The story is based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. It is about two sisters, one very popular, Bianca Stratford (played by Larisa Oleynik) and the other, Katrina, or "Kat" (played by Julia Stiles) hated because of her gruff character. Their overbearing father (played by the hilarious Larry Miller), devises a scheme whereby Bianca cannot date until rebellious Katrina does, which seems an impossibility. Thereby is set up a scheme to pair Katrina off with the roguish Patrick Verona. One of the masterminds of this plot is Cameron James (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a newcomer to Padua high, where the movie takes place. The other is his assistant of sorts, Michael Eckman (played by David Khumoltz).

Though somewhat predictable, especially if you have read Taming of the Shrew, it is an interesting light diversion. The dialogue is quite well done, intertwining a word or phrase from Shakespeare with modern teen slang. Other odes to Shakespeare are seen in Kat's friend who idolizes him as if he is a teen heartthrob, plus reading of his works in one Kat's classes. The timing in the dialogue is also very Shakespearean (for a comedy). It's Very rapid fire. I think both David Khumoltz and Larry Miller are amazingly funny!

Overall, this is not your typical shallow teen romance movie, but can appeal to anyone who enjoys witty dialogue, and many literary references.

The DVD is unremarkable. It has a good DD 5.1 soundtrack driven by a nice selection of alternative rock - Letters from Clio had several cameos, but I believe they mainly played cover tunes, not their own stuff. The DVD does not contain any special features.


tHERE ARE MORE THAN 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT THIS MOVIE   March 7, 2000
 30 out of 55 found this review helpful

How original a poplular good looking guy is forced to hook up with an unpopular girl as a foavor or bet. Gag!Didnt they make like half a dozen movies like that last year.This probably was the worst with bad acting and some of the worst dialogue since... well since a long time


10 Things I Love About This Movie!   March 9, 2000
 27 out of 33 found this review helpful

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU is a modern update on William Shakespeare's classic comedy THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. Meaning it's not Kenneth Branagh. Meaning you don't need an English-Elizabethan dictionary to understand half the words. Meaning no fops parading around in tight tights. Meaning no royal kerfuffles. Meaning no ghosts, witches, fairies, or one-legged Turkish disco dancers. Meaning no obscure references that only English teachers get. Meaning no actors walking around talking to themselves like they just got released from Shady Acres Happy Home. Meaning, finally, a movie geared towards a young audience. And unlike some modern-day adaptations of classic plays or movies, this one will actually hold your attention for more than seventeen seconds.

What makes 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU really work is two things. First of all, it doesn't pander down to its audience, instead treating it as an equal. Second, and most importantly, writers Karen McCullah Lutz and Kristen Smith flesh out the characters and make them seem real. This couldn't be accomplished without good actors, and 10 THINGS has plenty of those. Instead of going with the huge teen stars of the moment (Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr, or any other heartthrob with three or more names), the casting directors chose lesser-known actors who could get by on talent, and not necessarily name value alone. They chose wisely.

Stiles makes Kat into a multifaceted, complex heroine who is both charming and viciously fierce. Ledger brings a new dimension to the oft-used "rebel who's really a misunderstood poetic soul" cliche. The chemistry between these two is probably the most compelling part of the movie. When Patrick serenades Kat with the song "Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" accompanied by the school marching band, it's such a joyous and spontaneous moment that I guarantee your heart will melt and you'll break into a huge smile in spite of yourself. 10 cheers for 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU!


A Fantastic Movie   July 18, 2001
 25 out of 31 found this review helpful

The movie is based on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. It is about two sisters Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) and Katarina "Kat" Stratford (Julia Stiles). Bianca is the popular sister who wants to start dating a popular boy, Joey Donner (Andrew Keegan)and Kat is the social outcast. Trying to keep his daughters from dating for fear they may get pregnant, their paranoid father (Larry Miller) makes a family rule where Bianca cannot date until Kat does, which seems impossible. New kid Cameron (Joseph Gordon Levitt) has a huge crush on Bianca and, thinking Bianca likes him in return and wants to date him, he and his friend Michael Eckman (David Khumoltz) devises a scheme where they try to pair Kat off with the school "Bad Boy" Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger).

By reading the basic plot above, you probably think this is just another Teen Flick? Well, though technically a teen flick, it lacks the shallowness that other movies of this genre have. With witty dialogue, some very funny physical stunts, some great acting, and a hip soundtrack headlined by Letters To Cleo, this film is a definate must own.

As for the DVD, for people with 5.1 Surround Sound, this movie is perfect! However, it is very disappointing in the extras department. The ONLY thing this DVD has is the theatrical trailer for the movie. So unless you really, REALLY want to own the theatrical trailer for the movie, I suggest you save your money and go for the VHS version instead.


Amazingly cute and funny!   March 21, 2000
 24 out of 32 found this review helpful

I rented this movie with my 13-year old sister thinking it would be another disappointing "teeny-bopper" movie, rating among She's All That and Cruel Intentions. However, I was surpirsed at the comedy and the acting of Julia Stiles who just cracked me up and the guy who played Michael, the one who sets up the whole plan. Larissa Oleynik was adorable as Bianca and Joseph Gordon-Levitt is perfect for the role of Cameron - the guy that likes Bianca. Andrew Keegan - the "pretty boy" who you love to hate! His hair-do cracks me up! Heath Leger plays the bully who is paid to date Julia Stiles' character and ends up really liking her. He is also pretty hot and his accent is awesome! I didn't know that this was an updated version of "Taming of the Shrew" until I read it on here. Now I am going to read the play! This movie is definitely worth watching!