Easy A

Easy A (2010)
Directed by Will Gluck
Length: 92 minutes
Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving teen sexuality, language, and some drug material





Hollywood mourned the untimely passing of 80s iconic director John Hughes last year. Since that time, the sense of nostalgia surrounding his films has seemingly grown as new generations of viewers surface. While his films were never considered classics in the most literal and traditional sense of the word (a la The Godfather or Citizen Kane), Hughes's filmography included such gems as Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club as well as several others that overcome their 1980s cultural references and appeal to mass audiences. Boasting troubled protagonists with witty humor and sex appeal, the audience often cheered on the renegades as they combined serious social concerns with big laughs.

Much in this fashion, Easy A is a modern take on the Nathaniel Hawthorne classic The Scarlet Letter with all the elements of a John Hughes classic. Set in the dangerous jungle known as high school, modern girl Olive, played by the sexy and quirky up-and-comer Emma Stone (Crazy, Stupid, Love; Zombieland) , struggles to be noticed until a rumor surfaces concerning her recent deflowering: except Olive is still a virgin. Fact or fiction, Olive's sudden social status allows her to assist the social outcast of her high school by starting rumors of their "hooking up" for payment in the form of a gift card. While the male outcast see their reputation boosted, Olive becomes known as the school whore, earning the ire of the fundamentalist Christians, led by the perfectly casted Amanda Bynes (Canned, Living Proof) as Marianne. Soon Olive struggles with balancing her school persona with her true nature as she loses her friends and self-respect.

Emma Stone really shines in Easy A and certainly will be a force in the coming years. Capable of being sexy, funny, or even one of the guys, Stone is the type of actress that appeals to a mass audience. Beyond Stone's personal success, both Stanley Tucci (Burlesque, Margin Call) and Patricia Clarkson (Legendary, Shutter Island) are outstanding as the progressive parents of Olive. On several occasions, their playful banter and modern parent-rearing techniques steal the scene. Also impressive is the monotonic, "cool teacher" bit by Thomas Haden Church (Don McKay, Zombie Roadkill) as Mr. Griffith.

Easy A is an instant classic and a proper homage to the late John Hughes. The laughs are constant and big and appeal to a wide audience. Though the film may be hoping to target the Mean Girls audience, both sexes can enjoy the jokes. Equally impressive the fact the film is able to stay steady throughout with little to no wasted scenes. Definitely be sure to check out Easy A, the closest thing to a John Hughes classic in years.

Final Rating: 4 out 5 stars

Favorite Quote:
Principal Gibbons: "This is public school. If I can keep the girls off the pole and boys off the pipe, I get a bonus."