Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde Review
by Shannon Patrick Sullivan (shannon AT morgan DOT ucs DOT mun DOT ca)July 15th, 2003
LEGALLY BLONDE 2: RED, WHITE & BLONDE (2003) / * 1/2
Directed by Charles Herman-Wurmfeld. Screenplay by Kate Kondell, from a story by Eve Ahlert, Dennis Drake and Kondell, based on the characters created by Amanda Brown. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Sally Field, Bob Newhart. Running time: 94 minutes. Rated PG by the MFCB. Reviewed on July 14th, 2003.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: Legal eagle Elle Woods (Witherspoon) learns that the mother of her beloved pet dog is the subject of cosmetic testing. Determined to ban such experiments, Elle takes her fight to Washington, joining the staff of congresswoman Victoria Rudd (Field). But she finds her efforts vigorously opposed -- not just by others in Congress but even by Rudd's own assistant, Grace Rossiter (Regina King). Can a kindly doorman (Newhart) reinvigorate Elle's crusading spirit?
Review: "Legally Blonde" was one of the funniest comedies to come out of the summer of 2001: "a joy from start to finish", I wrote, proving that Witherspoon "is one of the best comedy actresses of her generation". So, Reese... what happened? "Legally Blonde 2" is everything its predecessor managed to avoid being: ludicrous, routine, and often just plain dumb. But Witherspoon isn't really to blame. Unlike the earlier film, which was based on a novel by Amanda Brown, "Blonde 2" is an original screenplay by first-time writer Kate Kondell, and it is this which fails so badly. Whereas the original "Blonde" was a smart treatment of the "fish out of water" story, playing delightfully on our expectations of Elle Woods, "Blonde 2" veers into inanity, offering a tale of Washington hijinks too unbelievable to be more than fitfully funny. Boasting dialogue that's only serviceable at best, Elle is less likeable here than in her debut outing: her quirks (such as the silly "snap jar") come across as maudlin rather than entertaining. Much worse done by are the supporting characters, many of whom are blatant slaves to the plot: watch as the beliefs and allegiances of Field, King and others change abruptly and illogically depending on what the story needs them to do. "Legally Blonde 2" is a disappointing venture for a star who can do so much better.
Copyright © 2003 Shannon Patrick Sullivan.
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