As a film buff, I often get asked to pick my favorite movie. Unfortunately, I don’t have a straightforward answer most of the time. Asking me to choose a favorite movie is like asking me whether I prefer milkshakes or iPhones, two entirely different products. On some days I prefer Gravity (2013); on others, I belt songs from The Sound of Music (1965) nonstop. I’ve also been known to rhapsodize at length about Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004).
To avoid rambling, I started answering that Legally Blonde (2001) is my top movie. Having watched Legally Blonde too many times to count, however, I’ve realized that this isn’t far from the truth. It’s my go-to film whenever I need to feel better or want background noise. I have never failed to laugh my head off during a watch-through, even when not paying full attention. Legally Blonde is a near-perfect comedy with strong characters and an excellent story arc that holds up incredibly well today—20 years after it was first released. It is worthy of being on anyone’s list of favorite movies.
Many readers may raise their eyebrows at me, especially those who haven’t seen Legally Blonde in a while…or ever. Sure, the movie may be funny, but what makes it so great compared to the packed library of other comedies?
Jokes in many other comedies age fast and cause films to lose their enjoyability. Transphobic jokes in classics such as The 40 Year Old Virgin (2005) and Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) may have seemed appropriate in the past, but now they feel especially awkward and bigoted. Racist caricatures of Asians and Asian-Americans in Sixteen Candles (1984) and Freaky Friday (2003) render these films nearly impossible to watch nowadays. I am forgiving of these comedies because I understand that comedy ages quickly by nature, but regardless, prejudiced humor and offensive gags make me less likely to revisit a film.
Legally Blonde may have its share of outdated comedy, but none of it is glaringly offensive. The most problematic scene featuring Enrique, a gay Latino pool boy, still avoids explicit homophobic rhetoric. Instead, the film draws its best humor from subverting expectations, demonstrating that insulting or demeaning stereotypes are rarely the truth. The scene everyone remembers and laughs at without fail is when Elle Woods deftly cross-examines a witness during a murder trial and proves she can be a fantastic lawyer despite the naysayers. I think Elle frames the film’s core message and comedic strategy best when she says that first impressions aren’t always correct.
I love the positive message this film pushes by subverting the ‘dumb blonde’ trope. The unintelligent, attractive blonde featured in various male-driven comedies throughout the years tells viewers that they can only be defined by one thing. You can’t be smart and pretty; you have to choose one. Legally Blonde spins this message on its head and argues that it is possible to balance different aspects of your identity. You don’t have to choose between being perky and pretty or being a successful lawyer—you can be however many things you want to be. In fact, embracing your full identity can give you strength, as Elle demonstrates by drawing on her previous knowledge as a sorority sister during the trial scene.
Legally Blonde is also a superior comedy in the sense that it has a strong, interesting character arc. Many comedies rely on a simple, tired plot where the main character desires something, then eventually obtains it after going through a bunch of challenges. Elle’s journey, however, is defined by want vs. need. This tension allows Elle to plausibly transform from a slightly naive, fish-out-of-water woman to a confident lawyer and independent human. Elle realizes that while she may have wanted to marry Warner, she needs to be satisfied with herself and her career.
Furthermore, the film has an endless supply of amazing, iconic lines. All well-regarded comedies have at least one instantly recognizable quote, but it seems the writers for Legally Blonde had no shortage of ideas for perfectly crafted Elle quotes. Everyone who has seen the movie has a different favorite line, but my personal go-to is, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.”
The performances, of course, are nothing short of legendary. The role of Elle Woods seems tailor-made for Reese Witherspoon. Witherspoon’s effortless charm and upbeat acting allow each scene to brim with joy and energy. Another actress could easily fall into the trap of making Elle Woods seem insincere, but Witherspoon always feels genuine, even while delivering absurd, hilarious lines. In addition, Witherspoon’s personal intellect helps Elle’s intellect feel authentic and not too far-fetched.
I have a soft spot for the supporting performances in Legally Blonde, particularly those given by Luke Wilson and Selma Blair, which do not get the praise or recognition they deserve. Wilson’s sarcastic yet playful demeanor as Emmett wonderfully complements Witherspoon’s performance as Elle. Blair manages to make Vivian—initially a despicable, cruel character—into someone the audience loves and enjoys watching near the end of the film.
But what I enjoy most about Legally Blonde is that it revels in its ridiculousness. The film doesn’t focus on legal minutia or shy away from implausible scenes. It is primarily focused on generating laughs by creating absurd situations for Elle, no matter how outlandish. And while the film does include the fairly heavy topic of sexual harassment, it knows not to glorify it or focus too long on the subject.
Legally Blonde has stood the test of time and become a fixture of pop culture, so much so that a third movie is being released in 2022. I have faith that writers Mindy Kaling and Dan Goor will do it justice and create the fantastic installment that people have been dying to see. In preparation for this new film, I highly recommend watching Legally Blonde again or for the first time on Netflix if you have the chance. You won’t regret it!
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