Film Reviews

Easy A

• Rating:
• Director: Will Gluck
• Starring: Alyson Michalka
• Details: USA/92 Mins 15A

Easily the best film of its kind since the deceptively sardonic Mean Girls, Easy A see's Emma Stone finally branch out into a lead role. The actress who showed promise in supporting parts in Superbad and Zombieland is excellent, and brings an already acerbic script to life with every over-articulated put down. Director Gluck is also very smart in his casting of supporting players; instead of second rate sitcom stars we get Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson and Thomas Haden Church as the resident adults.
Stone is "invisible" high school teen, Olive. Narrating her life in the form of a webcam confessional, she tells us how she became a lot more visible at her school by embracing a lie. Whilst blowing off her friend for the weekend, she tells her she had a date with a college guy, and, after much goading, fabricates a sexual encounter with him. When the conversation is overheard by Amanda Bynes' abstinence nut, she spreads it all over the school, and Olive is branded a slut. But instead of freaking out, she embraces it, and helps other geeky teens move up the social ladder by saying she slept with them. When things start to get out control, Olive soon begins to regret the little white lie that snowballed.
There's an effortlessness here that just makes an otherwise slight-feeling production feel infinitely more engaging. When you have Stanley Tucci playing a role that would be a throwaway performance (at best) if portrayed by most other actors, you know you're in for a treat. Lighting up one half of Olive's liberal folks opposite Clarkson, there's a genuine family dynamic between the three. Granted, the inclusion of an adopted kid seems to exist purely to reinforce the aforementioned liberalism, when the fine performances did it anyway, but that's merely a speedbump in an otherwise surprisingly enjoyable part of the film.
This is very much Stone's movie, though, and she more than holds her own opposite some of the premiere actors of their generation. It's a star-making turn in a film that is elevated simply by her appearance. Granted, a twist towards the end feels a bit heavy for the light and breezy tone that preceded it, but at that stage you'll be too on board with Olive and her kooky folks to care.
It goes without saying that teens will adore this. But Easy A is sharp and funny enough to appeal to everyone. Thoroughly enjoyable - watch Stone soar now.

Review by Mike Sheridan