We're back in high school again
Easy A, the newest movie about high school, wants to be both a commentary on John Hughes-directed ‘80s films and itself a Hughes-directed movie. But while it’s no Mean Girls nor The Breakfast Club, Easy A successfully combines the former’s sharp script with the latter’s astute social criticism without taking itself too seriously.
The film is told from the perspective of Olive (Emma Stone), a high school senior peer-pressured to tell a lie about losing her virginity. The fib soon snowballs out of control and she is viewed as — for lack of a better term — a total slut. Some, like teen Jesus-freak Marianne (Amanda Bynes) and her posse, scorn her. But others see an opportunity. They offer to pay Olive to lie about sexual escapades with them. She agrees, and debauchery ensues.
Emma Stone as Olive is effortlessly charismatic. Because the film often takes the form of an Internet video, Olive is essentially our tour guide and Stone’s interesting, thoughtful and quick-witted portrayal makes for a fun ride. Her parents (played wonderfully by Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci) get some of the best lines and keep the pace quick and light.
Olive, during some of her numerous monologues, makes astute (if not entirely novel) observations about high school existence. Even better are the more subtle moments: watch the reactions of the crowd when Olive and her fake sex partner exit the bedroom at a party. Easy A does have the tendency to veer off track when scenes turn unexpectedly dramatic. These moments, although somewhat misplaced, are thankfully few and far between.
Directed by: Will Gluck
Starring: Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Penn Badgley
Rated PG-13, 90 min.
3.5 Stars
