Review: 'Pretty Persuasion' is convincing enough

Posted Friday, December 16, 2005 at 2:27 PM Central

by John Couture

With shades of Lolita and Wild Things, Pretty Persuasion isn't your iconic Brady Bunch influenced high school dramedy, which is why the whole movie works.

Sure, Evan Rachel Wood's Kimberly is over the top and, at times, borderline believable, but her character stands for a whole generation who has suffered through political correctness and is finally hitting their rebellious teen years.

I don't want to give away the whole story, because there are plenty of twists and turns, some obvious, some out of left field, but unlike many of its brethen, Pretty Persuasion shocks but not solely for the purpose of being shocking. The opening conversation between Kimberly and new student Randa, who has just moved to America from the Middle East, is scathing of racism and acceptance which is shocking, but when we meet Kimberly's father (played brilliantly by James Woods) we understand the importance that her environment plays in shaping her personality.

The one thing that separates this movie from the rest on the shelf is the top-notch performances. Evan Rachel Wood grows up in this film without resorting to the time-honored Hollywood tradition of shedding her clothes. She has always been actress that has been ahead of her peers in terms of handling more mature roles, but Pretty Persuasion proves that she's not afraid to take chances. The other standout performance belongs to the aforementioned James Woods. His bigoted remarks directed at his co-workers form not only the basis of his core identity, but go a long way in determining the outcome of Kimberly's plan.

Is this movie for everyone? No, but then again, there are fewer and fewer movies that appeal to the General Audience these days. But, if you were a fan of Heathers and Election, this movie is tailor-made for you.

Besides the odd trailer or two, there are no special features on this offering and one suspects that a Special Edition is on its way. But it is worthy of a rental if you are not easily offended by adult subject matter.