She’s All That (1999) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
She’s All That is a quintessential high school rom-com that has captured the hearts of audiences since its release in 1999. Directed by Robert Iscove and starring Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook, the film is a modern retelling of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, with a unique 90s twist. Full of classic teen drama, humor, and an iconic makeover scene, She’s All That remains a beloved movie in the teen genre.
In this review, we’ll explore the plot, characters, its cultural impact, and where you can stream or rent She’s All That online in the U.S.
Plot Summary
The film opens with Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.), a popular high school jock and class president who seems to have it all—good looks, popularity, and a beautiful girlfriend, Taylor Vaughan (Jodi Lyn O’Keefe). However, Zack’s world is turned upside down when Taylor dumps him for Brock Hudson (Matthew Lillard), a self-absorbed reality TV star from The Real World.
In an effort to restore his bruised ego, Zack makes a bet with his best friend, Dean Sampson (Paul Walker), that he can turn any girl in the school into the prom queen in six weeks. Dean picks Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook), an artistic, socially awkward, and glasses-wearing “geek,” as the subject of the bet.
As Zack begins his efforts to transform Laney into someone prom-worthy, he gradually gets to know her and realizes that beneath her quirky, introverted exterior lies a talented, passionate, and caring person. Laney’s initial resistance to Zack’s advances slowly fades as she lets her guard down and allows herself to be vulnerable.
Through the process, Zack also discovers that popularity and appearances aren’t as important as being true to oneself. Their growing connection leads to a deeper relationship, but when Laney finds out about the bet, their bond is tested, culminating in a heartfelt confrontation at the prom.
Iconic Moments: The Makeover Scene
One of the most memorable moments in She’s All That is the classic makeover scene, where Laney’s transformation from “geek” to “chic” is revealed. After Zack enlists the help of his sister Mackenzie (Anna Paquin) to give Laney a makeover, the scene famously shows her descending the stairs in a red dress, no glasses, and her hair styled. As Sixpence None the Richer’s “Kiss Me” plays, the camera pans up to reveal Laney’s stunning transformation—a moment that has become iconic in teen cinema history.
This scene embodies the “ugly duckling” trope often seen in romantic comedies, though it has also been critiqued for perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards, where wearing glasses and having a passion for art are considered markers of unattractiveness. Despite these criticisms, the scene is a classic part of the film’s charm and is fondly remembered by audiences.
Cast and Performances
- Freddie Prinze Jr. as Zack Siler: Freddie Prinze Jr. shines as the charming yet conflicted Zack, who starts as a stereotypical high school jock but gradually reveals a more thoughtful and introspective side. Prinze’s chemistry with Rachael Leigh Cook drives much of the film’s emotional core.
- Rachael Leigh Cook as Laney Boggs: Rachael Leigh Cook delivers a standout performance as Laney, a character who is both vulnerable and strong. Cook manages to embody both the awkwardness and quiet confidence of Laney, making her a relatable and endearing character.
- Paul Walker as Dean Sampson: Paul Walker plays the role of Zack’s cocky best friend, who starts the bet and fuels the competition. His performance as the antagonist adds tension and drama to the film, particularly when he makes his own move on Laney.
- Matthew Lillard as Brock Hudson: Matthew Lillard’s portrayal of Brock, the narcissistic reality TV star, is comical and over-the-top, providing much of the film’s humor. His dance sequence at the prom is another highlight of the film’s lighthearted tone.
- Supporting Cast: Other notable performances include Anna Paquin as Mackenzie Siler, Kieran Culkin as Laney’s younger brother Simon, and Jodi Lyn O’Keefe as the mean-girl ex-girlfriend Taylor.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
She’s All That quickly became one of the defining films of the late 90s, and its influence is still felt in teen rom-coms today. It popularized several tropes, including the “makeover transformation,” and set the stage for many of the high school romantic comedies that followed. The movie also solidified Freddie Prinze Jr. as a teen heartthrob and boosted Rachael Leigh Cook’s career.
The film’s soundtrack, including the now-classic “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer, also became a cultural touchstone. The song became synonymous with the film’s most memorable scenes and has been featured in various other media over the years.
Though the film has its share of critics—especially in terms of its simplistic portrayal of high school life and its reliance on common rom-com clichés—it remains a beloved guilty pleasure for many. Its nostalgic appeal, combined with its charismatic cast, has cemented She’s All That as a staple in the teen movie genre.
Where to Watch She’s All That (1999) Online
If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to watch She’s All That, there are several options available for streaming, rental, or purchase in the U.S.
1. Amazon Prime Video
She’s All That is available to rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rentals typically start at $3.99 for HD, and the purchase price is around $9.99. It’s available to stream on a variety of devices, making it accessible to most viewers.
2. Apple TV (iTunes)
You can also rent or purchase the film on Apple TV (iTunes). Rental prices start at $3.99, with the option to purchase the film for $9.99. Apple TV allows streaming across all Apple devices, from iPhones to Apple TVs.
3. Google Play Movies & YouTube
She’s All That is available on Google Play Movies and YouTube for rental starting at $3.99 or purchase for $9.99. You can watch the film on a variety of devices, including Android devices, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku.
4. Vudu
Vudu offers She’s All That for rent at $3.99 and for purchase at $9.99. It’s available in HD and can be streamed on most platforms, including smart TVs, tablets, and game consoles.
5. Hulu
At the time of writing, She’s All That is available to stream on Hulu for subscribers. If you have a Hulu subscription, you can watch the film as part of their movie library without additional rental or purchase fees.
Conclusion: Is She’s All That Worth Watching?
She’s All That is a classic teen romantic comedy that has withstood the test of time, thanks to its charming cast, iconic moments, and nostalgic 90s vibe. While it may not break new ground in terms of storytelling, it captures the essence of the teen rom-com genre, with enough humor, heart, and romance to keep viewers engaged.
For fans of 90s cinema or anyone looking for a feel-good movie with a dose of nostalgia, She’s All That is definitely worth watching. With its availability across multiple streaming platforms, you can easily revisit this iconic film and enjoy a trip down memory lane.
