Kimberly Joyce (Evan Rachel Wood) and her friends are leasing a sexual assault case against their teacher (Ron Livingston.) Meanwhile, reporter Emily Klein (Jane Krakowski) is covering the case, while Kim's dad (James Woods) seems more concerned about how this will effect his business.I love Black Comedy. It's just how I am. Sure, something light is fine, but at the end of the day, I want something gutsy and daring. "Persuasion" may be a Black Comedy, but it's anything but daring. In fact, it's downright calculated and terrible. Every attempt at nailing down issues in America (from race, homophobia, post 9/11 anxiety, etc.) reeks of a filmmaker and a writer congratulating one another on how "gutsy" and "daring" they are. The whole thing just reeks of self-satisfaction, finger waving and "Don't you see!" moments. It commits one of the cardinal sins one mustn't do when doing a Satire-it celebrates itself and becomes uninvolved and smug, while failing to comment on society in a smart way.As I mentioned earlier, the whole thing is also incredibly calculated. Every moment that tries to play off as a Darkly comic misses the mark. Black Comedy takes skill and intelligence, not half-hearted attempts at satirical jabs. Plus, its so obvious in wanting to outrage viewers. There is nothing worse than manufactured outrage, especially in movies. Nothing in this feels genuine or involving-its all just so forced and obvious.As I said, Black Comedy takes talent, as well as a sense of intelligence. Instead, this is a movie that basically screams "we're so brave," that thinks highly of itself, and reeks of self importance. Nothing in this rings true or makes a good point, and it basically becomes the kind of Indie/Art flick that gives those a really bad name. In short: Avoid.

I've liked every effort I've seen by young actress Evan Rachel Wood ("13" being a stellar example, and "Missing" being another). This is no exception. "Pretty Persuasion" is akin to "Election" (Reese Witherspoon) for the first half, with a dark, witty sense of humor about high school aged people playing mental "chess" with each other, their teachers, and parents. Slowly the story morphs darker, into something like "To Die For" (Nicole Kidman), with a media-made, fame-driven main character willing to do whatever it takes to reach a twisted idea of recognition and advancement. THIS would be enough for the film to be interesting and well done within its own right, but then it goes further. Further. This film is billed as a comedy. If it is, it is not for long… a) if you watch the entire thing, and b) you pay attention. I was expecting a good film. I received even more.

This move represents the type of movie genre I hate - no, loath. But it's actually pretty good. The story is not as straightforward as one would expect. This movie definitely has a twist and is not your average soap opera.My girl friend was watching it on her PC and it caught my attention - something that rarely happens in the middle of a movie. The story arc makes you want to know more, and the end does not disappoint. It does not unfold slowly and it leaves a lot of room for speculation. You still won't expect this. The role of Kimberly makes sure you don't get bored while waiting for the conclusion.If I actually find a high school movie entertaining, you should probably watch it. It doesn't even have any sci-fi gadgets or serious gore. ;-) A good story is all it takes, but lately this is a rare thing, unfortunately. Thumbs up for this movie getting it right!

Evan Rachel Wood stars as Kimberly Joyce, an aspiring starlet gifted with an amazing intellect and killer sex appeal - all while being a high-school student in a private school. An apparent culmination of a broken home, a privileged lifestyle and a lack of parental boundaries, "Pretty Persuasion" marauds as a satire that cuts right down to teenage sex issues, racism and media irresponsibility but its really just a drama with an unhealthy fixation on comedy and no particular place to direct its send-up at.Armed with an acumen for persuasion, Kimberly uses it on everyone, from her uncouth businessman father (James Woods) to her best friend, Brittany (Elisabeth Harnois). Lying and manipulation is second nature to her, she even manages to convince herself from time to time. She's an anti-heroine, who you'd never root for. Not even when you learn her motivations. She knows her beauty, although good-looking, is limited, and does not set her apart from the competition when it comes to auditions and screen roles. Kimberly's not the most popular girl either, as she dispenses insults and backhanded compliments with razor sharp proficiency but she is promiscuous, trading sexual favours for actual favours. Wary of her 'talents' are her teachers and principal, as they appear malcontented at her strong and formidable disposition.Unfortunately, the English teacher, Percy Anderson (Ron Livingston) draws her ire when he punishes her and a new student, an immigrant Arab girl, Randa (Adi Schnall) who was unfairly reprimanded because of a defiant Kimberly. Randa sticks with Kimberly and Brittany, although uncomfortable with their licentious behaviour and oh-so insipid American ways, a true innocent to their immoral antics. At a slumber party, Kimberly schools them in order to enlist them in corroborating an accusation of sexual assault at the English teacher. They go along unwillingly, with the realisation of instant feminist heroism and increased exposure, in the case of Kimberly even if they lose. This incident sets off a media frenzy led by Emily Klein (Jane Krakowski), a lesbian reporter who finds herself in dangerous Sapphic territory with a master seductress in Kimberly. Allying herself with her, Emily sets out on a one-sided crusade against Percy.What it does well is its careful unwrapping of the truth behind Percy's accusation. It keeps us in the dark on whether he is indeed guilty. Various instances of Percy's behaviour with his wife (Selma Blair) and furtive looks at girls in the school make us question the validity of those claims.There's a sense of irony in this film, when the filmmakers themselves make caricatures of the characters in the script. It's so conceited and self-aware that it lampoons everyone and everything, from the Columbine shootings to the war in Iraq. The high-schoolers are either presented as brain-dead but attractive or sex-obsessed losers, adding to their self-parody. Everyone's a victim in this film and everyone is an object of contempt. Just as "Saved!" (with another rising starlet in Jena Malone) did it heart and humour, this film did it with condescension and disrespect.Despite an uproariously hilarious portrayal by James Wood, in a role that you might think is actually James Wood as he is, it's still a weak and offensive film that just does not know what it wants to be. It's social commentary gone the way of opine bashing. Shame, considering Rachel Evan Woods actually gives a great performance in this, even more impressive than in "Thirteen". Undeniably, she's one to look to out for in the future.