Journal0019 - My first teen flick

So I lied (again). This wasn't the first teen flick I've seen ("sixteen candles" come to mind) but this was one that I atually enjoyed. Unlike most of my gushy, spaced out, materialistic brandwhore peers (brilliantly spoofed in "Clueless" btw), I don't like mass-marketed bubble gum flicks. But somehow, someway, "She's All That" was different. Woah, I know what you're thinking. Just hang on, okay?

To most, "She's All That" is barely distinguishable from the other teen fluff in theatres. True, but for some reason it struck a cord with me. After I watched the movie last night on USA, I sat down and began to analyse why this movie was so different.

Was it the Real World parody?

Nah. I don't think so. I'm not even a big fan of the show - too boring.

Was it the script?

Hah. Never crossed my mind.

Or maybe it's the characters.

Admittedly I did begin to watch the movie for one reason: PAUL WALKER, whom I have a thing for. Yeh, but he was a good looking creep(which I always seem to fall for) in the movie. I did have a hard time believing he was playing a high schooler. Oh but the stars of the movie, Freddie Prinze, Jr and Rachel Leigh Cook (I'm gonna have to take the liberty of abbreviating their names) was a cute couple. I mean, their characters made a cute couple. Heh.

RLC's character was a cliched outcast, I'm afraid to say. A loner who prefers her art to socializing (gee, that reminds me of Sal), Laney was supposed to embody angst, moodiness, alienation, all in one neat package. Thank god it didn't turn out that way. If it did, Laney wouold have been insufferable to watch. But the good thing is that Laney is an outcast by choice. That implies that anyone could be popular and well-recieved by others if they just opened up. Now that is a cute little moral to take home after watching the movie. It also adds that you might get the guy of your dreams in the process. Ah, naivete.

Now Freddie's character, Jack Siles, was a real sweetheart. Sorry to all FPJ fans, but I did not find him attractive. HOWEVER, I can now see the attraction. He does have that really sweet smile. I mean, he's the kind of guy you can bring to Mom and Dad and he'd fit right in. Freddie's about as threatening as a puppy and about as adorable.

For some reason, these exact same qualities I failed to see in his other movies. You know that one movie with Monica Potter? Can you see Freddie as an FBI agent? Anyway, I only watched it because my friend E.T. dragged me along with another friend and let me tell you, that was the most boring two hours I've ever spent. Originally we were supposed to watch Hannibal but they chickened out at the last minute. I didn't see why. After all, E.T. was with whom I watched "American Psycho" (a classic!). It's not Freddie's fault the movie was boring, so no grudges held.

Back to "She's All That". The movie, though it seemed to gloss over many important issues and a bit rushed, ended nicely and harmlessly. Okay, okay, so I did go "awwwwwww!!!" when the two finally kissed. So sue me. It was sweet!

So yes, I want to believe that the hottest guy in school can be kind, caring and genuine. Yeah, I want to believe that he has problems too. Who cares if it sounds a bit contrived? I want to believe that the most gorgeous guy in the universe (i.e. high school) would fall for little ol' me. A girl can dream, can't she?

One really good thing that came out of the movie (aside from that warm fuzzy feeling in my tummy - or was that the chocolate icey?) was the unbelievably charming soundtrack. You know what I'm talking about. Sixpence None The Richer's "Kiss Me" was a really good choice. Everytime I hear it, I associate it with the movie - which isn't a bad thing. I highly recommend everyone hear the Japanese version of the song (sung by the band). The Japanese version sounds a bit tinny but that's probably due to the unfamiliar Japanese intonation. It's pretty interesting to compare the two versions.

Lastly, my adventure in teen flicks may as well stop here (for a lack of other things to talk about ^_^;) I still haven't seen American Pie, Scary Movie or any of their sequels nor do I plan to do so anytime. I think I'll take it one bubble gum chew at a time.

Cheers mates.