He’s All That Review: Lacks the Charm of the Original!

What can I say? I was bored last Sunday and decided to watch this film. Well to be honest, I really liked the original from the 90s, She’s All That. I mean there’s probably not a single woman my age who hasn’t seen it.

He’s All That stars Addison Rae as Padgett Sawyer, a young influencer who takes it upon herself to makeover the school “freak” Cameron (Tanner Buchanan) and turn him into prom king for a bet. Also apparently, to regain her social status after an embarrassing episode.

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During the 90s I would’ve been too young when the original came out but back then movies didn’t come out as often as they do now nor did we have the same access. People around my age were ok with watching movies from a few years ago. The late 90s/early 2000s were the golden age of ROMCOM (chick flicks) so of course, I’ve seen almost every one imaginable.

A big reason for their decline in the late 2000s was that ROMCOM just didn’t really reflect much of society anymore. Or at least, the acceptable version of society. The non white ones were seen as niche and in reality, most of its tropes would not work well in our highly politically correct society. That’s before you factor in that they ALL were about heterosexual love. It’s almost impossible to find a good one these days.

I’m not gonna talk about how silly it is that they’ve chosen a (really) good-looking guy to “makeover.” Although, I will point out that this kind of contradicts the film’s supposed updated messages. (Buchanan, I don’t know how much Cobra Kai is paying but you did not need to do this. You don’t want to be the next Noah Centineo… blink twice if you need help.)

The acting was tolerable at best and very cringeworthy at some points. I liked that they brought Rachel Leigh Cook back as the mom and Matthew Lillard as the principle. He’s All That at least attempts to update the story for our time and while it has its moments, the effort is futile really. It lacks the charm of the original.

I think there’s something to be said for the lesson of knowing your real friends. Probably not the ones recording you doing stupid shit. This was probably the film’s highlight and we can only hope that teens watching hear loud and clear. Watch ‘He’s All That’ on Netflix here.

‘He’s All That’ Rating – 2/5

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