"Sydney White," a modern take on the classic Grimm Brother's story, bears as much resemblance to the original as a poisoned apple does to an angry dwarf (or in this case, dork).
But that doesn't stop this movie from being humorous — though it does tend to have a bit of that "teen movie" feel to it.
Released Friday, the movie's story is based loosely on that of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs."
Amanda Bynes ("What a Girl Wants") stars as Sydney, who finds refuge with seven dorks in a crumbling cottage called "the Vortex" after she is cruelly kicked out of her sorority. The seven dorks bear a hilarious resemblance to the seven dwarfs. (One of the best is Jack Carpenter as Lenny, a.k.a. Sneezy, who has a plethora of often amusing allergies.)
Like any other movie directed toward the teenagers, Sydney and her band of dorks take on the big bad Greek system to prove that their individuality beats the anorexic blonde bitches that rule the sorority house. Leading the band of blondes is Rachel Witchburn (Sara Paxton, "Aquamarine") whose last name can sum up her entire personality. Forget the poison apple — though the infamous fruit does make a modern appearance. Witchburn is enough of a witch without it.
The audience gets another kick of fairy tale romance with frat boy Tyler Prince (Matt Long, "Ghost Rider"), who would rather spend his time feeding the homeless and serenading Sydney in the library than partying or paddling unsuspecting freshmen at the frat house. With a name like Prince, Tyler obviously plays the role of the virtuous and brave royalty, and man oh man, does he play that role well.
The high point in the story was not the kiss that awakened Sydney from her sleep-deprived slumber. Nor was it the "intense" debate between Rachel and Sydney for the student council elections in which dorks united. It's a toss-up between the extremely funny "hi-ho, hi-ho" directed at Rachel and finding out that the hugest frat boy used to be the top male ice-dancer in his state.
The teen movie feel aside, "Sydney White" is a simple but likeable story in which all of us can reunite with the inner dork.
Reach the reporter at: allison.gatlin@asu.edu.
