There’s something uniquely cinematic about romantic comedies — something that makes them a natural fit for the movies and vice-versa. There’s an intoxicating alchemy that allows us to believe in the magic of meet-cutes, happily-ever-afters, and all the agonizing contrivances that tend to pop up between the two. Love it seems gives storytellers permission to transpose the stuff of operas and fables into the fabric of real (or at least overly glossed but still recognizable) life.
On paper, a film like “Pretty Woman” might be a retrograde fairy tale about a sex worker with a heart of gold and the rich businessman who can afford it, but the chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is so explosive that you surrender to the sentiment of it all. Literally nothing in Richard Curtis’ “Love Actually” makes sense if you stop and think about it for even a few seconds. The...
On paper, a film like “Pretty Woman” might be a retrograde fairy tale about a sex worker with a heart of gold and the rich businessman who can afford it, but the chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere is so explosive that you surrender to the sentiment of it all. Literally nothing in Richard Curtis’ “Love Actually” makes sense if you stop and think about it for even a few seconds. The...
- 2/14/2024
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
The 1997 TV movie Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella was a fairy tale for its cast, especially Brandy, who has said that playing Cinderella was a dream come true. The then-18-year-old also made history as the first Black actress to portray the character onscreen. But the movie was also a fairy tale for ABC and Walt Disney Television, pulling in an estimated 60 million viewers and earning ABC’s best timeslot ratings in 13 years. Later, the home-video release of Cinderella moved 1 million units in a week. The narrative around Cinderella soon changed: Once known as one of the most expensive movies in the history of television, with a budget of 12 million, Cinderella now ranks as one the most profitable TV movies of its time, per the Los Angeles Times. With a script by Robert Freedman and direction by Robert Iscove — and a cast that included Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother, Whoopi Goldberg as Queen Constantina,...
- 11/2/2022
- TV Insider
The 1997 TV movie Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella was a fairy tale for its cast, especially Brandy, who has said that playing Cinderella was a dream come true. The then-18-year-old also made history as the first Black actress to portray the character onscreen. But the movie was also a fairy tale for ABC and Walt Disney Television, pulling in an estimated 60 million viewers and earning ABC’s best timeslot ratings in 13 years. Later, the home-video release of Cinderella moved 1 million units in a week. The narrative around Cinderella soon changed: Once known as one of the most expensive movies in the history of television, with a budget of 12 million, Cinderella now ranks as one the most profitable TV movies of its time, per the Los Angeles Times. With a script by Robert Freedman and direction by Robert Iscove — and a cast that included Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother, Whoopi Goldberg as Queen Constantina,...
- 11/2/2022
- TV Insider
A 25th anniversary celebration of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella will air with a news special cast reunion and presentation of the original film as part of Disney Princess Week.
The package, Cinderella: The Reunion, A Special Edition of 20/20, airs on ABC-tv on Tuesday, Aug. 23 stating at 8 Pm Et/Pt and will stream the next day on Hulu.
The reunion will feature Brandy, Whoopi Goldberg, Paolo Montalban, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, and Veanne Cox. Following the news special, The Wonderful World of Disney will aira presentation of the original film from 9-11 Pm Et/Pt. (9:00-11:00 p.m). It will also be available to stream on Disney+.
The Disney live-action film marked a groundbreaking moment in television history, introducing America’s first Black Cinderella (Brandy) and Fairy Godmother (Whitney Houston). The ABC News Studios reunion special explores how the made-for-television musical expanded society’s view of the term “princess,...
The package, Cinderella: The Reunion, A Special Edition of 20/20, airs on ABC-tv on Tuesday, Aug. 23 stating at 8 Pm Et/Pt and will stream the next day on Hulu.
The reunion will feature Brandy, Whoopi Goldberg, Paolo Montalban, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, and Veanne Cox. Following the news special, The Wonderful World of Disney will aira presentation of the original film from 9-11 Pm Et/Pt. (9:00-11:00 p.m). It will also be available to stream on Disney+.
The Disney live-action film marked a groundbreaking moment in television history, introducing America’s first Black Cinderella (Brandy) and Fairy Godmother (Whitney Houston). The ABC News Studios reunion special explores how the made-for-television musical expanded society’s view of the term “princess,...
- 8/12/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The charming if cheesy 1999 rom-com “She’s All That,” starring Freddie Prinze Jr. as a hot jock and Rachael Leigh Cook as the introverted art nerd he tries to transform into a glittering prom queen, turns 23 next year. Feel old yet? If you’re old enough for that Miramax production directed by Robert Iscove to mean anything, you’re probably too old for Netflix’s gender-flipped new sequel, “He’s All That,” to mean anything at all. Unless you enjoy the feeling of your soul being destroyed by another piece of Netflix clickbait, this is one to skip.
Overstuffed with conspicuous product placement as well as debasing cameos from some of the original film’s stars, this is . What’s even scarier is the film comes from Mark Waters, the director of “Mean Girls,” a far savvier teen satire that doesn’t pander to its audience.
Turning the original premise bravely upside down,...
Overstuffed with conspicuous product placement as well as debasing cameos from some of the original film’s stars, this is . What’s even scarier is the film comes from Mark Waters, the director of “Mean Girls,” a far savvier teen satire that doesn’t pander to its audience.
Turning the original premise bravely upside down,...
- 8/27/2021
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Rachael Leigh Cook, who starred Robert Iscove’s She’s All That in 1999, has signed with A3 Artists Agency.
The actress, who is also a producer, voice artist and model, kicked off her film career as Mary Anne in The Baby-Sitters Club in 1995. Not too soon after, she shared the screen with Freddie Prinze Jr. in Iscove’s teen romcom and acted alongside Paul Walker and Matthew Lillard. Cook’s additional film credits include Josie and The Pussycats and Get Carter.
On the TV side, Cook recently appeared in Criminal Minds, Robot Chicken, and Perception. She has also acted in Into the West, Psych and Titan Maxium.
Most recently Cook produced and appeared opposite Damon Wayans Jr. and Heather Graham in Netflix’s film Love, Guaranteed. Last year Cook also signed on to join Mirmax’s He’s All That, the gender role-flipped remake of the original comedy. She will...
The actress, who is also a producer, voice artist and model, kicked off her film career as Mary Anne in The Baby-Sitters Club in 1995. Not too soon after, she shared the screen with Freddie Prinze Jr. in Iscove’s teen romcom and acted alongside Paul Walker and Matthew Lillard. Cook’s additional film credits include Josie and The Pussycats and Get Carter.
On the TV side, Cook recently appeared in Criminal Minds, Robot Chicken, and Perception. She has also acted in Into the West, Psych and Titan Maxium.
Most recently Cook produced and appeared opposite Damon Wayans Jr. and Heather Graham in Netflix’s film Love, Guaranteed. Last year Cook also signed on to join Mirmax’s He’s All That, the gender role-flipped remake of the original comedy. She will...
