Not quite BMX bandits, the staff and students of Wellesley College enjoy a ride in the sunshine. Photo from www.rottentomatoes.com

Not artful enough
Mona Lisa Smile


Stars Julia Roberts, Kirsten Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal

Reviewer :: Lt Simone Heyer

Julia Roberts seems a magnet to light-hearted chick flicks. I'll confess being mildly interested in seeing Mona Lisa Smile but it was only because Sin Eater wasn't being shown in Canberra - that's right, not at all - that I saw it.

Katherine (Roberts) is an art history college teacher. When her application to teach at the esteemed women's Wellesley College is accepted, she is sure she'll be able to make a difference to the lives of hundreds of girls.

Set in the early '50s the role of the woman is clearly defined, and any encouragement to venture from the mold is frowned upon.

The school nurse is sacked for providing contraceptives to one of the girls and when Katherine begins encouraging the girls to apply for universities and to attend college after marriage, the spotlight is put on her.

A small group of girls start the year trying to prove their new teacher wrong, showing her that they are indeed the most switched-on ladies in the US. But by the end, she's won them over as her greatest supporters.

It's interesting to see how easily the girls conform - as was the case in that day.

Their goals are to become wives and mothers. One of the classes they take is deportment, including how to be the perfect wife to your husband.

Not a bad flick, but wait for the DVD.

Simone rates this movie 2 out of 5