Review of Legally Blondes

Timothy Corrigan provides writing prompts - referred to as writing cues - in the ninth edition of his book: A Short Guide to Writing about Film. In the first writing cue of the text, he encourages the student reader to identify "a scene in a film you've recently seen that most affected you" (7). This is a response to that writing prompt. Legally Blondes is the third installment in the Legally Blonde series. It is a spin-off teen comedy produced in 2009 that is directed by Savage Steve Holland and co-produced by Reese Witherspoon. The video is unremarkable and remarkable. It is unremarkable because some viewers consider it a terrible installment in the franchise. The acting is not high quality, the imagery is not especially intriguing, and there are no sudden twists in the writing that would surprise the average film watcher. Yet, it is also remarkable because it is the first and only video that twins Milly Rosso and Becky Rosso have starred in. Their characters were believable because they embodied a sisterly fidelity to one another that is seen in sibling relationships throughout the real world. The scene with the most profound effect was the one in which their sisterly affection became most apparent. Despite the fact that the two actors were extremely inexperienced, they were able to use their real world sisterly friendship to their benefit in the portrayal of these twin characters. The closeness between the characters did not appear contrived in the actors' portrayal due to their real world relationship. The character that Milly Rosso plays is Annie Woods while her sister Becky plays Izzy. In the story, the twins emigrate with their recently widowed father from London to Southern California. They receive scholarships to attend an expensive college preparatory school. Their new high school has social tension due to the income disparity between the families of the students. Due to their charm, appealing accents, and unknowing beauty, they become instant celebrities on their campus. In turn, they quickly make foes as well. One of their classmates who sets about on a plan to drive the twins apart is the character Tiffany played by Brittany Curran. She uses the twins' naivety to convince them that the other sister is plotting against them. She indicates to Annie that Izzy has been trying to steal her crush, Chris. Afterwards, Tiffany tells Izzy that Annie is envious of the time she spends with him. Part of Tiffany's plan works because she successfully frames one of the twins for cheating on a test. The scene begins with their father speaking to them in their new home. He tries to understand the issue but realizes that his daughters simply need to communicate better to resolve the problem. While the framed sister exasperatedly leaves the living room after the argument, their father encourages the remaining twin to go after her sister and fix their miscommunication. This scene transpires after the only argument between the sisters that is held throughout the course of the story. It begins with the two sisters huddled together in their backyard. They sit on a comfort lounge near their pool while the Southern California stars glimmer above them. They realize that someone else has forced this split in their contentment. They both apologize to the other and explain to the other exactly what they believe that they themselves are at fault for in the disagreement. After they tearfully hug, apologize, and make up with their signature secret handshake, they begin to create a plan on how to fix the framing. What is most touching in the scene is the sincerity with which the actors portray the tension these characters had and the equally heartfelt moment in which they resolve their problems. Many people with siblings can explain that the love between them is unlike any other yet these seemingly inevitable rivalries can lead to some of the most heated, cruel, and contentious arguments. Although it may look contrived to those unfamiliar with sibling friendships, it is apparent to any sibling just how important the act of reconciliation is between them. It is easy to appreciate this tender moment, because both the dialogue and the demeanor of the actors encourage the idea that even in friendships in which people are related by blood, accountability - especially apologizing - is crucial for that friendship to thrive. Despite the ridiculous moments, poor acting, and bad writing that is evident throughout the film, that scene is one that nearly redeems the entire video.