- 2/23/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s star-studded Cinderella starring Brandy in the title role will be available to stream on Disney+ starting at midnight on February 12.
The 1997 reimagining of the beloved fairytale touts a loaded cast with Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters and the late Whitney Houston as Fairy Godmother.
Directed by Robert Iscove, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella featured a number of memorable original tunes from the renown songwriting duo including “Impossible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “A Lovely Night.” In addition to receiving praise for its diverse casting and musical numbers, Cinderella received seven Emmy nominations in 1998 and took home the outstanding art direction for a variety or music program prize.
Garber, Natalie Desselle Reid, Paolo Montalban, Jason Alexander and Veanne Cox also star in the fairytale flick. Rodgers & Hammerstien’s Cinderella was executive produced by Houston, Debra Martin Chase, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Chris Montan produced with Robyn Crawford as associate producer.
The 1997 reimagining of the beloved fairytale touts a loaded cast with Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Garber, Bernadette Peters and the late Whitney Houston as Fairy Godmother.
Directed by Robert Iscove, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella featured a number of memorable original tunes from the renown songwriting duo including “Impossible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “A Lovely Night.” In addition to receiving praise for its diverse casting and musical numbers, Cinderella received seven Emmy nominations in 1998 and took home the outstanding art direction for a variety or music program prize.
Garber, Natalie Desselle Reid, Paolo Montalban, Jason Alexander and Veanne Cox also star in the fairytale flick. Rodgers & Hammerstien’s Cinderella was executive produced by Houston, Debra Martin Chase, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Chris Montan produced with Robyn Crawford as associate producer.
- 2/4/2021
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Brandy has announced that Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, the 1997 TV movie event that she starred in, is coming to the Disney+ streaming service on February 12th.
The singer made the announcement on Thursday’s episode of The View, telling the hosts — including her Cinderella co-star Whoopi Goldberg — that “we can celebrate and share and inspire a whole new generation to see this wonderful piece.”
Exclusive: @4everBrandy announces on @TheView Rodgers and Hammerstein’s #Cinderella will premiere on @disneyplus February 12!
“We can celebrate and share and inspire a whole new generation to see this wonderful piece,...
The singer made the announcement on Thursday’s episode of The View, telling the hosts — including her Cinderella co-star Whoopi Goldberg — that “we can celebrate and share and inspire a whole new generation to see this wonderful piece.”
Exclusive: @4everBrandy announces on @TheView Rodgers and Hammerstein’s #Cinderella will premiere on @disneyplus February 12!
“We can celebrate and share and inspire a whole new generation to see this wonderful piece,...
- 2/4/2021
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
No longer impossible: “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” starring Brandy Norwood will finally be available on Disney+ beginning Feb. 12.
Along with Brandy as the title princess herself, the beloved “Wonderful World of Disney” movie stars Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother, along with Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Garber, Natalie Desselle Reid, Bernadette Peters, Paolo Montalban, Jason Alexander and Veanne Cox.
The-made-for-tv version of “Cinderella,” which premiered Nov. 2, 1997 on ABC to 60 million viewers, follows the classic tale of Cinderella, who gets some unexpected help from her Fairy Godmother after her cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball.
“Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” was nominated for seven Emmys and well-received by critics and audiences alike for the diverse cast in the musical fairy tale, including Brandy as Cinderella, Filipino-American actor Montalban as Prince Charming, and Goldberg as his mother.
The movie is also remembered fondly by fans for its songbook, of course, including...
Along with Brandy as the title princess herself, the beloved “Wonderful World of Disney” movie stars Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother, along with Whoopi Goldberg, Victor Garber, Natalie Desselle Reid, Bernadette Peters, Paolo Montalban, Jason Alexander and Veanne Cox.
The-made-for-tv version of “Cinderella,” which premiered Nov. 2, 1997 on ABC to 60 million viewers, follows the classic tale of Cinderella, who gets some unexpected help from her Fairy Godmother after her cruel stepmother prevents her from attending the Royal Ball.
“Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” was nominated for seven Emmys and well-received by critics and audiences alike for the diverse cast in the musical fairy tale, including Brandy as Cinderella, Filipino-American actor Montalban as Prince Charming, and Goldberg as his mother.
The movie is also remembered fondly by fans for its songbook, of course, including...
- 2/4/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Over the years, fans of singer and actor Brandy have learned to “never say never” or believe that something’s “impossible” — and their patience and perseverance has been rewarded. “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” the 1997 TV movie that stars Brandy and Whitney Houston, is officially coming to Disney Plus.
Disney announced Thursday that the beloved musical movie will launch on the streaming service “at the stroke of midnight” on Feb. 12.
The movie’s streaming debut has been long-awaited by fans, and Brandy herself, who urged the streamer to pick up the rights to the project last summer, while promoting her latest album, B7. “Disney can come on up and scoop up Cinderella. That would be awesome,” she said. Well, consider your wish granted.
Thursday morning, Brandy reunited with Goldberg, appearing on ABC’s “The View” to announce the news:
“It’s pretty remarkable that people have been begging for ‘Cinderella’ to be re-released for almost 24 years.
Disney announced Thursday that the beloved musical movie will launch on the streaming service “at the stroke of midnight” on Feb. 12.
The movie’s streaming debut has been long-awaited by fans, and Brandy herself, who urged the streamer to pick up the rights to the project last summer, while promoting her latest album, B7. “Disney can come on up and scoop up Cinderella. That would be awesome,” she said. Well, consider your wish granted.
Thursday morning, Brandy reunited with Goldberg, appearing on ABC’s “The View” to announce the news:
“It’s pretty remarkable that people have been begging for ‘Cinderella’ to be re-released for almost 24 years.
- 2/4/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Check it out now: She's All That is 22 years old. That's right, the beloved teen rom-com came out on Jan. 29, 1999 and has gone on to become one of the genre's most defining movies. At the time, Miramax took a bet—"a f--king bet!"—on the Robert Iscove-directed film. Made for just $6 million, the modern day adaptation of Pygmalion—hot jock makes a bet than he can turn the weird, artsy girl into the prom queen, unexpected romantic feelings soon follow—became one of the biggest surprise hits of the decade, earning over $103 million at the box office and launching the careers of many of its young cast members. Led by Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh...
- 1/29/2021
- E! Online
Cobra Kai star Tanner Buchanan is joining Addison Rae in He’s All That, a remake of the 1999 classic teen romantic comedy She’s All That, which starred Rachael Leigh Cook and Freddie Prinze Jr.
Buchanan will play a spin on Leigh Cook’s character from the original film directed by Robert Iscove that grossed more than $103 million worldwide.
The She’s All That remake will offer a modern-day take on the 1990’s classic as it follows an influencer, played by Rae, who accepts a challenge to turn the school’s biggest loser into prom king.
