runners in this movement. Other notable performances come from Thomas Haden Church and Alyson Michalka as a favorite teacher and best friend respectively.

This movie is not without its faults.  It does get a little to "cutesie" and to steal a line from the movie "It's not as smart as it thinks it is".  It is sharp, but occasionally it crosses the line.  I felt a little patronized watching a few scenes.

I would be remiss if I didn't further comment on Mrs Emma Stone.  She lights up the screen.  She is by no means the typical Hollywood beauty.  With her blazon red hair, petite stature and informed smile but she commands the screen with every word, glance and movement.  Her self awareness and self assurance projects itself.  I couldn't help but to be lured in.  I first noticed her in last years Zombieland.  I noticed both her beauty and acting chops.  I am glad she has found a role that better allows her to stretch her wings.

This is a sex comedy, a genus as old as ancient roman times.  And this movie pulls off something that most sex comedies don't.  There isn't any sex.  not even any nudity.  At a few points in the movie, Olive comments on how she wishes her life were like a John Huges film.  I don't know if "Easy A" will be remembered with the passion that the Huges fans have for his films, but it is a movie I won't soon forget.  I give "Easy A" a 3.5/5 stars.  For more information check out the link below for the trailer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNbPnqyvItk

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