She's All That
Directed by Robert Iscove
Screenplay by R. Lee Fleming Jr.
Based upon the play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
Starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachel Leigh Cook, Matthew Lillard, Jodi Lynn O'Keefe, Usher Raymond, Anna Paquin, and Kevin Pollak
95 minutes. Rated PG-13. Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1. 1999
Rachel Leigh Cook    She's All That, part of the rather bizarre recent trend of adapting classic literature to a "teen movie" format (Cruel Intentions, Ten Things I Hate About You, the forthcoming O, et.al.), is a damn fine film. I don't care what you've heard from "teen movie" naysayers -- the script is intelligent and funny, the acting is good, the camerawork is interesting, and the directing is smooth. This is a well-done movie that has it's "dumb teen movie" moments, but is nevertheless a thoroughly enjoyable picture.
Freddie Prinze Jr. (r) and companions    I won't bore you with the story -- the most popular guy in school, just dumped by his girlfriend, takes a bet that he can turn any girl into the prom queen (oh, I guess I will bore you with the story) -- it's just a simplified version of a George Bernard Shaw play. But the script is filled with funny, believable dialogue spoken by interesting characters (the two main characters are the only ones who don't automatically fit into a stereotype -- in fact, much of the film is about how the two main characters are not what the other one expected -- but stereotype or not, they're still interesting), and the acting is Academy Award winning actress Anna Paquinactually pretty decent. The people I saw it with were snickering at Prince Jr.'s "concerned" expression, but I thought he and Leigh Cook did great jobs, as well as the supporting cast (which included, oddly enough, not only rap artist Usher Raymond (The Faculty), but Academy Award winning actress Anna Paquin -- y'know, the adorable little girl who nearly hyperventilated during her acceptance speech for her part in The Piano). On top of that, the camerawork is actually very good -- Iscove uses interesting angles, moving cameras, and nicely framed shots, unlike other "teen movie" directors (just take a look at my review of 10 Things and you'll see what I mean).
    There are moments that make me cringe, though. The "deeply symbolic" impromptu performance art performed by Prinze Jr.'s character is painfully obvious ("everyone's counting on you Zach!" Gag me), the pizza scene was just completely unnecessary, and the "it's time to be a hero" bit was kind of odd. On the other hand, the choreographed dance sequence was awesome. It was ridiculous and completely unrealistic, but it was also damn cool. And sure it's an homage to Grease. But who cares?
    And yes, Rachel Leigh Cook is stunning (so stunning, in fact, that the "ugly duckling" thing is just absurd, because no matter how you dress her, Leigh Cook is by no stretch of the imagination unattractive). But she's hardly the only reason I like this film, as some people have suggested. I find myself liking Prinze Jr. despite myself, and Anna Paquin, despite the fact that she has such a small part, brightens up the screen quite a bit herself. Plus, I just love Kevin Pollak (who here plays Leigh Cook's father) in whatever he does.
    I like this movie.
    Bottom line: Not as good as Cruel Intentions, but better than 10 Things I Hate About You. Worth watching just for the dance sequence.
    My grade: B+
    My advice: Worth a rent at the very least. C'mon, give it a try. It might surprise some of you!
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