A teen flick based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew; that and the
previews intrigued me enough to want to go see it. However, it wasn't worth the
trouble. I would say it's loosely based on Shakespeare but the subtleties are lost
on this comedy that pretty literally hits you over the head with its teenage
hi-jinks. Cameron, a transfer student to Padua High School, falls instantly in
love with Bianca Stratford; unfortunately, his buddy informs him she doesn't
date. Seems Bianca's father is a little strict—in fact, he's so freaked out
about Bianca dating that he comes up with a rule that she can date when her older
sister Katerina dates as well. Dad thinks he's being pretty smart since "Kat" is
so anti-social at school she'd refuse to date anyone anyway. So Cameron comes up
with a plan to get Kat a date. They think they've found the perfect guy,
Patrick—someone with a pretty wild reputation at school. To make a long story
short, they trick the class stud, Joey, who thinks he's God's gift to women, to
pay Patrick to date Kat. Patrick takes the challenge—and the money.
Of course, Joey thinks he's doing this to get Bianca for himself. Does it work?
Who cares! Unless maybe if you're 12. This film had the potential to take a great
premise and update it for today's generation; all the filmmakers really did,
though, was use the Shakespeare story as an excuse to be immature—bullies
paint penises on people's faces, students flash their teachers to help friends get
out of detention, etc. This may be brilliant stuff for pre-teens but it's a waste
of time for the rest of us, trust me.
The majority of the lead cast are unknowns and are okay at being cool or nerdy,
depending on their characters. The adults, as in most teen flicks, are really lame.
Lots of trendy music and clothing and the Washington state setting(everyone in the
movies seems to live there lately) will make this a favorite with kids. I guess
this is a sign of age for me—I spent a good part of this film longing to see
Animal House. But to be fair, this movie wasn't aimed at me or my generation;
I guess each generation has to come up with its own Beach Blanket Bingo.
10 Things I Hate About You is rated PG-13. Running time is 1 hr/35 min.
Link: www.10thingsihateaboutyou.com
Date posted: April 3, 1999
Date modified: Sept. 6, 2001