It's hard to believe it's been nearly 20 years since Legally Blonde was released in 2001. The film, about an aspiring lawyer named Elle Woods, was the first in what will become a three-franchise set produced by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine and starring Witherspoon herself. Actress/comedian/writer Mindy Kaling, who hit home-run writing and starring in NBC'S "The Office," will write the screenplay with Dan Goor (writer for "Brooklyn 99" and "Parks & Recreation"). 

The charm and charisma of the ever-youthful now 42-year-old Witherspoon is undeniable -- and she shone as Elle Woods. Who can forget the very pretty blonde sorority student being dumped by her boyfriend then realizing she had to do something special to redeem her fractured soul? There was more to her life than her good looks. So, she decided to pursue Harvard Law School. And who won't remember her iconic hot pink suit replete with pillbox hat towing her chihuahua in a pink bandana?

The film teaches us the lesson that no matter what you undertake: it's important to believe in yourself. It also obliterates the notion of the "dumb blonde" -- the stereotype that if a woman is attractive she can't be intelligent. 

Marilyn Monroe was the epitome of "the dumb blonde," at least on paper. But the beautiful screen legend reportedly had an IQ of 168, denoting superior intelligence. And Monroe obviously used her brains to create one of the most successful acting careers on record.

Reese Witherspoon's character Elle Woods reinforced the idea that when women pursue academics it can enhance self-confidence and independence. This is a form of 'the rags-to-riches' theme in the film. We all loved Rocky, Sylvester Stallone's character, who overcame the odds in his breakout film to box his way to self-respect. And that is just what Elle Woods did by pursuing her law degree. Rags-to-riches is not just about money.

Fast forward to 2003, when Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde was released. Although the comedy was not as big a hit as its predecessor as Elle focused on animal rights while making her mark in Washington, DC. Witherspoon still carries the film with her charm and star power. Some thought it suffered from "sequelitis." It's tough to replicate the success of an original film from a sequel. Legally Blonde grossed $141.7 million while Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde hit the $124.9 million mark, according to Box Office Mojo. 

Legally Blonde 3 likely won't come out for one to two years. I really miss going to the movie theater and seeing features on the big screen. Watching on a TV or laptop doesn't give me the same fix as the escape I get when I go out to the movies. And streaming just isn't the same for me. 

By the time Legally Blonde 3 is released, it should be safe to see it in a traditional theater. That will be a real treat.