Manipulative high school sophomore Kimberly Joyce (Evan Rachel Wood) leads her friends Brittany Wells (Elisabeth Harnois) and Randa Azzouni (Adi Schnall) in bringing charges of sexual assault against Percy Anderson (Ron Livingston), their English and drama teacher at an exclusive private school in Beverly Hills. Meanwhile, local reporter Emily Klein (Jane Krakowski), originally assigned to do an insignificant piece on the school, hopes that the scandal will launch her into celebrity in the television news business, while Kimberly's bigoted father, Hank (James Woods), is concerned primarily with the effect that his daughter's accusations may have on his business.

CRITIQUE

Pretty Persuasion is a pretty offensive movie as the main character Kimberly says and does just about anything to get ahead in her scheme to become famous. She is a master manipulator and makes lies seem like the truth. Evan Rachel Wood takes an interesting turn in her career playing this youth monster, but her performance is very good and ultimately she makes Kimberly interesting despite the fact that viewers will find her actions abhorring. The supporting cast is excellent, though I wonder how the producers got James Woods to play Kimberly’s racist wacko dad. Getting back to the offensive nature of the story and dialogue, it plays out rather well dramatically, surprisingly, but in spots you can’t help but gasp at the vulgarity of it all. The sexual content consists “pleasuring” one another down below, and some dialogue is quite sexual as well, but no action appears on camera, however it’s helped by the acting of the receiver and a certain “sound.” The sexual harassment plot, whether the teacher actually did molest the girls, is not immediately revealed so a little bit of suspense remains, but the movie does play out longer than it should at 110 minutes. This is one of those movies that divide an audience, some will find it interesting and dark in ways but others will hate it for its sick and offensive subject matter.

THE VIDEO

Sony presents Pretty Persuasion in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Colors look vibrant and mostly crisp. Detail and sharpness are good. It’s a good-looking presentation. Optional subtitles are English and Spanish.

THE AUDIO

Sony presents Pretty Persuasion in English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround. Dialogue is clear to understand and the music comes across quite well through the front speakers. The surrounds are not very active. It’s a decent presentation.

THE EXTRAS

Just a series of trailers, nothing else.

FINAL THOUGHT

Pretty Persuasion is a bad movie in terms of how its revelation can affect sexual harassment charges in real life, but in terms of fiction, coupled with the offensive material, makes for a surprisingly involving story, if you can tolerate it.