The She’s All That remake will ...
Buchanan will play a spin on Leigh Cook’s character from the original film directed by Robert Iscove that grossed more than $103 million worldwide.
The She’s All That remake will offer a modern-day take on the 1990’s classic as it follows an influencer, played by Rae, who accepts a challenge to turn the school’s biggest loser into prom king.
The She’s All That remake will ...
- 10/2/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Cobra Kai star Tanner Buchanan is joining Addison Rae in He’s All That, a remake of the 1999 classic teen romantic comedy She’s All That, which starred Rachael Leigh Cook and Freddie Prinze Jr.
Buchanan will play a spin on Leigh Cook’s character from the original film directed by Robert Iscove that grossed more than $103 million worldwide.
The She’s All That remake will offer a modern-day take on the 1990’s classic as it follows an influencer, played by Rae, who accepts a challenge to turn the school’s biggest loser into prom king.
The She’s All That remake will ...
Buchanan will play a spin on Leigh Cook’s character from the original film directed by Robert Iscove that grossed more than $103 million worldwide.
The She’s All That remake will offer a modern-day take on the 1990’s classic as it follows an influencer, played by Rae, who accepts a challenge to turn the school’s biggest loser into prom king.
The She’s All That remake will ...
- 10/2/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
TikTok star Addison Rae Easterling is set to make her acting debut in “He’s All That,” a remake of the beloved ’90s classic “She’s All That.”
Easterling, with 60 million followers on the platform, will take on the role of Zackary Siler, played by Freddie Prinz Jr. in the original film. Mark Waters is directing, and R. Lee Fleming, who wrote the screenplay for the original film, is writing the fresh spin from the perspective of a teenage girl.
Original “She’s All That” producers Jennifer Gigbot and Andrew Panay will return as producers. Robert Iscove directed the original.
The story will follow an influencer who decides to avenge herself by accepting a challenge to turn the school’s biggest loser into the prom king.
“This reboot is a welcomed step towards a new generation of Miramax storytelling, part of our greater strategy to leverage our existing library with fresh, re-imagined...
Easterling, with 60 million followers on the platform, will take on the role of Zackary Siler, played by Freddie Prinz Jr. in the original film. Mark Waters is directing, and R. Lee Fleming, who wrote the screenplay for the original film, is writing the fresh spin from the perspective of a teenage girl.
Original “She’s All That” producers Jennifer Gigbot and Andrew Panay will return as producers. Robert Iscove directed the original.
The story will follow an influencer who decides to avenge herself by accepting a challenge to turn the school’s biggest loser into the prom king.
“This reboot is a welcomed step towards a new generation of Miramax storytelling, part of our greater strategy to leverage our existing library with fresh, re-imagined...
- 9/11/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
TikTok star Addison Rae Easterling has been cast in the upcoming remake of the 1999 teen comedy “She’s All That.”
The gender-swapped reboot, titled “He’s All That,” has been in the works for years and recently started to gain traction again. Mark Waters, the filmmaker behind “Mean Girls” and “Freaky Friday,” is set to direct.
The film will reimagine the plot from a teenage girl’s perspective, with Easterling taking on a role inspired by Freddie Prinze Jr.’s character Zackary Siler from the original. “She’s All That” — a modern-day take on George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion” and the 1964 movie “My Fair Lady” — centered a popular high school jock who, after getting dumped by his girlfriend, attempts to transform one of the school’s nerdy outcasts into the next prom queen.
“He’s All That” puts a 21st century spin on the original, with the remake following an influencer who...
The gender-swapped reboot, titled “He’s All That,” has been in the works for years and recently started to gain traction again. Mark Waters, the filmmaker behind “Mean Girls” and “Freaky Friday,” is set to direct.
The film will reimagine the plot from a teenage girl’s perspective, with Easterling taking on a role inspired by Freddie Prinze Jr.’s character Zackary Siler from the original. “She’s All That” — a modern-day take on George Bernard Shaw’s “Pygmalion” and the 1964 movie “My Fair Lady” — centered a popular high school jock who, after getting dumped by his girlfriend, attempts to transform one of the school’s nerdy outcasts into the next prom queen.
“He’s All That” puts a 21st century spin on the original, with the remake following an influencer who...
- 9/11/2020
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – The premiere of a new director’s work is cause for an event, and the new film “Reparation” will get its Chicago premiere on September 10th, 2016, at the suburban Wilmette Theatre (details below). “Reparations” is a war and military story, but mostly about the war at home after the service.
Bob (Marc Menchaca) is an ex-military policeman in the Air Force who undergoes a mental breakdown of mysterious origins. His memory is erased from his time in the service, and he essentially begins a new life when released. He meets Lucy (Virginia Newcomb), and their connection leads to the birth of a child Charlotte (Dale Dye Thomas). All seems normal again, until a military comrade from the past named Jerome (Jon Huertas) unexpected pops into Bob’s life again. He may be the key to unlock his past, but what other demons will also emerge?
Marc Menchata and Jon Huertas in ‘Reparation,...
Bob (Marc Menchaca) is an ex-military policeman in the Air Force who undergoes a mental breakdown of mysterious origins. His memory is erased from his time in the service, and he essentially begins a new life when released. He meets Lucy (Virginia Newcomb), and their connection leads to the birth of a child Charlotte (Dale Dye Thomas). All seems normal again, until a military comrade from the past named Jerome (Jon Huertas) unexpected pops into Bob’s life again. He may be the key to unlock his past, but what other demons will also emerge?
Marc Menchata and Jon Huertas in ‘Reparation,...
- 9/9/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
A remake for She's All That is in development.
Tonya Lewis Lee - wife of Spike Lee - will be producing the retelling of the 1999 teen romantic comedy, reports TheWrap.
Kenny Leon is attached to direct the project.
The original She's All That film starred Freddie Prinze Jr, Rachael Leigh Cook, Matthew Lillard, Paul Walker and Jodi Lyn O'Keefe.
It followed high school jock Zack (Prinze Jr), who bets his friend Dean (Walker) that he can turn the dorky and unpopular Daney (Cook) into the prom queen.
Directed by Robert Iscove, the movie made more than $100 million worldwide.
Watch a trailer for She's All That below:...
Tonya Lewis Lee - wife of Spike Lee - will be producing the retelling of the 1999 teen romantic comedy, reports TheWrap.
Kenny Leon is attached to direct the project.
The original She's All That film starred Freddie Prinze Jr, Rachael Leigh Cook, Matthew Lillard, Paul Walker and Jodi Lyn O'Keefe.
It followed high school jock Zack (Prinze Jr), who bets his friend Dean (Walker) that he can turn the dorky and unpopular Daney (Cook) into the prom queen.
Directed by Robert Iscove, the movie made more than $100 million worldwide.
Watch a trailer for She's All That below:...
