Movie Review: Sydney White - Page 2

The plot reveals a plan for the Vortex that goes beyond the budding rivalry between Sydney and Rachel. Rachel has eyes set on ousting the dorks and building a new Greek center on the prime location. Once Sydney uncovers this plot she moves to mobilize the dorks and run for student council, which will give them the power they need to stop the plot and repair their home.

 Funny thing about Sydney White, besides the obvious connection to the Grimm fairy tale, the plot is very similar to one from last year that you may remember. Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj also involves its titular character being humiliated by a top Greek house, here a fraternity, teaming with a group of losers in a rundown house and mobilizing them against their oppressors. They have virtually the same story. Which is better? That would have to be Sydney White. While Kal Penn is a capable actor, he was just about the only good thing about The Rise of Taj, much of the Sydney White cast have plenty to offer. True, it is not a terribly deep film but the entertainment value is much higher and with a more consistent tone.

It was fun sitting there and watching how the various fairy-tale elements are worked into the script. My particular favorite was the poison apple, with the magic mirror a close second. The framework of the fairy tale works well for this tween-targeted tale. While I am likely not a part of the target audience, the humor works well across demographics and has enough bite to make it a little more palatable. The screenplay by Chad Creasey has a middle-of-the-road veneer to it, but it still strikes me as a bit smarter than your average tween comedy. I think that may be more to do with the cast's ability to make everything work.

I have only seen Amanda Bynes a few times, but she always displays considerable charisma and great screen presence. Both of which have taken strides forward from her mugging in She's the Man to her supporting performance in the hit Hairspray to this lead role. This is easily her best role to date. She moves throughout the comedic moments with ease, displaying good comic timing and an easy manner which makes her that much more believable. The future looks good for her.

Continued on the next page Page 1 — Page 2 — Page 3

Article tags

Spread the word
Bookmark and Share
Profile image for chris-beaumont

Article Author: Chris Beaumont

Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about music and movies when he isn't indulging in them. He is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Follow: Twitter and Tumblr. Visit: Critical Outcast. …

Visit Chris Beaumont's author pageChris Beaumont's Blog

Read comments on this article, and add some feedback of your own
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Disney Special Platinum Edition) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Disney Special Platinum Edition)

    One of the brightest nuggets from Disney's golden age, this 1937 film is almost dizzying in its meticulous construction of an enchanted world, with scores of major and minor characters (including fauna ...

Article comments

Add your comment, speak your mind

Personal attacks are NOT allowed.
Please read our comment policy.
Please preview your comment.

blogcritics lists for Nov 09, 2009

fresh articles Most recent articles site-wide

fresh comments Most recent comments site-wide

most comments Most comments in 24hrs

top writers Most prolific Blogcritics for October

top commenters Most prolific Commenters in 24 hrs