EASY A Review
By
Vandy Price
Every once in a while a teen comedy comes along that is simply better than any of the others that seem to not try at all to genuinely capture the experience of tortured youth. That may sound a tad over dramatic when talking about a high school comedy such as 'Easy A' but its just so darn hard to find a good one these days. I don't know that I've seen a decent one since 'Mean Girls' although I count 'Accepted' as a fun little film its not about the experience of high school as much as the Tina Fey penned comedy and the topic of discussion right now. To start things off, lets thank God for Emma Stone. That her career didn't end as soon as it began with 'Superbad' and that she was given a fuller role in a runaway hit called 'Zombieland' last year. She is a genuinely funny female and as sexist as it may sound it is always tougher for me to find women consistently funny. Anyone can build off typical jokes and cliched one-lines but here, Stone is able to pull off someone wanting to be noticed so bad she is willing to reduce herself to being called a slut and STILL not come off as dumb. Instead, we think of her a smart, witty, clever and nothing close to that dirty word she aspires to be. If you've seen the preview you know where the film might be heading, but what you may not realize is how clever the script uses these ideas. The tool of Olive (Stone) using web chat as a narration tool as well as serving as the resolution was extremely effective and useful. The way the film pokes fun at the Jesus freak crowd without talking down about Christianity was refreshing as was the straightforwardness of the dialogue. It simply tells it as it is, not holds barred. If you don't agree with Olive, too bad, chances are though she is saying just what we are all thinking. 'Easy A' is not just smart and funny though it is rather touching at moments and reveals some serious issues (no matter how light the tone) that teenagers deal with. This is brought to the attention because of the great acting by a super talented ensemble cast. Even in the smallest parts such as teachers and guidance counselors, both Thomas Haden Church and Lisa Kudrow deliver every line with zing and get wrapped up in a story that exposes layers you may not see coming. We also have Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci serving as Olive's parents who may be the coolest, quirkiest couple on the planet. The two play off each other so well and it is nice to see parents that are equally as funny and witty as their children rather than being clueless and dated. Olive's parents trust her without question, they know who their daughter is and she has proven she deserves no judgement. The entire film is just refreshing, that would be the main word to sum it all up. This isn't your gross out high school movie that is based in some uppity school no one but rich kids could relate to-it isn't so far removed that every student looks like a super model it is simply real, but more importantly it is sincere. Just watch the opening sequence that will get a certain Natasha Bedingfield song stuck in your head and you will see what I mean. You don't even have to buy a drink at the concession stand this movie is so refreshing. I loved it, and I think you will to.
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