- 4/8/2015
- Digital Spy
Even if you live in a pineapple under the sea or threw your television out the window in a drunken fit of rage one night a few weeks ago, you're likely aware that we're currently balls deep into Shark Week...
...Discovery's Channel's annual celebration of those underwater beasties who once upon a time turned a man by the name of Quint into a bucket of human chum.
I don't think you need me to tell you that this week is the absolute perfect week to revisit Jaws and other shark attack films, but in the event that you do, allow me to provide that service for you.
This week is the perfect week to revisit Jaws and other shark attack films!
There. You happy?
In celebration of Shark Week here at Dread Central, we initially flirted with the idea of bringing you a list of the best shark-themed horror films to watch this week.
...Discovery's Channel's annual celebration of those underwater beasties who once upon a time turned a man by the name of Quint into a bucket of human chum.
I don't think you need me to tell you that this week is the absolute perfect week to revisit Jaws and other shark attack films, but in the event that you do, allow me to provide that service for you.
This week is the perfect week to revisit Jaws and other shark attack films!
There. You happy?
In celebration of Shark Week here at Dread Central, we initially flirted with the idea of bringing you a list of the best shark-themed horror films to watch this week.
- 8/13/2014
- by John Squires
- DreadCentral.com
Paul Walker dead at 40: ‘Fast and Furious’ actor dies in fiery car crash Paul Walker, best known for his role as the former cop Brian O’Conner in the Fast and Furious movie franchise, died today, November 30, 2013, in a fiery car crash in Valencia, a community in the city of Santa Clarita, located in the northern outskirts of Los Angeles County. Early reports indicated that two (unidentified) people had died after a red Porsche crashed into both a tree and a light pole, bursting into flames, in Rye Canyon Business Park. According to police, speed was a likely factor in the crash. Paul Walker was 40. (Photo: Paul Walker.) Walker was a passenger in the car of Roger Rodas, CEO of Always Evolving Performance Motors, described as "a performance shop for high end vehicles," and one of two Valencia-based companies owned by Walker. (As per Santa Clarita’s Khts, the...
- 12/1/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
It’s no secret that M. Night Shyamalan had a hand in the making of She’s All That, a teen classic released in 1999. Interviews with the Sixth Sense auteur dating back to at least August 2002 have noted this trivial nugget; the movie’s audio commentary also features director Robert Iscove saying that Shyamalan polished up the movie’s script. (Granted, 99.99999 percent of human beings have not listened to director Robert Iscove’s audio commentary for She’s All That — but the .00001 percent who have are avid IMDb users.)
Somehow, though, it took a May 29 interview with Movies.com for...
Somehow, though, it took a May 29 interview with Movies.com for...
- 6/17/2013
- by Hillary Busis
- EW.com - PopWatch
Filmmakers seem intent on making your skin crawl with this week's new DVD and Blu-ray releases, via a viral pandemic in "Contagion," demonic tooth fairies in "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," fresh-water man-eaters in "Shark Night," and Sarah Jessica Parker in "I Don't Know How She Does It" (sorry, Sarah).
To balance out the ick factor, the popular 1999 coming-of-age teen comedy "She's All That" makes its Blu-ray debut.
The week's full break down below in our newly formatted "Queue It Up" column.
'Contagion'
Box Office: $76 million
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Rating: 84% Fresh
Storyline: Director Steven Soderbergh assembles a huge ensemble cast (including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law and Marion Cotillard) in this medical disaster film about a deadly viral outbreak that kills within days and quickly spreads throughout the world. The movie follows several civilians and medical professionals that struggle to survive the...
To balance out the ick factor, the popular 1999 coming-of-age teen comedy "She's All That" makes its Blu-ray debut.
The week's full break down below in our newly formatted "Queue It Up" column.
'Contagion'
Box Office: $76 million
Rotten Tomatoes Critics Rating: 84% Fresh
Storyline: Director Steven Soderbergh assembles a huge ensemble cast (including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law and Marion Cotillard) in this medical disaster film about a deadly viral outbreak that kills within days and quickly spreads throughout the world. The movie follows several civilians and medical professionals that struggle to survive the...
- 1/3/2012
- by Robert DeSalvo
- NextMovie
Exclusive: After entering the scripted series arena last year with its first crop of comedy pilots, which yielded its first scripted series, Working Class, Cmt is expanding into another area of original programming. The country music-themed cable network has established Cmt Original Movies, a new division that will produce TV movies for the network with a focus on romantic comedies and music-based films. The first two movies in the franchise, which will be released in late summer, are To the Mat (working title), starring Ricky Schroder and actress-singer Laura Bell Bundy; and Reel Love, starring actress-country star LeAnn Rimes. Both films will be produced by Entertainment One Television under head of MOWs Ira Pincus. "We’ve had great ratings success programming with acquired theatrical romantic comedies, so it is only natural for us to create original stories that are tailor-made for the Cmt audience," said Cmt's Svp programming Mary Beth Cunin.
- 3/15/2011
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
There is fallout from producer Stanley M. Brooks' financial troubles ahead of settlement talks planned for Monday with AFTRA, DGA and the WGA West. All three guilds have him on their "strike" (do not work) lists over unpaid salaries or residual payments.
The fallout involves Lifetime, to which Brooks had been a frequent supplier for the past decade -- up until a week or so ago. THR has learned he has quietly sold his interest in the only two projects he still has with the A&E Television Networks division, apparently to clear any obstacle to their production and to raise money to pay his union obligations -- and salvage his reputation.
One of the two movies, which have not been announced by domestic rights holder Lifetime Movie Network, is the suspense thriller "Sandra Brown's Smoke Screen," now shooting in Vancouver and starring Jaime Pressly and Canadian Currie Graham.
The fallout involves Lifetime, to which Brooks had been a frequent supplier for the past decade -- up until a week or so ago. THR has learned he has quietly sold his interest in the only two projects he still has with the A&E Television Networks division, apparently to clear any obstacle to their production and to raise money to pay his union obligations -- and salvage his reputation.
One of the two movies, which have not been announced by domestic rights holder Lifetime Movie Network, is the suspense thriller "Sandra Brown's Smoke Screen," now shooting in Vancouver and starring Jaime Pressly and Canadian Currie Graham.
- 8/19/2010
- by By Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Release Date: May 8 (limited)
Director: Robert Iscove
Writer: Tom Malloy
Cinematographer: Frank Byers
Starring: Amy Smart, Tom Malloy, Billy Zane, Rachel Dratch, Caroline Rhea
Studio/Run Time: Screen Media Films, 90 mins.
Great choreography can’t sustain clumsy swing-dancing film
It’s sad that the one way Love N’ Dancing is a unique movie doesn’t even come from its dancing, but rather from how little it seems like its writer, director, actors, or pretty much anyone else involved with the picture were trying. For starters, its story is almost impossibly lazy and clichéd. Jessica (Amy Smart) wants to take her fiancé (Billy Zane) to dance lessons, but when he’s too busy with work to learn she ends up falling in love with her dance instructor (Tom Malloy) instead. Unfortunately, that’s all there is to the plot, and with not a twist in site the story really can be...
