A Charming Bunch of Characters

Rating: 7/10 (24 April 1999)

Teen flicks are a drug. I've come to realize that when I go to see a movie like "She's All That" or "10 Things", it's not because I think the story will be particularly interesting, or even because the leading actresses are gorgeous (though they are), it's because I know that I'll leave the theater feeling giddy and charmed. "10 Things" and "She's All That" are extremely similar premises: money is offered to turn the female school outcast normal, only to have the boy and girl fall in love. The twists are few and the ending predictable, and yet I find myself interested in these characters and the high school environment that they live in. "10 Things" has its humorous bits and its touching moments, but mostly it's just enjoyable to watch these surprisingly talented high school actors interact. It may miss by throwing in a few to many trite teen-flick scenes--a school-wide party, a climactic prom scene--but the characters are warm enough to make us care. Not only did I leave the theater wishing I were a student at the school, I also had a curious smile plastered on my face for the rest of the night.