The algorithm-to-screen pipeline
This movie feels like it was written by an AI that spent forty-eight hours straight scrolling a "For You" page. It’s the ultimate example of a "curiosity watch." Most viewers aren't tuning in because they expect a masterpiece; they’re tuning in to see if a massive TikTok star can actually carry a feature film. The answer, according to critics and a dismal 1.2 on Letterboxd, is no.
The 1999 original, She’s All That, worked because it leaned into the earnestness of the 90s. This version tries to be self-aware about influencer culture while simultaneously being a giant advertisement for it. It’s a weird paradox. The "nebbish" classmate being made over isn't actually a social pariah; he’s just a guy who likes photography and doesn't use Instagram. In the world of this movie, that’s treated like a tragic character flaw.
The casting gamble
The lead performance is exactly what you’d expect from a first-time actor who built their brand on fifteen-second dance clips. It’s polished but hollow. If your teen is a fan of the lead's social media presence, they’ll likely enjoy the novelty of seeing her in a scripted setting. If they aren't already a follower, the charm offensive will probably fall flat.
On the other hand, the supporting cast brings a bit more professional weight. You’ll recognize Madison Pettis, who has spent years transitioning from Disney kid roles to more mature Netflix projects. She knows how to navigate a teen comedy, but even seasoned pros can't do much with a script this thin.
Better ways to spend 90 minutes
If your teen is genuinely looking for a great rom-com, this isn't it. The low audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes aren't just "hater" energy; they reflect a movie that lacks the wit of its predecessors. If they want the high school makeover trope done right, there are plenty of The Best Teen Movies on Netflix that offer actual character development instead of just better lighting.
The film also centers heavily on the "Prom King/Queen" hierarchy, which feels increasingly disconnected from how actual Gen Z students interact. If they are specifically looking for that big-dance energy, you’re better off steering them toward our list of Prom Movies for Teens. Those titles usually manage to capture the anxiety and excitement of the night without the heavy-handed social media "lessons" found here.
The "background noise" factor
There is one specific scenario where this movie works: the sleepover. It’s the kind of film that thrives when people are talking over it, making fun of the dialogue, and half-watching while scrolling their own phones. It’s safe, it’s colorful, and it requires zero intellectual heavy lifting.
If you’re looking for a movie that sparks a deep family discussion about the ethics of digital fame, you’ll find it’s pretty shallow. But if you just need something "teen-rated" to keep a group of fourteen-year-olds occupied while they eat pizza, it serves that purpose. Just don’t expect anyone to remember a single line of dialogue by the time the credits roll.