Director: Robert Iscove
Writer: Tom Malloy
Cinematographer: Frank Byers
Starring: Amy Smart, Tom Malloy, Billy Zane, Rachel Dratch, Caroline Rhea
Studio/Run Time: Screen Media Films, 90 mins.
Great choreography can’t sustain clumsy swing-dancing film
It’s sad that the one way Love N’ Dancing is a unique movie doesn’t even come from its dancing, but rather from how little it seems like its writer, director, actors, or pretty much anyone else involved with the picture were trying. For starters, its story is almost impossibly lazy and clichéd. Jessica (Amy Smart) wants to take her fiancé (Billy Zane) to dance lessons, but when he’s too busy with work to learn she ends up falling in love with her dance instructor (Tom Malloy) instead. Unfortunately, that’s all there is to the plot, and with not a twist in site the story really can be...
- 6/17/2009
- Pastemagazine.com
Love N' Dancing
Starring Amy Smart, Tom Malloy, and Billy Zane
Directed by Robert Iscove
Rated PG-13
Movies like Love N' Dancing are a dime a dozen. Regardless of the highlights, and there are a couple, you've seen so many movies aiming for the exact same target that it's hard for this one to stand out. Worse, the film feels like it's Ok with its mediocrity. The acting's derivative without being distracting, the story's only so-so, and the depths are pretty shallow.
Low budget films face some huge hurdles, no doubt about it, but it would be easier to form a connection with a movie made outside the system if it didn't resemble a movie made within the system several times a year.
Jake (writer Tom Malloy) is a world-class ballroom dancer. He's won some team dancing awards. But because of a broken romantic relationship with his dance partner, Jake...
Starring Amy Smart, Tom Malloy, and Billy Zane
Directed by Robert Iscove
Rated PG-13
Movies like Love N' Dancing are a dime a dozen. Regardless of the highlights, and there are a couple, you've seen so many movies aiming for the exact same target that it's hard for this one to stand out. Worse, the film feels like it's Ok with its mediocrity. The acting's derivative without being distracting, the story's only so-so, and the depths are pretty shallow.
Low budget films face some huge hurdles, no doubt about it, but it would be easier to form a connection with a movie made outside the system if it didn't resemble a movie made within the system several times a year.
Jake (writer Tom Malloy) is a world-class ballroom dancer. He's won some team dancing awards. But because of a broken romantic relationship with his dance partner, Jake...
- 5/8/2009
- by Colin Boyd
- GetTheBigPicture.net
We're all for getting out in the summertime, but there might not be anything more refreshing than cooling off in a movie theater... or seeing a movie in the comfort of your air-conditioned home on demand, on DVD, or online... or better yet catching a classic on the big screen at a nearby repertory theater. With literally hundreds of films to choose from this summer, we humbly present this guide to the season's most exciting offerings.
May 1
"Eldorado"
The Cast: Bouli Lanners, Fabrice Adde, Philippe Nahon, Didier Toupy, Franise Chichy
Director: Bouli Lanners
Fest Cred: Cannes, Warsaw, Glasgow, Palm Springs,
The Gist: When Elie (Adde), a hapless young thief attempts to rob Yvan (Lanners), a 40-year-old car dealer, the two form a unlikely friendship that leads to a road trip across Belgium in this slight comedy that won the Best European Film at the Director's Fortnight at Cannes last year.
May 1
"Eldorado"
The Cast: Bouli Lanners, Fabrice Adde, Philippe Nahon, Didier Toupy, Franise Chichy
Director: Bouli Lanners
Fest Cred: Cannes, Warsaw, Glasgow, Palm Springs,
The Gist: When Elie (Adde), a hapless young thief attempts to rob Yvan (Lanners), a 40-year-old car dealer, the two form a unlikely friendship that leads to a road trip across Belgium in this slight comedy that won the Best European Film at the Director's Fortnight at Cannes last year.
- 5/6/2009
- by Stephen Saito
- ifc.com
The arrival of "Star Trek" signals the start of blockbuster season (in our orbit, "Wolverine" doesn't count), and the indie world wastes no time with responding in kind with a few big name players of its own.
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"Adoration"
Atom Egoyan landed himself a Palme d'Or nomination at last year's Cannes for the latest of his patented multi-stranded narratives of introspection, this one a meditation on the marginalization of truth and the role of technology in the post-9/11 mindset. Devon Bostick stars as Simon, an orphaned student whose class assignment translating a newspaper article about the would-be martyrdom of a pregnant woman has personal ramifications when he writes a fictionalized op-ed from the perspective of the now-grown child that takes on a life of its own once it hits the web.
Opens in New York and Los Angeles.
Download this in audio form (MP3: 10:00 minutes, 13.7 Mb) Subscribe to the In Theaters podcast: [Xml] [iTunes]
"Adoration"
Atom Egoyan landed himself a Palme d'Or nomination at last year's Cannes for the latest of his patented multi-stranded narratives of introspection, this one a meditation on the marginalization of truth and the role of technology in the post-9/11 mindset. Devon Bostick stars as Simon, an orphaned student whose class assignment translating a newspaper article about the would-be martyrdom of a pregnant woman has personal ramifications when he writes a fictionalized op-ed from the perspective of the now-grown child that takes on a life of its own once it hits the web.
Opens in New York and Los Angeles.
- 5/4/2009
- by Neil Pedley
- ifc.com
We have the first trailer as well as images from Screen Media Films' "Love N' Dancing" romantic drama, starring Amy Smart, Tom Malloy, Billy Zane, Caroline Rea, Betty White,, Maulik Pancholy, Rachel Dratch and Catherine Mary Stewart. The film opens in select cities on May 8th. Robert Iscove ("She's All That," "From Justin to Kelly") directs the film written by Tom Malloy ("The Alphabet Killer"). The Trailer: See all the images in the gallery! Five years ago: Jake Mitchell (Tom Malloy) is the defending World West Coast Swing Champion. He’s got everything going for him – looks, personality, and style. He’s at the top of his game when he and his partner Corinne (Nicola Royston) are crowned, for the second time, the unexpected winners at the World Swing Dance Championships. As the crowd cheers and the celebration begins, Jake appears uneasy. Did he really deserve to win? The music...
- 4/14/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Jessica Donovan wants to break out from her boring life, while Jake Mitchell needs to prove himself. And, when the two meet each other, they are instantly connected through dancing. In the brand new trailer of "Love N' Dancing", it can be seen the first time Jessica and Jake meet and the time Jake asks Jessica to be his dancing partner for World Swing Dance Championships.
