Movie Review
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde
Legally Blonde 2 poster
By Gareth Von Kallenbach     Published July 1, 2003
US Release: July 2, 2003

Directed by: Charles Herman-Wurmfeld
Starring: Reese Witherspoon , Luke Wilson , Sally Field , Bob Newhart

PG-13
Running Time: 95 minutes
Domestic Box Office: $89,884,000
B
Not only better than the original, but an enjoyable summer farce
Clad in bright colors, a cheery attitude, and armed with her dog Bruiser, Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) is taking her act to the nations capitol in the new comedy "Legally Blonde 2: Red White and Blonde" and the laughs follow with her.

The films starts with Woods planning her marriage to Harvard Law professor Emmitt Richmond (Luke Wilson), and searching for the mother of her dog so she can be included in the pending wedding. Life is great for Elle as not only is she about to marry a great guy, but also is about to be promoted to a fine position in her firm. That is until the private investigator (hired to locate Bruiser's mom) has located her in a cosmetic-testing lab. When Elle's efforts on behalf of the dog anger a top client of the firms (who just happens to be heavily invested in the cosmetics company), Elle is soon out of a job when she decides to put her morals over profit.
Elle soon lands on her feet working for Representative Rudd (Sally Field) as a lobbyist. Elle's chipper attitude and passion for bright colors seems to rub many in her office as well as some members of Washington the wrong way, but through determination and her own special charm, Elle soon is working on introducing a bill to eliminate animal testing.

Naturally things do not go as planned, as the sweet-natured Elle is given a harsh lesson in politics and backroom deals, and is forced to settle in for the fight of her life. Elle is aided in her quest by a friendly doorman named Sidney (Bob Newhart), who is very wise in the ways of D.C. and is happy to help Elle in her quest. Also on hand is Elle's hairdresser friend Paulette (Jennifer Coolidge), and several of her sorority sisters who turn the city into an avalanche of bright colors and enthusiasm in their support of Elle.

Elle soon shows that she is more than a pretty face and is capable of going up against whatever and whomever is put before her in her pursuit for what her heart tells her is right. There are some very funny moments in the film and there are a few nice reminders about how government is supposed to work without being heavy-handed about the message.

While light on character and depth, Witherspoon is utterly charming and makes this film work through her radiant personality and energy. Newhart gives a great supporting performance and the pacing of the film is very crisp, making "Legally Blonde 2" not only better than the original, but an enjoyable summer farce.
Gareth's Grade: B
Gareth's Overall Grading: 50 graded movies
A6.0%
B44.0%
C40.0%
D10.0%
F0.0%
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'Legally Blonde 2' Articles
  • Craig's DVD review C+
    February 21, 2004    Supporting performances manage to squeeze out a few little laughs, but the running gag of Elle being smarter than people give her credit for was never really a joke that had a lot of steam. -- Craig Younkin