Legally Blonde (2001)

My Review

“Legally Blonde” is a comedy film about a young woman who decides to get a law degree from Harvard to win back her former boyfriend and, in the process, helps to erase stereotypes against blondes. Director Robert Luketic (“Monster-in-Law” 2005) creates a formulaic comedy which nonetheless is very entertaining. The lucid screenplay was written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, adapted from the 2001 novel of the same name by Amanda Brown.

Reese Witherspoon heads the cast as the young Harvard student, a very fitting role for her winsome personality. The large and talented cast includes Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, Jennifer Coolidge, Ali Larter, Jessica Caufiell, Alanna Ubach, Oz Perkins, Linda Cardinelli, Bruce Thomas, Meredith Scott Lynn, Francesca P. Roberts, Wayne Federman, Greg Serano, Allyce Beasley, and Moondoggie the chihuahua as Bruiser Woods, Witherspoon’s character’s pet. Veteran actors Holland Taylor and Raquel Welch appear in small but pivotal roles.

The feel-good box office sensation of summer 2001 “Legally Blonde” made tons of cash for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Marc Platt Productions, Type A Films, and MGM Distribution Company. Two sequels followed: “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde” starring Witherspoon, Sally Field, Bob Newhart, Luke Wilson (2003) and “Legally Blondes” about teenage blonde girls produced by Witherspoon and released direct-to-video (2009). Another sequel called “Legally Blonde 3” starring Witherspoon was reportedly in the works but has never materialized.