ABC Family’s 10 Things I Hate About You is a fresh take on an already great film. The movie, which starred Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, was an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. So, this is a TV series based on a movie that is based on a play. And, despite the multiple adaptations, it works.
Film-to-TV adaptations rarely work. There are a few exceptions like Buffy, The Vampire Slayer and this series, but others have failed to connect with audiences and spark the same level of interest as its predecessor (the John Candy film, Uncle Buck was once a TV series, remember it? Didn’t think so).
10 Things I Hate About You the series is more of an origin story than a continuation of the film. It takes place before Kat and Bianca were established at Padua High, and it takes creative license by utilizing the same characters introduced in the film like Patrick Verona and Cameron. While the stellar cast is filled with fresh faces, one man continues to undertake his role in the film as Kat and Bianca’s father: the legendary Larry Miller.
Miller helps to ground the series and link it in some way to the film. He’s character is more fleshed out in the TV version since there are more storylines involved, which means more dry wit and humor from the comic.
Also returning from the film is director Gil Junger, who is the primary director on the series and also acts as creative consultant. This definitely helps add a level of credibility to the project.
Now, if they can get Allison Janney to reprise her role as Ms. Perky.
Volume One of the series contains the first 10 eps, and several special features, which include:
Make It Or Break It: Pilot Episode
10 Things I Love vs. 10 Things I Hate
Bloopers
Backstage Pass
Audio Commentary on selected episodes
This is a fun show. A great cast, engaging storylines, and hilarious one-liners make this a must-see series. Most ABC Family shows of late have been sappy dramas with lots of sad, weepy, teen girls. 10 Things I Hate About You breaks away from this template and delivers the laughs. Check it out!
View my other posts about the series by clicking on the links below:
– 10 Things I Hate About You: Set Visit
– 10 Things I Hate About You: Cast Interviews
– 10 Things I Hate About You: Pilot Review
And here’s the link to David’s post on the movie:
– 10 Things I Hate About You: Blu-ray Review
Now available on DVD!