By Erica Schneider
Staff Writer
Just how far would you go to get noticed? In the recently released film “Easy A,” Olive Penderghast (played by Emma Stone) goes to extreme lengths to trade in her “goody-two-shoes” reputation in an attempt to stand out in the crowd at East Ojai High School.
The film focuses on the age-old adolescent themes of feeling ordinary and fitting in. Director Will Gluck keeps the somewhat unbelievable storyline fun and entertaining, especially for teen movie audiences.
Believing that she is boring and mediocre, Olive decides to spice up her reputation. When her best friend asks her what she did on her birthday weekend, she fabricates a tale about a sexual experience with a made-up junior-college boyfriend. The story travels throughout the school via text message and suddenly Olive is the talk of the school.
When the rumors of Olive’s promiscuity reach her friend Brandon (Dan Byrd), he convinces her to fake a sexual encounter with him. He does this so others will think he’s straight and to escape the bullying that he experiences as a result of being gay. Other male outcasts and misfits begin to offer bribes to Olive to fake hook-ups with them, in order to boost their lowly images.
Olive embraces her new reputation as the school’s tramp, going so far as to wear the red letter “A” on her chest, (an allusion to the classic novel “The Scarlett Letter”). She dresses the part of the school “trollop” in short shorts and bustiers and pushes the buttons of her obnoxious “holy roller” schoolmate (Amanda Bynes).
Screenwriter Bert Royal does keeps the dialogue fresh, sharp and sarcastic. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, even though it does try to sneak in a few “life lessons” at the end. They are somewhat tedious and detract from the overall light-heartedness of the film.
The supporting cast, which includes Malcolm McDowell as the school principal, Lisa Kudrow as the guidance counselor, and Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci as Olive’s parents, are terrific. However, it’s Emma Stone’s performance as the smart and funny Olive Penderghast that carries the film. She has great energy, comedic timing, and presence.
The soundtrack features many songs by Brad Segal as well as some up-beat tunes by Natasha Beddingfield and The Pussycat Dolls. The soundtrack has a wide range of songs and artists.
The biggest drawbacks of the film include the many subplots and far-fetched story line. However, as a teen flick, “Easy A” will find an audience that will enjoy the laughs and lighthearted plot.
“Easy A” opened on Sept.17 nationwide. Its run time is 92 minutes, and this film is rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving teen sexuality, language and some drug use.
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