'Legally Blonde' prequel series 'Elle' is shockingly not bad: review
Key Points:
- "Elle," the "Legally Blonde" prequel series premiering July 1 on Prime Video, surprisingly delivers an energetic and fun portrayal of a 16-year-old Elle Woods, played by newcomer Lexi Minetree, and avoids the pitfalls common to unnecessary origin stories.
- Set in 1995, the show follows Elle as her family moves from a privileged Los Angeles life to a grunge-influenced Seattle, creating a fish-out-of-water dynamic that mirrors the original film's underdog theme.
- The series excels by embracing the 90s setting with an authentic soundtrack and cultural references, while developing nuanced characters like mean girl Kimberly, adding depth beyond typical high school clichés.
- Despite some drawbacks, including predictable romantic plotlines and excessive product placement for Cosmopolitan magazine, "Elle" manages to respect and build on what made "Legally Blonde" successful.
- The show also features a poignant final screen role for the late James Van Der Beek, adding emotional weight to the series alongside its lighthearted tone.