Miss Arianna on "Legally Blonde 2":

Sitting between my teenage daughters while watching Elle take on the U.S. Congress, I was struck by the palpable affect it had on them: they left the theater inspired, empowered, and talking about the things they wanted to change, and the ways they might be able to change them. None of which would have happened as a result of a lecture from mom.

Most studio executives blanch at the mere mention of making a movie with a message, often invoking the tired old show biz adage, "If you wanna send a message, call Western Union." As MGM's Chris McGurk told me, "I know that people run away from movies that have a social conscience because they're afraid they'll be received as spinach. But sometimes the stars line up and you can produce a movie that is both very entertaining and delivers a powerful message." Besides, adds Kate Kondell, "as Elle would tell you, anything is more palatable if you dress it up in pink."

Of course, there is nothing more American than ordinary people -- whether dressed in high fashion pink or in overalls -- taking up the gauntlet to solve the problems and right the wrongs of our times. Elle's battle is to pass anti-animal testing legislation, but throughout our history, whatever the cause -- from the struggle for civil rights and the drive for women's suffrage to the fight to end the war in Vietnam -- it wasn't elected officials who were in the vanguard, but outraged and engaged citizens demanding reform.

So while the spotlight is currently on our political leaders vying for control in Washington, "Legally Blonde 2" reminds us that we can find the next generation of leaders by just looking in the mirror. And if you need to apply a fresh coat of lip-gloss while you're looking, go right ahead.

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