Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde Review
Even without the “first time” charm of a first film, this film allows us to play catch up with favorite characters. This is true of the follow up sequel to the smash hit that is Legally Blonde. Reese Witherspoon returns in Legally Blonde 2, and this time, she’s taking up a cause.
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde (2008) Film Review
In the years following her graduation from Harvard, Elle Woods (Witherspoon) works for a respected California law firm; and is happily engaged to her wonderful boyfriend, Emmett (Luke Wilson). There’s now just one thing missing from her almost-happily-ever-after. You see, her dog has never met his mother, and well, Elle’s “I dos” just wouldn’t be right without her there.
With persistence, Elle finds the dog, only to discover that she’s being used for product testing. Outraged, Elle makes the attempt to pick up this case with the support of her firm only to be fired for her troubles. With the encouragement of her boyfriend, she temporarily packs up Bruiser and leaves for DC in the hopes she’ll be able to pass a bill that protects animals.
Much as I enjoy sequels, this is one case in which the sequel just doesn’t live up to expectations. The idea of this sequel was exciting, but the reality doesn’t meet the expectations. I’ll confess I love the chance to catch up with Elle, and her “pretty in pink” style. She’s one of those characters we never tire of. She’s also someone I wish were a best friend; no matter what those around her think or say about her, she keeps a cheerful outlook that we all should strive to imitate.
FILM REVIEW | Legally Blonde: A ‘Perfect Day’ Girl Power Comedy
#ReeseWitherspoon returns to her iconic role of Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde.' Did you like this 2008 follow-up? #Movies #MovieArchives Share on XIt’s not the characters that make this sequel fall flat, it’s the script. This just isn’t a story that I feel like works well for this cinematic world; or maybe it’s that I never feel fully invested. It lacks the spark and quality of its predecessor. Fortunately, Elle’s determination is still intact, but I really miss Emmett’s presence. He doesn’t play a large role in either film, but something about his limiting role in this one takes away some of the importance of who he is to our blonde heroine. On the pro side, we see Mary Lynn Rajskub (from 24) play a new character, which is entertaining.
Despite my humdrum feels about this one, it’s nice to see Elle again. She takes her gumption to the political capitol, and fights for a cause she believes in. Something is missing in the “to screen” translation, but seeing Reese return to the iconic role makes this one worth watching – and if the rumors of a third movie are true, I know I’ll be one who’s excited to see the return of Elle Woods. Makes me wonder, what’s she’s up to now?
Content: There’s jokes about homosexual animals, and some other crude references. The film is PG-13.
Photos: MGM
