I have had this movie on my watchlist for many years, but I kept finding reasons to pass on it. I wasn't sure what to expect based on a one-sentence synopsis. What's in a movie about high school gossip and rumors? I thought it was a chick flick. I finally got around to it, and I was pleasantly surprised it was nothing like I thought. First, a brief plot. Emma Stone, who plays the character of Olive, is a typical high-school student. An innocent, playful comment she makes to her best friend Rhiannon in the restroom gets picked up by the school snot Marianne, played by Amanda Bynes (a former Disney star, whose name I haven't heard since I was in High School). Marianne makes sure the entire school knows about it. The rumors start flying from there, and other students take advantage of Olive. She decides to take advantage of it herself.
There is little to not like about 'Easy A'. It was a coming-of-age film straight out of John Hughes' playbook. I especially liked the homages they paid to 80s classics like The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller, Sixteen Candles, Say Anything, and others. The acting from the cast, cinematography, pacing, and likable characters all stand out to me. The comedy and wit take over the film. Emma Stone stole the show in her first star role here with amazing acting. Her film debut was 'Superbad' in 2007, which I thought of while watching this. She is charming, witty, carefree, and on point with her expressions. Ironically, Stone was homeschooled in high school, and she plays a high school student. Wordplay is a big part of the script, including characters named after various foods. I also found it interesting that her character's name was Olive Penderghast, an anagram for 'I love pretend shag.' I won't explain it further because it would ruin the film. There are two issues with the film (both are nitpicking so don't bother). First, students often talk like no high school student I know. I will excuse it because it's a movie, not a documentary! Second, Olive was supposed to be an average, unattractive, low-key student. The movie depicted her as an above-average, attractive, and popular student.
Would I recommend this? Yes. This film brought back memories of other high school films. I have become a fan of Emma Stone ever since I watched several of her movies, including 'The Amazing Spiderman.' She sure can act and has a bright future ahead.
Review by HSBlockedParent2024-02-03T01:45:51Z
I have had this movie on my watchlist for many years, but I kept finding reasons to pass on it. I wasn't sure what to expect based on a one-sentence synopsis. What's in a movie about high school gossip and rumors? I thought it was a chick flick. I finally got around to it, and I was pleasantly surprised it was nothing like I thought. First, a brief plot. Emma Stone, who plays the character of Olive, is a typical high-school student. An innocent, playful comment she makes to her best friend Rhiannon in the restroom gets picked up by the school snot Marianne, played by Amanda Bynes (a former Disney star, whose name I haven't heard since I was in High School). Marianne makes sure the entire school knows about it. The rumors start flying from there, and other students take advantage of Olive. She decides to take advantage of it herself.
There is little to not like about 'Easy A'. It was a coming-of-age film straight out of John Hughes' playbook. I especially liked the homages they paid to 80s classics like The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller, Sixteen Candles, Say Anything, and others. The acting from the cast, cinematography, pacing, and likable characters all stand out to me. The comedy and wit take over the film. Emma Stone stole the show in her first star role here with amazing acting. Her film debut was 'Superbad' in 2007, which I thought of while watching this. She is charming, witty, carefree, and on point with her expressions. Ironically, Stone was homeschooled in high school, and she plays a high school student. Wordplay is a big part of the script, including characters named after various foods. I also found it interesting that her character's name was Olive Penderghast, an anagram for 'I love pretend shag.' I won't explain it further because it would ruin the film. There are two issues with the film (both are nitpicking so don't bother). First, students often talk like no high school student I know. I will excuse it because it's a movie, not a documentary! Second, Olive was supposed to be an average, unattractive, low-key student. The movie depicted her as an above-average, attractive, and popular student.
Would I recommend this? Yes. This film brought back memories of other high school films. I have become a fan of Emma Stone ever since I watched several of her movies, including 'The Amazing Spiderman.' She sure can act and has a bright future ahead.