10 Things I Hate About You (1999): Casually Captivating
Rating: 6.5/10
Based off Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You is a funny but idealistic film about the verity and boundaries of love.
Highlights:
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The outfits!! The music!!
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Well-acted
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Cute!!!
Lowlights:
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Corny at times
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Adaption felt forceful
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Idealistic
10 Things I Hate About You hits all the bases for a good rom-com: a cast acting out high-school stereotypes to an extreme, an overprotective parent, and young love. I enjoyed this film, as it was well-acted and funny throughout. However, the adaption from The Taming of the Shrew felt forced at times. The occasional verbatim Shakespeare line and apparent ease with which the characters settled into their rigid roles was awkward, though typical of adaptions. It was also corny at times, relying on the old stereotypes of perfectly-cut social groups in high school. I find this to be annoying to watch, as it’s completely inaccurate: no one knows who they are in high school, and it would be refreshing to watch a movie that actually explores this instead of pushing the idea of conforming to a label so early in life. However, this is also likely why these movies are so popular: seeing a high school experience where someone is confident in who they are, unlike most people’s experiences, is a cool break from reality. Regardless, 10 Things I Hate About You is a cute movie that’s well-acted and, of course, contains amazing music and fashion. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for something light and entertaining, and I’d recommend it for a next night in.
Did you watch the movie? Do you want more? Check out She’s All That or any other movie on the 90s Archive page. She’s All That and 10 Things I Hate About You are both 90s rom-coms centered on high school, and if you enjoyed one you’re bound to enjoy the other!
Watch the trailer!
Clueless (1994): Honest, Fun, and Totally Chill
Rating: 7.6/10
Clueless is a charming movie detailing the fabulous life of Cher (Alicia Silverstone) wonderfully adapted from Jane Austen’s Emma. Full of dazzling clothes, perfectly vapid acting, and a fun atmosphere, Clueless is a great film that proves the importance of doing good in a light and funny way.
Highlights:
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Great adaption
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Amazing fashion
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I want to be Cher
Lowlights:
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Cher’s narcissism can be stifling
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Sometimes a bit too easy
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Ending doesn’t translate well in modern times
After watching Clueless for the second time, I decided it’s one of my favorite movies. Everything about it is great: the adaption from Emma, the perfectly airy acting, and the lightheartedness of the whole movie, not to mention the fantastic clothes and music. Silverstone nails the portrayal of Cher with her ability to act as the perfect rich, beautiful, Beverly Hills girl. She’s vapid and materialistic, but instead of being annoyed and disgusted with her character we appreciate her innocence and care for other people even if it may stem from some selfishness. The movie as a whole perfectly molds to this perfect character of Cher as well. Sometimes adaptions try too hard to tell the story required of them, but Clueless isn’t like this. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, and it seems every character is delightfully over-exaggerated and even acting somewhat ironically in their portrayal of whatever stereotype they’re possessing. Clueless seems to almost be a parody of itself, and this allows the audience to bask in the materialistic glory of the film. Because the movie is aware of wealth-worshipping and beauty-based foundation, it allows those watching to feel comfortable enjoying it, too. Overall, I appreciated Clueless’ honesty and great acting, making it a movie I’d recommend to anyone.
Did you watch the movie? Do you want more? Check out Heathers or any other movie on the 90s Archive page. Heathers and Clueless are both films centered on high school friendships, and if you enjoyed one you’re bound to enjoy the other!
Watch the trailer!