Olive Penderghast (Emma Stone) is a typical high school girl in her quest to fit in with the crowd. When Olive decides to tell a little lie to her friend Rhiannon (Alyson Michalka) about a boy she is going out with in order to get out of a camping trip, she unintentionally opened the doors to her worst nightmare. As the word about her being a “tramp” travelled faster than she hoped, all the sudden she was in the eye of the hurricane. With all the attention being focused on to her, she befriends Brandon (Dan Byrd) and she helps fit in by faking having sex with him without thinking of the consequences. Soon she finds herself doing “favors” for others to maintain her reputation not knowing what it could lead to.
They say high school years are the best in your life; that the best moments are live in those 4 years of your young life. The film is about a girl who tries to show you just how much being the outcast really is. Throughout the film the protagonist is struggling to find her place in her social group, but she can’t really find it because she is too worried about the people she is struggling to help. This movie isn’t a measure of a normal high schooler’s life by any means, it simply gives you a glimpse into how fast someone’s reputation can be ruined by a simple lie, in a very comedic way.
Easy A is a one of those new age teenager comedies that somewhat risqué yet sexy and comedic. Is not your typical laugh out loud comedies, but the sarcasm found within the film fills in for some of the comedy. The young cast was spot on, why? Because they manage to turn in great performances and upholding the tone of the movie at all times. Some may say that perhaps this movie features some risky language, but in reality if you fail to realize this is how teenagers talk in school these days you will fail to see the deeper meaning of Olive’s lies. Emma Stone is witty, sarcastic, and sexy in the role of Olive and she is perfect for the character.
The story features a great script by Bert V. Royal whose witty writing allowed the characters to fully evolve, as the story is movie on. The director did a fantastic job keeping the film on track and never allowing it to sidetrack. This movie is sort of reminiscing of John Hughes 80’s teen movies (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, etc.), there’s even a mention of it during the film. Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci are both fantastic are the hippy mom and dad that beyond anything that’s happening to her daughter their unconditional support always get Olive through. The script really allowed both actors to play an influential part in the development of Olive. Easy A is a movie that explores a side of high school life that rarely sees the light of day.
Easy A arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p MPEG4-AVC encode framed at 1.85:1. Personally, I enjoy digital transfers, they feature clean look that are simply gorgeous, Easy A falls into that category. Easy A features colors that vibrant and lively. The image is sharp and revealing. Black levels are inconsistent, but they look good most of the time. Detailing is excellent and very revealing, The digitally shot film features very striking detailing all around. Skin tones feature an orange tint throughout. Some banding is seen in different parts of the film, but it is kept at bay. Everything about this transfer screams gorgeous and Easy A doesn’t disappoint.
Easy A arrives on Blu-ray with a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio lossless track. A movie such as this doesn’t have a track that will blow your mind, but what it does have is a track filled with great balance all around that will leave the viewers satisfied. Dialogue reproduction is clean and clear throughout. Atmospherics and ambience effects are handled with great directionality by the rears. The music easily takes advantage of the spacious track. Track after track the music flows freely through the speakers with great fidelity. Overall, Easy A sounds great on Blu-ray.
Audio Commentary – Director Will Gluck and actress Emma Stone discuss every main point of the film like the script, cast, the shooting of the film, etc. It’s entertaining, but not as insightful as one may think.
The Making of Easy A – The cast and crew talk about the movie, themes used, the casting, etc. It’s well worth a look.
The School of Pop Culture: Movies of the Eighties – This featurette gives you a look at how the film talks about some of the films of the 80’s.
Vocabulary of Hilarity – This features a look at how the filmmakers toned down the dialogue of the film and how authentic they wanted to make it sound.
Emma Stone Audition Footage – This features a look at all of Emma Stone’s audition tapes.
Trailers – Movie trailers for The Social Network, Burlesque, Nowhere Boy, Salt, How Do You Know, The Other Guys, Tamara Drewe, Eat Pray Love, and The House Bunny.
Pop-Up Trivia Track – Label as Extra Credit
Gag Reel
MovieIQ
BD-Live Functionality
Easy A features a funny interpretation of how life in high is and how unpleasant a rumor can be. Easy A is a funny and sexy look at high school drama and Emma Stone is quite fantastic. The filmmakers made sure the tone of the film never sidetracked and remained witty and funny. The Blu-ray features excellent video and audio transfers. The supplements aren’t too shabby and offer great extra content that should keep fans entertained. Easy A comes highly recommended.
