Another teen audience hopeful from ABC Family, 10 Things I Hate About You is not only a rework of the film, it's a rework with the same director. No one could be more skeptical of the idea of spinning this film into a series than I, but much of what made the movie work comes through. A lot of people might have to really open their minds to take the initial stab at the series, but they might find it's worth it. Just like the film, it's a different ballgame than you first expect, with clever writing and a bit more to the exploration than what we usually find being spit out of the book of stock teen situations.
The initial entry into the show is somewhat rough, and mainly because we're so committed not only to the shallow sister's extreme shallowness, but more importantly because we're trying to establish her point of view as somewhat legitimate... well, or at least that which should not be so quickly mocked. On the plus side, things smooth out in this regard as we progress.
Apart from the generally above-average teen acting, it's also a brilliant move to include Larry Miller in the show as the dad. Something about his fairly unique ability to be serious and not serious at the same time works for the show, and he knows how to get laughs out of his scenes.
While I can hardly call this show the best thing on television, it's at the head of the class in the realm of things that are going to be made for its demographic. What if there were shows aimed at teens that had some brains behind them? You'd get things like this.
From the director of the original hit movie comes the hilarious ABC Family Series 10 Things I Hate About You.
Viewers will experience the ultimate sibling rivalry with the show that Jennifer Goodwin of E! Online calls “wickedly funny, smart and sweet” and meet Kat (Lindsey Shaw) and Bianca (Meaghan Jette Martin), two very different sisters who have their own unique views on high school life and teenage love. Kat is a feisty, smart student activist who wants to stand out, and Bianca is a sweet social butterfly who just wants to fit in. Things get a lot more complicated, however, when Kat meets the mysterious Patrick Verona (Ethan Peck). Fans can experience every episode of Volume One, complete with exciting bonus features, available only on DVD. 10 Things I Hate About You is a witty and fun family comedy with something for everyone.
Bonus Features
• Bloopers
• 10 Things I Hate Vs. 10 Things I Love – The Cast Answers Crazy Questions
• Backstage Pass – Behind The Scenes With Meaghan And Lindsey
• Audio Commentaries
• Pilot Episode: Make It Or Break It
Volume One is the first ten episodes, and it has a pretty solid store of bonuses considering the sort of release it is. There are two commentaries, the pilot and one other episode, and are a good mix of cast, writer, director, and producer. They're also far more interesting than I would have guessed. Teens on teens is not something I'd normally make it through, but these are worthwhile commentaries, and if you are a fan of the show, you'll enjoy them. They occasionally run a little on the, "Psst. I don't know what to say," side, but overall they're a good mix of background and filming anecdote that will keep you entertained.
The bloopers are pretty typical, and I would have to lean toward them not really being the best around, but bloopers are always fun. The Backstage Pass is a disappointing five minutes with the stars. Not terrible for what it is, but it's custom-made to leave you feeling there should have been more. The cast question session about things I hate and things I love is actually a nice little feature that exposes you to the players, and runs something like twenty minutes. This one is a lot more of a treat and stands out.
You also get the bonus pilot for Make It Or Break It, and that's a pretty good little feature. Sure, it's just a hopeful sell in case you've missed that show, but a full episode is a sell you can feel comfortable with, and feel like you're getting something.
All in all, this is a nice package. Generally, I'm not so sure about these volume one DVDs vs. just coming out with a full season, but I can understand it in the case of this one, and Make It Or Break It.
Own it on DVD today!
Leave a comment below and include the word, "Win," and you are automatically entered to get your very own copy of the DVD. U.S. only. Winner will be selected February 10th.
Below check out some clips from the show and the bonuses.
Behind the scenes: Bloopers
Behind the scenes: Sisterly Love
Alpha Dog
Detention
Carnation Sale
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About Marc Eastman
Marc Eastman is the owner and operator of Are You Screening? and has been writing film reviews for over a decade, and several branches of the internet's film review world have seen his name. His reviews have brought him personal praise from the director of a major motion picture, and have been used as required reading in a course at a major University. These priceless rewards, along with just bags of cash, keep him from straying from freelance writing. He is also a member of The Broadcast Film Critics Association and The Broadcast Television Journalists Association.
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