Hilarious and thought provoking at the same time this insight into one over-achieving, prissy control freak had me engrossed for it's entirely too short length. Reese Witherspoon is exceptional as always as the ambitious, and possibly evil, Tracy Flick who will do anything and destroy anyone in her ruthless pursuit of power. Her uptight mannerisms and facial expressions are worth the rental fee alone as she works night and day to achieve her goals. Set against her is three-time teacher of the year Jim McAllister (Broderick) who, on seeing her rise to said position of power due to the mostly apathetic student body, sets out on a noble yet ultimately self-destructive course to stop her at all costs.
Though the school itself is full of people if often appears like there are only two combatants locked in a struggle for supremacy, each with their own aganda and methods. Witherspoon's character comes across as equally determined and manipulative as she is pathetic and needy. Broderick on the other hand sees his perfect life spiral out of control as his all-pervading crusade to stop her eats away at his otherwise feeble, easy-going nature. The supporting cast also perform superbly with Chris Klein (who looks and sounds more and more like Keanu Reeves every day) worthy of particular praise for his nice, deadpan yet intelligent jock who, under Broderick's guidance, plans his own campaign. This is where the film elevates itself above normal teen movies with the very morals and ethics so subtly woven into the film early on assuming paramount importance as the titanic struggle reaches its climax.
As Broderick falls deeper towards the dark side in his effort to stop Witherspoon he loses the decency and even handedness he so valiantly displayed at the beginning. Is he really right to use Flick's own dubious ethics against her, even at the risk of becoming what he most despises? Regardless of whether you're an ambitious go-getter or a couldn't-care-less daydreamer you might find the answer a little less than straightforward. The ending itself is brilliantly surprising and just when you think it ends it doesn't quite. Fantastic. |