The trailer is filled with the dancing sequences to be seen in the movie, presenting glimpses of the dance numbers in the championships as well as during Jessica and Jake's practice. Aside from the dance sequences, the trailer also shares the problems and uneasiness faced by both Jessica and Jake and how they help each other.
In addition to the trailer, Screen Media Films have released a series of fresh stills from the dance movie. Some of the pictures put the attention on the two main characters,...
The trailer is filled with the dancing sequences to be seen in the movie, presenting glimpses of the dance numbers in the championships as well as during Jessica and Jake's practice. Aside from the dance sequences, the trailer also shares the problems and uneasiness faced by both Jessica and Jake and how they help each other.
In addition to the trailer, Screen Media Films have released a series of fresh stills from the dance movie. Some of the pictures put the attention on the two main characters,...
- 4/14/2009
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
We have the first trailer as well as images from Screen Media Films' "Love N' Dancing" romantic drama, starring Amy Smart, Tom Malloy, Billy Zane, Caroline Rea, Betty White,, Maulik Pancholy, Rachel Dratch and Catherine Mary Stewart. The film opens in select cities on May 8th. Robert Iscove ("She's All That," "From Justin to Kelly") directs the film written by Tom Malloy ("The Alphabet Killer"). Five years ago: Jake Mitchell (Tom Malloy) is the defending World West Coast Swing Champion. He’s got everything going for him – looks, personality, and style. He’s at the top of his game when he and his partner Corinne (Nicola Royston) are crowned...
- 4/14/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
We have the first trailer as well as images from Screen Media Films' "Love N' Dancing" romantic drama, starring Amy Smart, Tom Malloy, Billy Zane, Caroline Rea, Betty White,, Maulik Pancholy, Rachel Dratch and Catherine Mary Stewart. The film opens in select cities on May 8th. Robert Iscove ("She's All That," "From Justin to Kelly") directs the film written by Tom Malloy ("The Alphabet Killer"). Five years ago: Jake Mitchell (Tom Malloy) is the defending World West Coast Swing Champion. He’s got everything going for him – looks, personality, and style. He’s at the top of his game when he and his partner Corinne (Nicola Royston) are crowned...
- 4/14/2009
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Screen Media Films are set to distribute 'Love N' Dancing,' a romantic comedy featuring Amy Smart and Tom Malloy. Variety reports the movie will be released in seven major U.S. cities before being rolled out to a wider audience. 'Love N' Dancing' tells the story of an English teacher who falls for a swing dancing champion, even though she already has a fiancé. The film also stars Billy Zane, Rachel Dratch and Betty White. Robert Iscove directed from Malloy's script. Release dates are yet to be announced.
- 3/24/2009
- by James Wray
- Monsters and Critics
Nickelodeon's TV movie/musical "Spectacular!" doesn't premiere until Presidents Day, but the cable channel is quietly laying the groundwork for a possible sequel.
"Spectacular!" writer James Krieg has been hired to pen a potential second installment, which would be directed by Robert Iscove, helmer of the upcoming original about a wannabe rock singer who joins the school choir. A green light for the project is still a ways away, but Nickelodeon is said to have high hopes about turning "Spectacular!" into a franchise a la Disney Channel's "High School Musical."
Additionally, Krieg and "Spectacular!" exec producer Jessica Horowitz have set up "Den Brother," a two-hour movie, at Disney Channel. The script will be adapted from an unpublished manuscript by Michael Horowitz about a high school hockey player forced to lead his sister's Brownie troop.
Also in the hopper is "After Midnight," an animated series Krieg is producing with Jessica Horowitz...
"Spectacular!" writer James Krieg has been hired to pen a potential second installment, which would be directed by Robert Iscove, helmer of the upcoming original about a wannabe rock singer who joins the school choir. A green light for the project is still a ways away, but Nickelodeon is said to have high hopes about turning "Spectacular!" into a franchise a la Disney Channel's "High School Musical."
Additionally, Krieg and "Spectacular!" exec producer Jessica Horowitz have set up "Den Brother," a two-hour movie, at Disney Channel. The script will be adapted from an unpublished manuscript by Michael Horowitz about a high school hockey player forced to lead his sister's Brownie troop.
Also in the hopper is "After Midnight," an animated series Krieg is producing with Jessica Horowitz...
- 2/4/2009
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Zoey 101 - Victoria Justice" -For those who are sick of hearing Britney or Jamie Lynn Spears news, here’s a breather. Nickelodeon is set to create their very own High School Musical. Yes, you heard it right. The annoying but amusing Disney hit series is about to be replicated by Nickelodeon, who claims that it will purely be a “performance-based spectacle,” Reuters reports, instead of the typical High School Musical scene wherein the characters suddenly break out into a song. Moreover, Zoey 101 actress Victoria Justice is set to be part of the upcoming film entitled Spectacular.
Victoria Justice, who plays Lola Martinez in Nickelodeon's Zoey 101, began acting and modeling at the age of eight. Her first major television appearance was in the television show Gilmore Girls and the independent films Fallacy with Gary Busey and When do We Eat with Michael Lerner, Leslie Ann Warren, and Jack Klugman. Following her screen appearances,...
Victoria Justice, who plays Lola Martinez in Nickelodeon's Zoey 101, began acting and modeling at the age of eight. Her first major television appearance was in the television show Gilmore Girls and the independent films Fallacy with Gary Busey and When do We Eat with Michael Lerner, Leslie Ann Warren, and Jack Klugman. Following her screen appearances,...
- 4/17/2008
- by BuddyTV
- buddytv.com
Watch out, Disney! Nickelodeon is sharpening its notes to create its own high school musical.
The Viacom-owned kids network is prepping to shoot the telefilm Spectacular! a music-filled comedy set in high school.
Robert Iscove (She's All That) is directing the film, which stars a cast of relative unknowns, including Tammin Sursok, Nolan Funk, Victoria Justice (Nickelodeon's Zoey 101) and Simon Curtis. Shooting begins April 21.
"Spectacular!" which has been kept below the radar, centers on a preppy high school student (Sursok) who is part of the school's Spectacular! choir. The group is in sad shape, with its most talented members either having graduated or been stolen away by a rival squad. The teen sees salvation in a cocky rocker (Funk), who reluctantly joins "Spectacular!" to win a money prize that would finance his rock 'n' roll dreams. But the rocker doesn't factor in falling for the preppy girl.
Nick stresses that "Spectacular!" is not a classic musical.
The Viacom-owned kids network is prepping to shoot the telefilm Spectacular! a music-filled comedy set in high school.
Robert Iscove (She's All That) is directing the film, which stars a cast of relative unknowns, including Tammin Sursok, Nolan Funk, Victoria Justice (Nickelodeon's Zoey 101) and Simon Curtis. Shooting begins April 21.
