EASY A (REVIEW)
Rated
M 91 mins
Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Thomas Hayden Church, Jessica Jann, Stanley
Tucci, Patricia Clarkson, Malcolm McDowell
Temptress, tart,
tramp, are all words uttered by fellow students to describe Olive, a high schooler
who is about to make a life changing decision.
In order to
gain some hallway credibility, Olive tells a little white lie about losing her
virginity with her gay best-friend. The news spreads like wildfire. Not only does
it transform his status at school, but her lowly ranked social position is also
elevated gaining the attention of every hormone frustrated boy but also being
despised by her prim female peers in equal measure. A labelling theory appears
to be pointed towards Olive, derogatory names are called in no uncertain terms.
With
the thought of added financial gain, the situation begins to spiral out of control
when Olive decides to embrace the faux harlot lifestyle and starts status boosting
favours for one and all around the playground. A bad reputation is the least of
Ollive's worries when all important popularity rears into sight. Her life in many
ways is beginning to parallel Hestor Prynne's classic novel, 'The Scarlet Letter',
which coincidently, Olive is currently studying. She even goes as far as proudly
wearing a crimson letter 'A' on her shirt. With more gossip than 'Gossip Girl',
Emma Stone holds the film together with rapid fire delivery of high school vocabulary
and an eloquence in a teenager's ideals of life. After impressive turns in 'Zombieland'
and ' House Bunny', there is a quality about the husky voiced Stone that has star
domination.
'Easy - A' is a light-hearted situation comedy
that eventually expresses the values of life. Comparisons to 'Mean Girls' are
sure to be murmured, but the unique illusions of The Scarlet Letter peppered throughout
give it an uncommon edge for most high school stories.
Some of the performances
around the on fire Emma Stone worth mentioning are Patricia Clarkson and Stanley
Tucci who play her 1960s hippie loving mother and father. They are not your usual
parental units which explains Olive in a brighter light. Veteran and cult favourite
Malcolm McDowell ('Clockwork Orange', 'Tank Girl') is the gruff principal with
a heart of gold, while Thomas Hayden Church gives new meaning to hip teacher.
Lisa Kudrow (of 'Friends' fame) is less delightful as a guidance councillor, but
look fast for former child star of 'Lethal Weapon 4', Jessica Jann, as Jezebel,
in a very sardonic scene involving a portrayal of evangelists.
The
lively soundtrack boosts such artists as Pussycat Dolls, Death Cab for Cutie and
a brilliant version of Joan Jett's song, 'Bad Reputation', by newcomers, Dollyrot.
The satire of this story is the backbone to the enjoyment throughout. As for Emma
Stone, give her a rookie Oscar on the spot.
Shane A.
Bassett
