Sydney White (movie)

Bibliography:Robinson, D.C.(Producer), & Nussbaum, J. (Director). (2007).Sydney White [Motion picture]. United States: Morgan Creek International.

Genre:movie--fiction

Reading Level/Interest Age:15+yrs

Reader's Annotation:Sydney wants to join the Kappa Sorority, but, when she doesn't fit in, Sydney finds her own group of real friends.

Author:Directed by Joe Nussbaum.

Plot Summary:Sydney starts college with hopes to join the sorority, Kappa. Much to her disappointment, she finds the Kappa sisters to be too superficial for her tastes. They are more interested in how they look than anything else. Unwilling to change her priorities, Sydney moves out and moves in with a group of very uncool guys. Under her leadership, these dorky guys take on the leadership of the school. They prove there is more to Greek life than parties and looks. Sydney finally feels like she has a home at college.

Critical Evaluation:This movie is a modern day version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Sydney is Snow White and her dorky roommates are the Seven Dwarves. While college is no fairy tale, we accept the silliness of the premise. The character of Sydney is truly non-materialistic, and she stands in stark contrast to her sorority sisters, especially Rachel, who is like the Wicked Stepmother character. It is funny to see Rachel check the website that tells who is most popular. This is the same as the Wicked Stepmother's "mirror, mirror on the wall" bit. Although the plot is rather predictable, this movie still provides an amusing story. Importantly, Sydney is a positive role model. She rejects the materialistic life of the Kappa sisters in exchange for what feels right to her. It is nice to see this kind of female character, and I think that younger teenagers will like Sydney for her willingness to stick up for herself.

Curriculum Ties:modern day fairy tales

Book Talk Ideas:N/A

Challenge Issues:drinking and partying, bullying

Why was this text included in this project?This movie is appealing to older teens, especially those who have followed the career of Amanda Bynes.