*Warning: spoilers ahead*
When I first heard that Netflix was releasing a gender-swapped remake of the typical ’90s teen movie, This is what she’s all aboutcalled He’s all this, I had mixed feelings. This immediate reaction was due to several reasons.
First of all, the original hasn’t really aged well, and if this movie were to follow the same concept, I wasn’t sure it would be such a good idea. Secondly, the idea of a TikTok star turned actress (Addison Rae) being at the center of the film didn’t quite sit well with me. Before I go any further, I should probably provide some context. I’m a millennial who hasn’t necessarily immersed himself in the world of TikTok. And when I do, I prefer to watch life hacks and fun content rather than dance videos from Sway House members. (Did I get this right?) Anyway, the thought of Ray taking over the role once played by Freddie Prinze Jr. didn’t excite me too much.
However, despite all this hesitation, I decided to give it a try, largely because I wanted to see cameos from Rachael Leigh Cook and Matthew Lillard, who both starred in the original.
He’s all this Explained
KEVIN ESTRADA/NETFLIX
From what I had already read about the remake, I knew that this film would have a modernized plot. Instead of the high school jock betting he’ll take the nerdy/artsy girl and throw her a prom. queennow a social media influencer (who prides herself on wearing makeup) is trying to take a photo of the outcast and turn him into a prom attendee. king.
It was clear from the start that the film would focus on social media and be incredibly corny (and not that corny). To all the boys cheese, which we love). The first ten minutes give us a glimpse into the life of Padgett Sawyer (Ray), a popular high school student who strives to provide her over 800K followers (yes, she says it) with endless beauty and lifestyle content on social media.
Soon her following and sponsorship (this is where Kourtney Kardashian comes into play) took a hit when her “friend” accidentally live-streamed her walking in on her dopey boyfriend who was hanging out with one of his backup dancers (how original). Eventually, to try and get some of her life back, she makes a bet with her shady friend – the same one who filmed her meltdown and then stole her boyfriend – that she can become a social outcast, Cameron Queller (Cobra Kai Tanner Buchanan, this year’s prom king.
He’s all this Review: What I didn’t like
KEVIN ESTRADA/NETFLIX
As I said above, both storylines are somewhat problematic, so I was hoping this film would offer a fresh and smart approach. Unfortunately, it was pretty much what I expected – a predictable, gender-swapped copy of the original.
Besides, it would be a stretch to believe that Cameron is an outcast in the world. He’s all this. He is obviously handsome, enjoys art and photography, and is a great big brother and friend. So the idea of him being the biggest “loser” doesn’t quite cut it. Sure, he could probably take a shower or lose his cool every now and then, but he doesn’t really need the so-called makeup (which turns out to be a haircut and a suit). And the abuse he receives seems brutal – at least three times to the face, his head slammed into a locker and thrown into a trash can.
After a few horse riding lessons, trips to the mall, and wild parties together (spoiler alert), they fall in love. It’s obvious that Cameron will end up getting hurt when he finds out about the bet. Like I said, there’s nothing new here.
What I liked
KEVIN ESTRADA/NETFLIX
Fortunately, however, He’s all this has its good moments. For example, Buchanan is the highlight of the film. Any scene I liked, he was usually there, and I found his character charming and sincere, unlike Rae. While the main character (antagonist?) Prince was, for lack of a better word, kind of an ass, there was something about his apology and feelings for Lanie that felt a little more realistic to me.
The young cast and modern themes add freshness, but for the most part it’s all the same. That being said, I was entertained and even nostalgic at times, especially when “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer was played at the prom. But the best part is that I got the cameos I was waiting for.
He’s all this: Final thoughts
Netflix
Overall, this film feels like we’re rehashing the same themes that weren’t particularly acceptable in the ’90s. The idea of a remake seems completely unnecessary, but still, I didn’t hate it.
Would I go that far to watch it again? Probably no. But I can at least say that I enjoyed the nostalgia.
Purewow Rating: 3 stars
Netflix
He’s all this it was decent enough to keep me going. I think fans of the former might appreciate what Netflix was trying to do, and younger fans will be happy to just see their favorite TikToker streamed. But we still don’t like the idea of taking someone “different” and “transforming” them to become “popular.” Addison Rae’s Padgett could have used a little more nuance. And although Tanner Buchanan gave an excellent performance, his charm and good looks made it difficult to imagine him as a real outcast.
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