Roger Ebert gave it three out of four stars, saying the film was "impossible to dislike" and "Witherspoon effortlessly animated this material with sunshine and quick wit." Todd McCarthy of "Variety" said Witherspoon gave a "wonderful and winning" performance. "Beaming star wattage out of every pore, not to mention her hair, Witherspoon once again proves herself a comedienne worthy of comparison to such golden era greats as Carole Lombard and Ginger Rogers." Michael Wilmington of "Chicago Tribune" also commended Witherspoon's performance, saying her "comic timing immaculate, her persona irresistible. But it's her spirit and immersion in the part that really infuse the whole film and make it work." He added that Witherspoon "so much humor and pizazz into Elle that she lifts up the whole movie." B. Ruby Rich of "The Nation" called it "the best empowerment movie for teenage girls to come along in ages." CNN's Paul Clinton lauded the film as a "sassy satire that retains a message: believe in yourself and follow your dreams."