A is for awesome

I saw Easy A yesterday. If you've managed to avoid the trailer (which is apparently possible; when I suggested it, Steve had to pull up the trailer online), it's about a girl, Olive, who pretends to have sex with guys after a rumor spreads around school that she had sex with a college boy. She becomes ostracized and basically says "Screw it!" and wears a red A on sexy corsets.

I'd put it up there with Bring It On and 10 Things I Hate About You in the category of teen movies. It references 80s teen movies and the need for random musical numbers (Yesss!!!), which I totally appreciate. And though I like (as in, compulsively watch every time I see it on tv) She's All That, Easy A has a lot more intelligence in it. The writing's great, the main characters are relatable, and the acting is fab. Amanda Bynes's character, the uptight Christian chick, is a total stereotype, but she's the exception to the rule.

Olive's parents are a lot of fun--the whole quirky, caring type. It could've gotten old if they were in more of the movie than they were. I kind of wished they took a bit more of an interest in what was going on with their daughter. In that way, I compare them to Mr. Bennett from Pride & Prejudice. (And you know who appreciates that analogy? Boys.)

What I really appreciated was how realistic Olive's journey was. I didn't feel like any of her actions felt wrong. The only thing that felt particularly off to me was how the rumor of Olive's devirginization spread. Do kids really care that much? Particularly about someone who's on the edges of the crowd?

I was suprised to find that it was only rated PG-13--there was a lot of swearing. But I don't remember any F-bombs, which probably explains that. I only hope that this means it'll do well. It's a lot of fun and a very well-made movie.