10 things I like about ‘10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999)

In a 1995 episode of “Seinfeld,” Jerry claims that 95 percent of the population is undatable. “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) tests that theory by pairing the two most undatable teens at Padua High School: Kat (Julia Stiles) and Patrick (Heath Ledger).

Actually, writers Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith drew not necessarily from Seinfeld, but from observations Shakespeare made back in the 16^th century in his play “The Taming of the Shrew.” In 1999 terms, “shrew” means “heinous bitch,” a.k.a. Kat.

A Machiavellian Shakespearean scheme

Today, it’s not nice to use either term, so call Kat an … individualist. And so is Patrick. But in the late ’90s (at least through the lens of Hollywood), teens only dated if there was money in it. So as we enjoy the cuteness of these two idiosyncratic hotties who fail to kick the dating cliché, we also cringe in anticipation of Kat finding out why Patrick initially pursued her.

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And also we worry about Kat’s kid sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) finding out that Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), via friend Michael (David Krumholtz), had encouraged popularity king Joey (Andrew Keegan) to pay Patrick. Then Joey would be able to date Bianca, due to the dad’s (Larry Miller) rule that Bianca can only date if Kat is dating. And then that would give Cameron an in with Bianca … somehow.

It’s a messy, multi-pronged scheme. But director Gil Junger doesn’t ask us to dwell on the plot – fortunately. There are at least 10 things to distract us from the era’s cliches, enough to make “10 Things” a borderline classic in a year that possibly produced more teen rom-coms than any other:

1. It’s an English lesson without being stodgy. Shakespearean lines sneak into the screenplay – “She hates you with the fire of a thousand suns” – but flow naturally, like the kids are being cheeky. Michael falls for a girl (Susan May Pratt) who is obsessed with Shakespeare, the Bard is being taught in English class, and a band plays on the roof of a castle.
2. The soundtrack is good, with multiple live performances by Kat’s favorite band, Letters to Cleo. I cringed when “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby” came on. But then I realized it’s a version by Colourfield rather than Smashmouth, and that helps immeasurably.
3. Miller strikes the right comedic note as overprotective dad Walter. In the film’s best-written scene, he acknowledges that he is keeping his daughters close because he’ll miss them so much when they move out. Aww.
4. This is a strong – if effortless — Ledger turn, and because he died in 2008, those are pearls to be treasured. His Aussie-accented charm elevates what could be a blandly obvious role of a bad boy who falls for the girl he’s paid to date.
5. 1999 saw so many teen rom-coms that Hollywood might’ve shoveled any pretty face onto the screen. So it’s refreshing that Stiles is scowly, has a unique smile, and can cut a rug (setting her up for “Save the Last Dance”) – and these contradictions make Kat into a believable human.
6. If you like the pill of Shakespeare delivered in the yogurt of teen rom-coms, thank “10 Things” for starting a mini-trend. It was followed by “O” (2001), “Get Over It” (2001) and “She’s the Man” (2006). Plus, there’s “Deliver Us from Eva” (2003), which shares both Gabrielle Union and the source material with “10 Things.”
7. The film gives a nod to the ridiculous side of high school. In a not-appropriate-for-Disney gag, the secretary (Allison Janney) is writing a steamy romance novel. And the English teacher (Daryl Mitchell) has experienced so much of Kat’s complaining that when she genuinely says she is looking forward to an assignment, he assumes sarcasm and sends her to the principal’s office.
8. This is a hopeful story, arguing via the Cam-Bianca thread that there’s always a chance in the game of love. Just don’t think too hard about the fact that you don’t look like Gordon-Levitt and that the real-life bar is likely higher than “Be better than the ridiculous cinematic a**h***.”
9. Some tropes are tropes for a reason. When Patrick (and, indeed, Ledger) sings the pop standard “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” interrupting a girls soccer practice, even ice queen Kat smiles. We’re therefore allowed to do the same.
10. The film led to a TV reboot 10 years later, with Miller reprising his role. Although not a hit for ABC Family, which canceled it after 20 episodes, it was funny and well-regarded. I personally like it a bit more than the movie.