Orange County (Florida) School District starts up today and while I get to learn where the bus stops and school zones are around my new neighborhood (and avoid the speed traps along the way), all the neighborhood kids are back to classrooms and teachers. Parents are rejoicing, teachers are anxious, and public librarians are quickly switching over from summer reading to after school programs- or for some doing both until as late as Labor Day. In honor of the first week of school, I’m celebrating by posting a week of school related movie playlists. Today, I’ve pulled together a list of favorite school remakes- movies based on famous works that were remade to fit into a school setting. Know of some I’ve forgot? Share them!
Easy A (2010): Olive decides to tell one little lie about her weekend. Overheard and spread all over campus, her little lie is now the talk of the high school, and Olive is suddenly known for reasons she never thought she would be. A modern retake on The Scarlet Letter, it accurately points out the bias in society between gender sexuality. Easily one of the best parent casts ever with Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson as Emma Stone’s parents. Don’t believe me- go find the pea scene.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999): A very awesome remake of The Taming of the Shrew. Bianca has been asked to the senior prom as a freshman, but her strict father won’t let her go unless her relentless older sister (Julia Stiles) goes also. Conspiring with her tutor who’s head over heals in love with her (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), they get the most unlike guy ever to win over Kat’s heart. Best scene ever- Patrick (Heath Ledger) singing across the bleachers.
Clueless (1995): A remake of Emma, Cher and her best friend Dionne (named after the singers, DUH) adopt the new girl to completely make her adorbs, and then make it their mission to hook up the two lonely teachers so that everyone gets good grades. But when she starts to develop feelings for someone close to her, Cher isn’t quite sure what to do. If you have never watched Clueless, you have to go find a copy- the influences on today’s culture are astounding.
O (2001)- Based on Othello and remade to fit onto a high school basketball court, Odin (Mekhi Phifer of Insurgent series and Torchwood) is convinced that his girlfriend (Julia Stiles) is having an affair. Especially when the coach’s son and his best friend, Michael, is whispering in his ear. However, Michael is trying to get Odin’s starting spot and his father’s attention. As expected, things end up tragically for everyone involved.
Cruel Intentions (1999): Les Liasions set in an exclusive prep school, two step-siblings (Sarah Michelle Geller and Ryan Philippe) make a wager over whether or not he can sleep with the new headmaster’s daughter before the start of the school term. Problem is, this may be the girl he falls for (and did before shooting of the film- Phillipe and Whitherspoon met in 1997, and married in 1999; separated in 2006). This is the movie also known for launching Selma Blair’s career.
All through the week I’ll be sharing movie playlists dealing with school settings. Have a favorite? Share it!