With the arrival ofDisney +, we knew we were getting all of our favourite Disney films, with Star Wars, Marvel and The Simpsons thrown into the mix for good measure. But as we scrolled through the options on the new streaming service, we found some amazing new surprises that got us very excited indeed.
Among the princesses and light sabers, there are some absolutely classic live action films that provide a dose of nostalgia in troubling times. Sister Act. While You Were Sleeping. Mrs Doubtfire. Never Been Kissed (say it with us: 'I'm not Josie Grossie anymore!'). And, the undoubted jewel in the crown_: 10 Things I Hate About You_. How do we love thee? Let us list the ways.
In 1999, 10 Things I Hate About You kick-started the concept of the high school Shakespeare adaptation that would pop up here and there for the next decade - Get Over It, She's The Man, O. But nothing has ever topped it. A loose reimagining of bawdy comedy The Taming of The Shrew, it catapulted Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger into the public consciousness, making her the choice when an intelligent, yet angsty leading woman was required, and ensuring that Heath - the accent, the curls - was one of the heartthrobs of the Noughties. Honourable mentions to stand-out performances from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, future Oscar-winner Alison Janney, and Gabrielle Union who, a year later, would step up once more in the equally excellent Bring It On.
It is, perhaps, one of the most quotable films of the Nineties. When Chastity asks if you can 'ever just be whelmed?', and Bianca answers 'I think you can in Europe', a timeless exchange was born. 'Quivering member' is now essential to the erotic fiction lexicon. And it's how we learned what 'pensive' meant (yes, Joey, we know you were going for thoughtful.)
10 Things I Hate About You is witty, moving, endlessly watchable, and has the second best soundtrack of any teen film ever (first? Cruel Intentions, obviously). It inspired a whole generation of young women that it was ok to be a Kat or a Bianca. In short, it is a perfect teen film.
Turns out Shakespeare was pretty talented. Who knew?
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