Really funny and charming

Rating: 8/10 (6 March 2010)

A film to see over and over - twice in three days and I still laughed at the jokes (verbal and sight). The writing is sharp, the direction is crisp, the acting fresh and involving, and everyone plays just short of going over the top. Of course, it's based on the Bard's 'Taming of the Shrew', which will never get the feminist vote as one of his greatest plays, but the film does not baulk at a submission scene at the end. And for a US teen movie that is an incredibly brave decision, which pays off handsomely as the two leads play it brilliantly. So funny and vivacious, the plot line has a believably angry Kat facing an off kilter dude in the High School world of barely human weirdos, using the usual clichés and stereotypes to play off and against. It works far better than the other teen movies of the year - 'Clueless' OK, 'American Pie' lewd if funny and boring, 'She's All That' disappears halfway through its premise. A pity the stars have not quite gone on to great things - Heath Ledger was dragging himself back before his death, but would have been trapped into going over the top after 'The Joker.' They act well and can play different things, eg Julia Stiles. But enough said - buy the DVD and repeat your laughs!!!!