Legally Blonde 2

Legally Blonde 2 – Elle wants her beloved Chihuahua, Bruiser, to be reunited with his mother for her wedding but she discovers that the poor pooch is being subjected to cruel animal testing for cosmetics. Fired from her job for insisting her employers take on the case, Elle determines to take the cause all the way to Washington, wanting to pass ‘Bruiser’s Bill’ to end animal testing in the cosmetics industry. However, her pink and bubbly persona is too much for some of the suits so she must use all her own intuitive skills to persuade enough people to get her bill passed. 

Legally Blonde 2 (2003) – Director: Charles Herman-Wurmfeld

By Source, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56528445

Rating: PG

Running Length: 95 mins

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Regina King, Sally Field

Genre: Comedy

REVIEW: ‘LEGALLY BLONDE 2’

Originally given the subtitle ‘Red, White and Blonde’, ‘Legally Blonde 2’ once again follows effervescent lawyer Elle Woods. Determined to get the law changed in favour of animal rights, Elle has taken on a worthy cause for sure, especially as it is a subject often not seen as important compared to other matters, meaning Elle faces an uphill battle to be heard and taken seriously.

Reese Witherspoon is delightful and carries the movie with ease as the pink, fluffy and girly Elle, a woman who could never be anything but her authentic self . Her support system of two sorority sisters and hairdresser, Paulette (Jennifer Coolidge) never waivers. It’s clear that despite their similarities Elle has always stood a little apart yet gratifyingly none of them ever try to change each other. Elle’s genuine legal mind and ability to appeal to people who are very different to her remain and, although the stakes are now higher and her peers are much more experienced, she doesn’t let the new environment change her.

Unfortunately, whereas the first ‘Legally Blonde’ saw Elle start from humble beginnings and rise to the challenges presented to her, ‘Legally Blonde 2’ has only one focus – the fight to abolish animal testing for the cosmetics industry. Sadly this makes the story drag somewhat, especially as there hasn’t been any mention of the pooch in question (Elle’s dog’s mother) before this and she is only seen for a few seconds before Elle’s crusade begins (and then not again until the end). The realisation that Elle’s favourite make-up brands and products are part of this terrible practice explores the power of personal boycott, and her persuasiveness is put into practice when she sways other to her argument. The movie laser focuses on this and hardly digs deep into the subject (no alternatives to animal testing or existing animal-friendly companies are mentioned). Yet Elle’s crusade remains relatable and watchable whilst avoid tubthumping dogma.

‘Legally Blonde 2’ continues with the same energy as the first and Elle’s bubbly personality always brings a smile to your face. With the single-minded plot you may find your focus wandering but the compelling race to get the animal friendly bill passed will likely be enough to bring you back to the pink and fluffy fold.

CONTENT: IS ‘LEGALLY BLONDE 2’ SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

The opening of the movie recaps the previous movie by having two of Elle’s friends talk about her as narrators as the camera focuses on a scrapbook. One of them states ‘She could have been a playmate by now!’

The movie focuses on Elle’s disgust about animal testing for the cosmetics industry. Nothing explicit is shown or referenced, however children may be curious as to why this is a bad thing so parents may wish to be ready for questions about this subject.

Paulette speaks about someone who Elle will soon be working with, saying ‘Her beagle’s name is Dolly Madison which was my grandma’s stripper name!’

A lawyer asks a colleague ‘Is it difficult for you to breathe with your mouth flat against your employer’s butt?

Elle talks about how at college there was a date regarding a kissing booth – ‘tongue or no tongue’ and says ‘I think you can guess what side the Kappa Kappa (male) was on!’

Elle and another character are called to the doggy day spa their dogs are at and are told that their male dogs are gay – a woman who has heard this is shocked and walks out of the building with her dog. This becomes a bit of a theme and is mentioned a few times afterwards, the other character later says ‘I couldn’t be prouder of the little flamer’ and also refers to his dog as homosexual.

A character allows a dog to take a bite of his food and then immediately after takes a bite himself.

CAN I SEE A CLIP?

VERDICT: IS ‘LEGALLY BLONDE 2’ FOR KIDS?

Bright, full of life and thoroughly delightful, ‘Legally Blonde 2’ is an enjoyable watch but the single-minded plot may cause your attention to wander. The content isn’t too strong but we feel the plot of the movie would be most appealing to kids aged 10 and over.

• Violence: 0/5
• Emotional Distress: 1/5 (kids could be upset about the theme of animal cruelty)
• Fear Factor: 0/5
• Sexual Content: 3/5 (some innuendo)
• Bad Language: 2/5 (some mild cursing and blasphemy)
• Dialogue: 1/5 (some references to dogs being gay)
• Other Notes: Deals with themes of animal testing, friendship, being true to yourself, embracing your differences, being kind to others, drawing on previous experiences, adapting your behaviour to individual people, caring for animals and not judging others.

Words by Laura Record