Yes, I’m a guy. And yes, I like ‘chick flicks’ whether they be drama, comedy, romantic comedy, romantic drama, or even a romantic dramedy. Now, I won’t necessarily go out of my way to see one, but if someone whose opinion I trust recommends it, I’m there. Back in 2001, my wife asked me to pick up a DVD for “Legally Blonde”, starring Reese Witherspoon. I did, but for some reason I wasn’t in a real hurry to see it. The trailers looked cute, maybe a little too cute. My wife ended up watching the movie one day with her niece while I was out doing ‘manly’ things, and when I got home I heard no end of how great the movie was. Since she is on the list of ‘people whose opinions I trust’, I made it a point to sit down and watch it a few nights later. Was the film as cute as the trailers made it out to be? Was Reese Witherspoon’s character Elle Woods, just a bundle of bubbly saccharine sweetness? Well, in a word… yes. Did I like the movie? Nope… I loved it.

“Legally Blonde” turned out to be a surprisingly funny movie. Sure the plot was a bit unbelievable with the chances of Elle ever becoming a real lawyer as far-fetched as could be. But with a comedy I could care less about the realism, I just want it to make me laugh. And laugh I did throughout most of the film. Witherspoon did a great job with the character, and watching her put her jerk of an ex-boyfriend in his place was completely satisfying. Of course, the lighthearted ending just begged for a sequel.

I unfortunately missed “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde” when it was released in the theatre. Though I had planned to catch it, I ended up having to wait for the DVD. In this new film, Elle butts heads with the powers that be in Washington D.C. when she learns that her Chihuahua’s mom is locked in a cruel animal testing facility.

Yes the story is still far-fetched, and at times the humor pushes the limits of good taste (gay dogs?), but “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde” is a funny movie. I’ll admit it’s not quite as funny as the first, but that may be because the concept and the characters were still so fresh. And this time around, the plot feels a little more ‘forced’. However, I still had a good laugh.

What makes this sequel work is the same thing that made the original, and that is simply Reese Witherspoon. I can’t say she is the greatest actress in the world, but she injects a certain earnestness into the character of Elle that carries the entire movie. This isn’t to say that everyone else was slacking, but she steals every scene she’s in.

The new DVD from MGM includes just the right amount of extras for a film like this. There are seven deleted scenes, and a short (but humorous) gag reel, as well as a fairly lengthy ‘Making of’ featurette. This featurette is more promotional in nature, but it’s twenty minute running time offers up some interesting interviews and some behind the scenes footage. The commentary is rather unusual, as neither the director nor Witherspoon are anywhere to be heard. In their place we have Jennifer Coolidge (Paulette), Jessica Cauffiel (Margot) and Alanna Ubach (Serena). Though the commentary is amusing, it really doesn’t offer much in the way of content.

Rounding out the extras, the DVD also has the music video for “We Can” by LeAnn Rimes, a sizable photo gallery, and an interactive quiz.

If you liked “Legally Blonde”, you’ll certainly enjoy “Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde.” Again I’ll say you may not find it as funny as the first, but it’s still funny enough to be worth your time.

Directed by: Charles Herman-Wurmfeld
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Jennifer Coolidge, Sally Field, Bob Newhart
Extras: Deleted Scenes w/ Director Commentary, Gag Reel, “Blonde Ambition” Featurette, “Welcome to Delta Nu” Interactive Quiz, Commentary by Members of the Cast, LeAnn Rimes Music Video, Photo Gallery, Trailers and TV Spots
Specifications: Widescreen (1.88:1), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: MGM
Release Date: 11/4/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For Some Sex Related Humor)
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We'll give Legally Blonde 2: Red White & Blonde a B.