Easy Emma.

Rating: 7/10 (9 October 2015)

Easy A (2010): Dir: Will Gluck / Cast: Emma Stone, Amanda Bynes, Penn Badgley, Dan Byrd, Lisa Kudrow: Here is a teen comedy about taking the easy way out or taking advantage of others for personal gain. Emma Stone plays Olive, an ordinary unpopular girl who becomes popular after a string of rumours. Director Will Gluck is backed with intelligent comic writing that addresses its core issues as oppose to merely using it as a pedestal for dirty humour. Stone is dynamite in her first leading role and she captivates the entire film with wit, charm and a heavy dose of humour. Her tale isn't as straight forward as it seems. She informs viewers through web cam about wanting to help others while losing her virginity but in reality it was all a sham. She takes heat but also in unexpected places and comes out strong. Amanda Bynes goes against type playing a religious pusher who dislikes Olive. She is dating a much older student and will find both refuge and facts with her rival. Penn Badgley plays a school mascot who is forced from a blue devil to a woodchuck. He will obviously be Olive's dark knight but the role is total cardboard with the mascot reversal adding to the film's truthful yet somewhat off putting view of religion. Dan Byrd plays Olive's gay friend who approaches her after being bullied. He benefits from the phony sexual encounter and is left alone to pursue a Huck Finn fantasy. Lisa Kudrow plays a guidance counselor who is involved with a student and this ends up tagged to Stone. It addresses the pressure of sex and reputation while finding an easy target in A list writing. Score: 7 ½ / 10