She’s All That, released in theaters on Jan. 29, 1999, is a quintessential teen romantic comedy of the late 90s, and while it leans heavily on familiar tropes, it delivers a nostalgic dose of charm and entertainment. While the premise – a popular jock bets he can transform a “dorky” art student into prom queen – is a familiar trope, the film transcends its predictable plot with genuinely likeable characters, witty dialogue, and a healthy dose of heart.
Freddie Prinze Jr. embodies the cocky but ultimately good-natured Zack Siler, while Rachael Leigh Cook shines as Laney Boggs, the initially unassuming artist who blossoms into her own. Their chemistry is undeniable, making their eventual romance believable and genuinely sweet.
Freddie Prinze Jr. and Paul Walker in She’s All That (Photo/Miramax Films)
The supporting cast, including Paul Walker (Varsity Blues), Anna Paquin, Kieran Culkin, Kevin Pollak (A Few Good Men) Usher, Dule Hill, Gabrielle Union (Bad Boys II) and Matthew Lillard, adds to the fun and energy of the film. The soundtrack is a perfect time capsule of late 90s pop and alternative music.
What sets She’s All That apart from other teen comedies of the era is its genuine warmth and underlying message about self-acceptance. Laney’s transformation isn’t just about a makeover; it’s about her realizing her own worth and potential, regardless of societal expectations. The film also subtly critiques the superficiality of high school popularity, suggesting that true connection lies beyond appearances.
According to director Robert Iscove (on the film’s audio commentary), M. Night Shyamalan polished the R. Lee Fleming Jr. screenplay while working on a spec script for the blockbuster hit The Sixth Sense. Shyamalan claimed he actually ghost-wrote the film, which was disputed by Fleming.
Miramax’s head of development in the late 1990s Jack Lechner said technically both Shyamalan and Fleming contributed to the script: Fleming wrote the initial script that Miramax bought, while Shyamalan did an uncredited rewrite.
Reception for She’s All That
She’s All That grossed $16.1 million on its opening weekend, placing it at No. 1 at the domestic box office en route to a worldwide gross of $103.2 million in its theatrical run.
Gene Siskel, in his positive review, said the film was “a high school drama that accurately reflects the intense pressures that 17-year-olds feel about their senior prom: from whom they are going with, to what direction their lives will take afterward.”
This was the final film reviewed by the legendary film critic before he passed away in Feb. 1999.
Lasting Legacy
She’s All That remains a charming and nostalgic teen romantic comedy that perfectly encapsulates the late 90s aesthetic. It’s a fun, feel-good film with a sweet message that will leave you with a smile and a perfect nostalgic watch for anyone who grew up in the 90s or simply enjoys a good romantic comedy.
