Years ago, a friend’s post inspired me to write a little “film icon” collection featuring Sandra Bullock. Later Matt Damon got in on the feature. Recently I’ve been working on slow-going backend website stuff that includes re-edits for old publications and margin corrections. Two of the posts that earn these new updates is the Bullock and Damon features. Inspired by this, I decided to see about reviving this with a film icon Reese Witherspoon edition.
LIST | 20+ Titles to Read or Watch to Fill our ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ Void
From animated films to period dramas, and of course, some of the favorite rom-coms of my generation, Reese Witherspoon has been in a wide genre of titles. In truth, there’s a lot of hers I haven’t seen, especially those like Election Day or Cruel Intentions, which seems like her kind of “break-out” role. Of course, I know the role that I think it’s safe to say made everyone fall in love with her, but there’s still countless other titles to look at. Let’s walk through some of the many faces of Reese Witherspoon.
FILM ICON REESE WITHERSPOON
SORTED BY RELEASE DATE
Note: this ‘Icon’ series is designed to look through the titles the subject stars in, and my reflections on the films. This feature will also only include stars from the 90s on, or actors who I’m familiar with from film’s I’ve seen.
1: LEGALLY BLONDE (2001)
This is THE role I feel like put Witherspoon on the map. But maybe I’m off. Either way, it feels like this is the title that made everyone fall in love with her and her Elle Woods, would-be lawyer character. The film is PG-13 for suggestive humor, sexuality and profanity.
2: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (2002)
For some reason, Reese seems so young in this one whereas she doesn’t seem quite so in the next film on this list. Perhaps part of this is due to her playing an immature character here. Either way, this Oscar Wilde adaptation is all kinds of sweet, and features Colin Firth, so there’s that! The film is PG for innuendo and brief nudity.
3: SWEET HOME ALABAMA (2002)
I adore this film. It’s about a married couple who after a disastrous young marriage part ways. Years later, when Melanie is about to re-marry she has the epiphany that she’s actually still married… to another man. The film is PG-13 for suggestive humor/innuendo, profanity.
4: LEGALLY BLONDE 2: RED, WHITE AND BLONDE (2003)
Not nearly as good as the 2001 “original,” I love that most of the original cast is back and that we see more Elle and Emmett together. Also, is anyone else curious about the rumored third film in this series!? The film is PG-13 for sexual content/suggestive humor, profanity.
5: VANITY FAIR (2004)
Before Amazon’s mini-series re-make, Reese played the iconic Becky Sharpe in this lavish feature film. The film is PG-13 for sexual content, thematic elements.
6: JUST LIKE HEAVEN (2005)
Pretty sure I’ve only seen this Mark Ruffalo co-starring dramedy once. Witherspoon plays a doctor looking for love, only to die and then go on to “haunt” her former apartment and its new tenant. It’s really more bittersweet than it sounds and actually, it’s one I should give a re-watch to. The film is PG-13 for sexual content and profanity.
7: WALK THE LINE (2005)
Still really like this Johnny Cash biopic; this also happens to be the film Witherspoon won an Oscar for. She plays June Carter Cash. The film is PG-13 for sexual content, profanity, thematic elements.
8: PENELOPE (2006)
Reese takes on a supporting role in this modern fairy tale, and it’s one full of whimsy. The film is PG for some crude humor.
9: FOUR CHRISTMASES (2008)
Don’t love this one, but don’t hate it either. The plot is basic and follows a couple as they try to juggle their many family Christmases in one day. The film is PG-13 for crude humor/sexual content, profanity.
FILM ICON REESE WITHERSPOON: AN UNDERESTIMATED LAWYER TO HAPPY SONGSTRESS. #Movies #ReeseWitherspoon #GoodMovies #HappyMovies Click To Tweet10: HOW DO YOU KNOW (2010)
Despite seeing this twice, I didn’t know that this James Brooks title reunites Paul Rudd with Reese. Previously, they co-starred in a 90s comedy that I haven’t seen. This is another film that isn’t a favorite but has some cute moments. The film is PG-13 for sexual content/crude humor, profanity.
11: WATER FOR ELEPHANTS (2011)
Beautiful costumes! Not much else I can think to say on this one. The film is PG-13 for sexual content and thematic elements (abuse).
12: THIS MEANS WAR (2012)
Silly, yes, but I love this film. Not always happy with Witherspoon’s choices as her character, but still think it’s a fun one. Reminds me of film’s like Killers or Knight and Day, but different. The film is PG-13 for sexual content/humor, profanity, action violence.
13: HOT PURSUIT (2015)
Another one that I made up as being way better (in anticipation) than it is. Still, it’s a fun time watch if you want some laughs. The film is PG-13 for sexual content/humor, profanity.
14: SING (2016)
Love this charming little animated flick about a group of misfits who come together in the hopes of becoming superstars. The film is PG.
15: HOME AGAIN (2017)
This is one of those films’ that isn’t exactly as I pictured it being, but is good. It’s more of a quiet not-necessarily-happy-end (depending on your view) kind of movie, and yet, I still do like it. The film is PG-13 for sexual content/humor, profanity.
What about you; what film icon Reese Witherspoon titles do you love to watch again and again? How many of these have you seen? Which of her films that I haven’t seen should I watch? Comment all of your thoughts below! I’d love to chat.
PINTEREST PIN
find us on social media: MeWe; Instagram; or Pinterest – and join the NEW reader group on MeWe!
Thank you for visiting; please do visit again soon.
One comment