"Spectacular!" which has been kept below the radar, centers on a preppy high school student (Sursok) who is part of the school's Spectacular! choir. The group is in sad shape, with its most talented members either having graduated or been stolen away by a rival squad. The teen sees salvation in a cocky rocker (Funk), who reluctantly joins "Spectacular!" to win a money prize that would finance his rock 'n' roll dreams. But the rocker doesn't factor in falling for the preppy girl.
Nick stresses that "Spectacular!" is not a classic musical.
- 3/30/2008
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Trick Candle Productions and Dolger Films announced that Amy Smart will star in West Coast Swing dance film Love N' Dancing.
Robert Iscove will direct the film, which is scheduled to go into production July 16 in Albuquerque, with second unit work being shot in Philadelphia.
Smart joins Tom Malloy and a cast of swing dancers, in a film written by Malloy and produced by Robert Royston and Sylvia Caminer.
Smart will play Jessica, an English teacher who meets West Coast Swing dancer Jack (Malloy). The pair teams up for competition.
Smart's credits include Just Friends and Crank; she was most recently seen in Peaceful Warrior. Tom Malloy, who brings his passion for West Coast Swing to the project, appeared in Gravesend and will be seen in the upcoming film The Alphabet Killer.
Robert Iscove will direct the film, which is scheduled to go into production July 16 in Albuquerque, with second unit work being shot in Philadelphia.
Smart joins Tom Malloy and a cast of swing dancers, in a film written by Malloy and produced by Robert Royston and Sylvia Caminer.
Smart will play Jessica, an English teacher who meets West Coast Swing dancer Jack (Malloy). The pair teams up for competition.
Smart's credits include Just Friends and Crank; she was most recently seen in Peaceful Warrior. Tom Malloy, who brings his passion for West Coast Swing to the project, appeared in Gravesend and will be seen in the upcoming film The Alphabet Killer.
- 5/10/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As relationships go, they don't get much more mundane or artificial than those found in "Boys and Girls".
A talky, forced romantic comedy that attempts to retool a "When Harry Met Sally ..." take on sex and friendship for the college crowd, the picture shows few signs of life, despite the efforts of its energetic cast.
And though the presence of Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jason
Biggs could initially draw young females, you know Miramax is sweating it when one of the funniest bits in the trailer involving
Biggs and a quartet of Victoria Secret's models is actually a closing credits outtake.
Prinze is Ryan, a compulsive, repressed engineering student who meets up with the impulsive, direct Jennifer Claire Forlani) in college after a couple of previous antagonistic encounters.
They certainly make for an unlikely pair. Ryan, who plans everything to within an inch of its life, likes building intricate bridges in his spare time. Free-spirited Latin major Jennifer squirms at the mere concept of commitment. When they cross paths at UC Berkeley, they're involved with other people, but you know they're destined to be together -- mainly because the movie wants them to be, rather than there being any palpable spark between them.
While writing partners Andrew Lowery and Andrew Miller, a k a the Drews (Dennis Rodman's "Simon Sez"), obviously intended to deliver a hip dissertation on contemporary mating rituals, the game plays out more like Parcheesi than Twister. The story is continually covering the same old ground.
Although the leads try mightily, they're unable to scrape all of the bogus cut-and-paste dialogue off the page and make it sound authentic. Biggs and Amanda Detmer fare better as Ryan and Jennifer's respective roommates, injecting welcome comic energy into the drudgery.
Director Robert Iscove, who worked with Prinze on the successful "She's All That", matter-of-factly choreographs blocks of scenes as if he were governed by invisible commercial breaks.
In fact, there's a prevailing small-screen feel to the whole enterprise, despite worthy contributions from veteran cinematographer Ralf Bode ("Coal Miner's Daughter", "Saturday Night Fever") and costume designer April Ferry ("Maverick", "The Big Chill"). The soundtrack attempts to pick up the considerable slack by spinning proven hits (Apollo Four Forty's "Stop the Rock") and the obligatory Diane Warren ballad ("If I Don't Tell You Now").
BOYS AND GIRLS
Dimension Films
Punch 21
A film by Robert Iscove
Director: Robert Iscove
Producers: Jay Cohen, Lee Gottsegen,
Murray Schisgal
Screenwriters:
the Drews (Andrew Lowery, Andrew Miller)
Executive producers: Bob Weinstein,
Harvey Weinstein, Jeremy Kramer,
Jill Sobel Messick
Director of photography: Ralf Bode
Production designer: Marcia Hinds-Johnson
Editor: Casey O. Rohrs
Costume designer: April Ferry
Music: Stewart Copeland
Music supervisors: Randy Spendlove,
Leslie Lewis
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ryan: Freddie Prinze Jr.
Jennifer: Claire Forlani
Hunter: Jason Biggs
Amy: Amanda Detmer
Megan: Heather Donahue
Betty: Alyson Hannigan
Running time -- 97 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
A talky, forced romantic comedy that attempts to retool a "When Harry Met Sally ..." take on sex and friendship for the college crowd, the picture shows few signs of life, despite the efforts of its energetic cast.
And though the presence of Freddie Prinze Jr. and Jason
Biggs could initially draw young females, you know Miramax is sweating it when one of the funniest bits in the trailer involving
Biggs and a quartet of Victoria Secret's models is actually a closing credits outtake.
Prinze is Ryan, a compulsive, repressed engineering student who meets up with the impulsive, direct Jennifer Claire Forlani) in college after a couple of previous antagonistic encounters.
They certainly make for an unlikely pair. Ryan, who plans everything to within an inch of its life, likes building intricate bridges in his spare time. Free-spirited Latin major Jennifer squirms at the mere concept of commitment. When they cross paths at UC Berkeley, they're involved with other people, but you know they're destined to be together -- mainly because the movie wants them to be, rather than there being any palpable spark between them.
While writing partners Andrew Lowery and Andrew Miller, a k a the Drews (Dennis Rodman's "Simon Sez"), obviously intended to deliver a hip dissertation on contemporary mating rituals, the game plays out more like Parcheesi than Twister. The story is continually covering the same old ground.
Although the leads try mightily, they're unable to scrape all of the bogus cut-and-paste dialogue off the page and make it sound authentic. Biggs and Amanda Detmer fare better as Ryan and Jennifer's respective roommates, injecting welcome comic energy into the drudgery.
Director Robert Iscove, who worked with Prinze on the successful "She's All That", matter-of-factly choreographs blocks of scenes as if he were governed by invisible commercial breaks.
In fact, there's a prevailing small-screen feel to the whole enterprise, despite worthy contributions from veteran cinematographer Ralf Bode ("Coal Miner's Daughter", "Saturday Night Fever") and costume designer April Ferry ("Maverick", "The Big Chill"). The soundtrack attempts to pick up the considerable slack by spinning proven hits (Apollo Four Forty's "Stop the Rock") and the obligatory Diane Warren ballad ("If I Don't Tell You Now").
