The 1999 romantic comedy spotlights a popular high school student and the bet that introduced him to the love of his life. The original high school prom flick, “She's All That” tells the story of Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.) who's life takes a turn when his girlfriend, Taylor Vaughan (Jodi Lyn O'Keefe) leaves him for a B-lister from “The Real World”. Having been publicly dumped at his school in Southern California, Zack's bitterness leads him to state that his ex is replaceable. Dean Sampson (Paul Walker) disagrees with his close friend and challenges him to turn any ordinary girl into a prom queen within six weeks. The two decide on Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook) – one of the school's unpopular art geeks.
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Zack plots to befriend Laney in hopes of winning the bet but even with the help of her close friend Jesse Jackson (Elden Henson), he fails to charm her. As he tries to befriend her brother Simon (Kieran Culkin), Laney agrees to go to the beach with him and she begins to make friends in the popular crowd. Zack successfully asks her out to a house party and on the same night, he convinces his sister Mac (Anna Paquin) to give her a makeover that will transform her nerdy appearance. Laney's new look ignites jealousy at the party and Taylor humiliates her out of spite before she's consoled by Zack, who's started to develop sincere emotions for her. Laney is soon nominated for prom queen at school and Dean starts to show an interest in her as she now's considered one of the more popular students. Dean asks Laney to attend prom with him but she refuses, and he responds by later telling her about Zack's and forcing him to confess about their bet in public.
Due to falling out, Zack attends the prom with his sister while Laney reluctantly goes to the dance with Dean after he asks her again to be his date. During the dance, Dean boasts to others that he's succeeded in seducing Laney and has already rented a hotel room for the night but Jesse overhears and warns Mac and Zack. Laney leaves prom after Taylor is named prom queen and returns home to find Zack waiting for her along with the rest of her family. She explains that she fought off Dean's advances while Zack confesses his feelings and asks for her forgiveness as he hopes they can start their relationship over. Laney accepts but reminds Zack about his bet with Dean, which he lost. The terms of the bet are revealed at their graduation ceremony when Zack appears on stage, wearing nothing but his grad cap.
Best part of story, including ending:
This story excels in all aspects as it focuses on high school cliques and pretty much established that you "can't judge a book by it's cover" when it comes to personal friendships and relationships.
Best scene in story:
The best scene film belongs to Laney revealing her makeover/transformation. It still stands as one of the greatest moments in teen comedies.
Opinion about the main character:
It's extremely easy to relate to Zack because he represents the average guy in high school - one who thinks he's perfect every way but actually has flaws because of his ignorance.
In this teen romance a smart, popular jock bets he can turn the school wallflower into a prom queen but ends up falling for her instead.
The review of this Movie prepared by Graham Ellis
