Easy A (2010)

Directed By: Will Gluck

Starring: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Dan Byrd, & Thomas Haden Church

MPAA Rating: PG-13

My Rating: 8 / 10

Every star has that one movie that marked his or her transition from star to star (cue jazz hands). For Superbad scene-stealer, Emma Stone, that movie is Easy A. It is the movie where she finally steps up from supporting player to leading lady, and she does it with undeniable charm and razor-sharp comedic timing. Of course, let's face it, even when she was a supporting character in such films as The House Bunny and the aforementioned Superbad, she was always the cinematic stand-out, showcasing so much potential that she seemed to be destined for a big breakout role. I'm pleased to say that Olive, Easy A's sharp and witty heroine, is the perfect character for Stone. Wise beyond her years and yet super sexy, Olive seems to have been written specifically with Stone in mind. I cannot put into words how refreshing it is to see a young actress who is so talented and yet so apparently grounded. Emma Stone doesn't need to court paparazzi or "sex up" her public persona in order to stay relevant; she does it by just being a really great actress and choosing good roles.

Olive is your typical high school student. Google Earth couldn't find her if she was a six-story skyscraper, she admits...that is, until she pretends to lose her virginity in order to satisfy her best friend (Aly Michalka). Then, all hell breaks lose, as a bunch of Jesus freaks (led by Amanda Bynes) make her Enemy Number One. Their mission to rid the school of Olive is only intensified when she agrees to fake sex with Brandon (Dan Byrd), a classmate who is bullied daily for being gay. Soon enough, Olive is faking sex with just about every geeky, dorky, nerdy, or otherwise unpopular classmate. As the entire school begins to turn against her, Olive takes inspiration from The Scarlet Letter's Hester Prynne and embroiders a red "A" on all of her outfits, totally embracing her newfound reputation. But, as her lies begin to hurt the people around her and even Olive herself, she begins to realize that she made a big mistake.

What makes Easy A work so well, like with all great teen comedies, is just how relevant it is to the lives of today's teens. With bullying, gossip, and bitchiness coming to the forefront of issues plaguing our high schools, Easy A faces them all head on. Of course, the most ironic (and perhaps best) thing about this is that these issues are universal and, therefore, this film transcends its genre title to appeal to really everyone. And in ten or twenty years (like the John Hughes films, for example), Easy A will still be relevant to teenagers. I mean, how many high schoolers today still fall in love with The Breakfast Club? It seems certain now that Easy A will eventually take its place amongst the small, but elite collection of truly great teen comedies, becoming an instant must-watch for anyone post-puberty. It achieves this because of the unyielding honesty behind its snarky humor. No one wants to watch a movie that panders or that feels contrived and preachy. Easy A doesn't so much give its audience a wholesome message on how to live, as much as it gives them a slice of life, packed with humor, for them to reflect upon on their own. Therein lies its moral.

And the slice of life that is shown is done so with an exuberance not often found in comedies anymore, much less teen-focused ones. Its all-star cast of rising stars and seasoned veterans is a wonderfully eclectic bunch. While Emma Stone is the star, it was still a treat to watch people like Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson (who are absolutely delightful as Olive's parents) work with such witty material. And Amanda Bynes' scenery-chewing performance as an extreme Bible-thumper is enough to make anyone glad she decided not to retire after all. They are all aided immeasurably by Bert V. Royal's crackling dialog and fun character development. This is not a movie that relies on hollow one-liners (or, thankfully, scatalogical humor), but instead on characters who are so well-rounded, intelligent, and based in reality, that the humor simply flows from them. There are a few times when some of the characters border on farce, rather than satire, but it isn't enough to undermine the film's otherwise wonderful execution. I still remember the last time I called a teen comedy an altogether great film...it was Mean Girls back in 2004. Now, in 2010, I can finally say that again.