The forthcoming Emma Stone-led comedy “Easy A,” has been enjoying some healthy pre-release buzz with word that the film has been testing very well with audiences. Last month, a clip from the movie made its way online and seemed to indicate a smart, subtle comedy, and with the arrival of the full length trailer, that promise seems to be holding true.
In the film Stone plays Olive Penderghast, a high school student who decides to help out a bullied gay friend by pretending to sleep with him at a party thus boosting his rep, but inadvertently tainting hers. She becomes a pariah to the buttoned down religious faction of students, while suddenly the object of desire of every horny male in her school. In short, it’s a modern retelling of the classic story The Scarlet Letter.
We’re pretty glad to see a sex comedy arrive that firstly, has a female lead who is self-assured and smart, and secondly, doesn’t rely on raunch and flashing boobs to get laughs. Of course, that it’s led by the funny, talented and beautiful Stone certainly doesn’t hurt. Director Will Gluck (“Fired Up!”) seems to have found a nice tone for his film which, if it really does fire on all cylinders like we hope, could enter the ranks of the great high school comedies. High hopes, for sure.
“Easy A” stars Stone, Patricia Clarkson, Stanley Tucci, Amanda Bynes, Thomas Haden Church, Malcolm McDowell and Lisa Kudrow and opens on September 17th.