BOYS AND GIRLS
Dimension Films
Punch 21
A film by Robert Iscove
Director: Robert Iscove
Producers: Jay Cohen, Lee Gottsegen,
Murray Schisgal
Screenwriters:
the Drews (Andrew Lowery, Andrew Miller)
Executive producers: Bob Weinstein,
Harvey Weinstein, Jeremy Kramer,
Jill Sobel Messick
Director of photography: Ralf Bode
Production designer: Marcia Hinds-Johnson
Editor: Casey O. Rohrs
Costume designer: April Ferry
Music: Stewart Copeland
Music supervisors: Randy Spendlove,
Leslie Lewis
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ryan: Freddie Prinze Jr.
Jennifer: Claire Forlani
Hunter: Jason Biggs
Amy: Amanda Detmer
Megan: Heather Donahue
Betty: Alyson Hannigan
Running time -- 97 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 6/16/2000
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The latest careening comedy-romance in an avalanche of high school-themed films, "She's All That" is an upscale teen version of "My Fair Lady" starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook in Robert Iscove's (ABC's acclaimed "Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella") feature directorial debut.
The Miramax release is not doomed, and all that, at the boxoffice, but it won't dance away with much as adults will stay away. The few virtues in this blandly written, cliche-riddled fairy tale are limited to the performances. Not even the target audience will line up in big numbers for such recycled flub dub.
Screenwriter R. Lee Fleming Jr. is also a newcomer to features after working on such projects as MTV's "Dead at 21". One is surprised that Fleming and Iscove do not strive for a zestier flavor to the satiric elements of "She's All That", although some of the gags involving a bogus cast member from MTV's "The Real World" are winners.
Set in Pacific Palisades, Calif., with an almost Homeric rivalry between senior gods Zach (Prinze) and Dean (Paul Walker), the story takes place in the eight weeks between spring break and graduation. When Zach's longtime girlfriend Taylor (Jodi Lyn O'Keefe), the evil queen of the realm, dumps him for "Real World" loser Brock (Matthew Lillard), sadistic Dean goads our hero into betting he can transform any girl into a winner on prom night.
Scarily egotistical and aggressive, Dean laughingly picks out the school dweeb, artist and free thinker Laney (Cook), anticipating Zach's utter humiliation and defeat. Indeed, "bitch-magnet" Zach is vaguely confused and upset, but he quickly takes a hankering to sweet, sharp Laney. She doesn't make it easy for him, and he has to pull off "Pretty Woman"-like feats of materialistic wizardry from time to time.
Zach's combat-tested sister (Anna Paquin) and Laney's loose-cannon brother (Kieran Culkin) stand out in the crowded supporting cast that includes parents, an annoying DJ, many brainless inhabitants of the city and friends of the leads. From wild parties to peachy beach volleyball games, Zach woos and makes over Laney, climaxing in the prom and a sudden switcheroo when she finds out about the bet.
Prinze and Cook do more than go through the paces, but it's safe to say they're destined for better things. The latter is quite successful at the appealing character's grubby-to-glamorous transformation, while Prinze manages to find some angles to flesh out the sometimes thick-headed Zach.
Visually, the film is skin and bones. Iscove and cinematographer Francis Kenny ("A Night at the Roxbury") have the most fun with "Grease"-like dance numbers in the finale.
SHE'S ALL THAT
Miramax Films
A Tapestry Films and Film Colony production
Director: Robert Iscove
Producers: Peter Abrams, Robert L. Levy, Richard N. Gladstein
Screenwriter: R. Lee Fleming Jr.
Executive producers: Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein
Director of photography: Francis Kenny
Production designer: Charles Breen
Editor: Casey O. Rohrs
Costume designer: Denise Wingate
Music: Stewart Copeland
Color/stereo
Cast:
Zach: Freddie Prinze Jr.
Laney: Rachael Leigh Cook
Dean: Paul Walker
Taylor: Jodi Lyn O'Keefe
Mackenzie: Anna Paquin
Simon: Kieran Culkin
Running time -- 95 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
The Miramax release is not doomed, and all that, at the boxoffice, but it won't dance away with much as adults will stay away. The few virtues in this blandly written, cliche-riddled fairy tale are limited to the performances. Not even the target audience will line up in big numbers for such recycled flub dub.
Screenwriter R. Lee Fleming Jr. is also a newcomer to features after working on such projects as MTV's "Dead at 21". One is surprised that Fleming and Iscove do not strive for a zestier flavor to the satiric elements of "She's All That", although some of the gags involving a bogus cast member from MTV's "The Real World" are winners.
Set in Pacific Palisades, Calif., with an almost Homeric rivalry between senior gods Zach (Prinze) and Dean (Paul Walker), the story takes place in the eight weeks between spring break and graduation. When Zach's longtime girlfriend Taylor (Jodi Lyn O'Keefe), the evil queen of the realm, dumps him for "Real World" loser Brock (Matthew Lillard), sadistic Dean goads our hero into betting he can transform any girl into a winner on prom night.
Scarily egotistical and aggressive, Dean laughingly picks out the school dweeb, artist and free thinker Laney (Cook), anticipating Zach's utter humiliation and defeat. Indeed, "bitch-magnet" Zach is vaguely confused and upset, but he quickly takes a hankering to sweet, sharp Laney. She doesn't make it easy for him, and he has to pull off "Pretty Woman"-like feats of materialistic wizardry from time to time.
Zach's combat-tested sister (Anna Paquin) and Laney's loose-cannon brother (Kieran Culkin) stand out in the crowded supporting cast that includes parents, an annoying DJ, many brainless inhabitants of the city and friends of the leads. From wild parties to peachy beach volleyball games, Zach woos and makes over Laney, climaxing in the prom and a sudden switcheroo when she finds out about the bet.
Prinze and Cook do more than go through the paces, but it's safe to say they're destined for better things. The latter is quite successful at the appealing character's grubby-to-glamorous transformation, while Prinze manages to find some angles to flesh out the sometimes thick-headed Zach.
Visually, the film is skin and bones. Iscove and cinematographer Francis Kenny ("A Night at the Roxbury") have the most fun with "Grease"-like dance numbers in the finale.
SHE'S ALL THAT
Miramax Films
A Tapestry Films and Film Colony production
Director: Robert Iscove
Producers: Peter Abrams, Robert L. Levy, Richard N. Gladstein
Screenwriter: R. Lee Fleming Jr.
Executive producers: Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein
Director of photography: Francis Kenny
Production designer: Charles Breen
Editor: Casey O. Rohrs
Costume designer: Denise Wingate
Music: Stewart Copeland
Color/stereo
Cast:
Zach: Freddie Prinze Jr.
Laney: Rachael Leigh Cook
Dean: Paul Walker
Taylor: Jodi Lyn O'Keefe
Mackenzie: Anna Paquin
Simon: Kieran Culkin
Running time -- 95 minutes
MPAA rating: PG-13...
- 1/27/1999
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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