He’s All That

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 27, 2021

Genre
Romantic Comedy, Teen Drama

Cast & Crew

• Addison Rae as Padgett Sawyer
• Tanner Buchanan as Cameron Kweller
• Madison Pettis as Alden
• Peyton Meyer as Jordan Van Draanen
• Myra Molloy as Quinn
• Isabella Crovetti as Brin Kweller
• Rachael Leigh Cook as Anna Sawyer
• Matthew Lillard as Principal Bosch

Director
Mark Waters

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Mean Girls (2004)
• Freaky Friday (2003)
• Just Like Heaven (2005)

Producer
Jennifer Gibgot, Andrew Panay, Bill Block

Writer
R. Lee Fleming Jr., based on the 1999 film She’s All That by R. Lee Fleming Jr.

Budget
Estimated at $20 million

Production Company
Miramax, Ethea Entertainment, Offspring Entertainment

Running Time
88 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
TV-14

Content Advisory

• Some language
• Teen partying
• Mild sexual content

Movie Story
He’s All That is a gender-swapped remake of the 1999 teen romantic comedy She’s All That, updated for a new generation. The film follows Padgett Sawyer (Addison Rae), a popular high school influencer whose life is upended when her humiliating breakup with her boyfriend, Jordan Van Draanen (Peyton Meyer), is livestreamed, going viral and threatening her carefully curated image.

Determined to reclaim her social status and win back her followers, Padgett makes a bet with her best friend Alden (Madison Pettis) that she can transform the school’s biggest outcast, Cameron Kweller (Tanner Buchanan), into prom king material. Cameron is a socially awkward, anti-establishment photographer who is uninterested in high school popularity, making him the perfect challenge for Padgett’s makeover mission.

As Padgett spends more time with Cameron, she begins to see beyond his rough exterior and discovers his genuine kindness and passion for photography. Likewise, Cameron starts to warm up to Padgett, finding her more authentic than her online persona suggests. However, as they grow closer, Padgett’s deception and the looming bet threaten to ruin their budding romance.

He’s All That follows a familiar rom-com formula, filled with high school antics, makeover montages, and the inevitable conflict when Padgett’s true motives are revealed. The film also incorporates modern elements like social media and influencer culture, reflecting the ways in which teens navigate relationships and identity in the digital age.

Rachael Leigh Cook, who starred in the original She’s All That, returns in a new role as Padgett’s mother, Anna, while Matthew Lillard, another original cast member, plays the school principal. These nods to the 1999 film provide a sense of continuity for fans of the original.

Special Effects
He’s All That does not rely heavily on special effects, instead focusing on character interactions, high school settings, and the contrast between online and real-life personas. The film’s visual style is bright and polished, with scenes that highlight the vibrant, curated world of social media. The makeover scenes, a key element of the film, are handled with humor and visual flair, showcasing the transformation of Cameron from outsider to heartthrob.

Box Office Performance
He’s All That was released exclusively on Netflix, where it quickly became one of the platform’s most-watched films upon release. The film capitalized on the popularity of Addison Rae, a social media star making her acting debut, as well as the nostalgia for She’s All That. Despite mixed reviews from critics, who pointed to its predictable plot and reliance on teen movie clichés, the film found an audience among younger viewers and fans of teen rom-coms.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You’re a challenge, Cameron. And I don’t back down from a challenge.” – Padgett Sawyer
• “People don’t change for a makeover. They change because they want to.” – Cameron Kweller
• “It’s not about the followers; it’s about being true to yourself.” – Anna Sawyer

Behind-the-Scenes
He’s All That was directed by Mark Waters, known for his work on popular teen comedies like Mean Girls and Freaky Friday. The film’s production aimed to capture the spirit of the original while updating the story for a modern audience, focusing on the pressures of social media and the quest for authenticity in a digital world. Addison Rae’s casting as the lead was a significant draw for the film, given her massive following on TikTok and other platforms, and the film’s release was closely tied to her brand.

Awards

• Nominated for a People’s Choice Award (The Comedy Movie of 2021)

Final Verdict
He’s All That offers a light, breezy update to a classic teen rom-com formula, with a focus on social media culture and modern high school dynamics. While it may not break new ground in the genre, it delivers a fun and nostalgic experience for fans of the original She’s All That and those looking for an easygoing, feel-good movie. Addison Rae’s debut performance and the film’s catchy soundtrack add to its appeal for younger audiences.

IMDb Rating
4.4/10