Easy A

Yup, another high school movie, but it may not be exactly what you think. Most movies that focus on a high schooler or a group of teens generally has a lot to do with sex: getting sex, having sex… just a lot of sex. Easy A is, you guessed it, about sex. Well, at least the infamy of what sex can do, and the vicious cycle of rumors for which high school is renowned for – at least in the movies anyway.

Poor Olive Penderghast (yes, maybe one of the best names since Fogell), played by the talented Emma Stone, had one small slip of the tongue; a tiny fib if you will, and her world gets turned upside down. Now, i don’t want to give too much away, as I often like to keep the story and all the good bits to myself in hopes that you’ll see it for yourself and draw your own conclusions. With that said, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It never seems to take itself overly serious, and based on the content matter, that’s a good thing. The humor is mostly lighthearted and the supporting cast is wonderful in fulfilling their roles. My only qualm with it was the teens seemed a bit too…prudish at times. There are some over the top characters, but they’re clearly meant to be over the top. It’s the subtle things that got to me a bit, and I can’t even explain fully why.

As far as  the cast is concerned, Emma Stone plays her role perfectly. Many, if not all her reactions are clever and believable, and her little nuances really make the performance. Aly Michalka and Amanda Bynes do well in their roles as well, though they both seemed a slight bit forced, but they don’t have a tonne of screen time, and what the do have is enjoyable enough. The real gem for me though was the part played by Thomas Haden Church. His dry humor and his tact is spot on, and he adds so much to the film, even though he has a small (yet pivotal) part to play, much like Stanley Tucci’s character – the witty dad – he had some of the best lines in the movie. Lastly we have Penn Badgley who plays a teenager better than anybody in film today (that’s not actually a teen). I liked him a lot in this movie, he has a lot of subtleties to him that really make the difference.

Is the film ground-breaking? Nah, but it’s a fun watch. I laughed and I felt for the characters, which is always a plus; it’s never an easy thing to do, especially in this genre of movie. This might not have been the longest review I’ve ever written, but it doesn’t need to be, in all honesty. The movie’s fun and simple in and of itself. I suggest this for a rental, or even a purchase – the laughs are still good the second time around, and the charm doesn’t seem to fade – and I credit that to Emma Stone’s performance mostly; she was outstanding.

So give it a go, you have nothing to lose. The humor’s charming and not bawdy like that of an American Pie or a Superbad. Besides some language, and the obvious theme of the movie, I would say it wouldn’t be a horrible family night movie either.

3.5 outta 5