She’s the Man Synopsis: When her brother decides to ditch for a couple weeks, Viola heads over to his elite boarding school, disguised as him, and proceeds to fall for his school’s star soccer player, and soon learns she’s not the only one with romantic troubles.
Soccer player Viola Hastings has big dreams to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels after graduation. But when her high school cuts the female soccer team, she devises a plan to pose as her twin brother Sebastian, who has conveniently decided to ditch the first few weeks of school, in order to enroll at his prep school and join the soccer team. But her plan is complicated by her blossoming feelings for her roommate, Duke, who happens to have a crush on the pretty and popular Olivia… who, in turn, only has eyes for Sebastian, aka, Viola.
She’s the Man is a standout teen comedy that gets nearly everything right — it’s funny, charming, and unexpectedly heartfelt. Director Andy Fickman puts a modern twist on William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, setting the classic tale of disguise and mistaken identity within a high school full of teenage students navigating romantic complications while trying to figure out themselves.
Amanda Bynes is the absolute standout here. Her fearless performance as Viola is comedic perfection. Watching her navigate life as her twin brother is endlessly entertaining. She nails the physical comedy and brings a lot of depth and personality to the role. Whether she’s awkwardly talking in a fake deep voice or trying to survive a soccer scrimmage, Bynes is magnetic.
One of my very favorite scenes in any comedy takes place in this movie – after Viola realizes she likes Duke, but recognizes Olivia as a romantic rival, she attends a ladies luncheon and stares down Olivia with what I can only describe as crazy eyes, while chomping on a leg of chicken. Another woman leans over and suggests Viola “chew like you have a secret”. I could probably watch that scene on a loop all day and never stop laughing. It’s just one example of Bynes’s talent back in 2006, and what promise she had as an actress.
Channing Tatum, in one of his earlier roles, shines with brooding jock energy. He gives Duke a softer, more vulnerable side that makes him so much more than just the stereotypical love interest in a teen comedy. Tatum can do as many Magic Mike movies as he wants, but I still think his real talent lies in comedy. He and Bynes have fantastic chemistry that works even when Viola is pretending to be Sebastian. It’s a bromance that blossoms into romance, and it’s a joy to watch happen.
This movie is so wonderfully 2006. The acting, the fashion, and the humor. Few films from this era still hold up well in 2025, but She’s the Man is one of the exceptions. It’s flawless blending of Shakespeare and comedy is probably rivaled only by 10 Things I Hate About You.
Part of its charm is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. She’s the Man is very aware of its own absurdity, leaning into it with confidence. And yet, it still manages to deliver a feel-good story about being true to oneself while breaking down gender stereotypes. There are plenty of teen comedies that attempt to find more depth within their story, but very few are able to execute it as well.
With memorable one-liners and lovable characters, She’s the Man remains a fun and rewatchable favorite. So, if you’re in the mood for a light, smart comedy with a standout lead, then this one is worth revisiting.
Watched: 02/10/2025
Notable Song: Let Go by David Lichens
