Sydney White: Review By Brokaw

On a twist of the Snow White fairy tale, this film stars Amanda Bynes as Sydney White, a tomboy who was "raised by construction workers" after her mother died. Her father (John Schneider) is a plumber and her whole life has been spent at construction sites. Now she is off for her freshman year at college and pledging the sorority in which her mother was a member. But Sydney isn't quite Kappa Phi Nu material. At least as long as the evil and jealous Rachel Whitchburn (Sara Paxton) is in charge. This blonde babe is the fairest of them all, at least until Sydney White shows up and is immediately embraced by Rachel's ex-boyfriend and president of the Beta fraternity, Tyler Prince (Matt Long). This doesn't sit well with Rachel who has plans on luring Tyler back.

Sorority life isn't all she expected and Sydney discovers that Rachel and her posse are only interested in material things. Rachel's "calming" words are Prada, Gucci, and Chanel. The problem is the Greeks on campus actually run the school. They control the student council which controls the school.

After an incident with Rachel which results in her being banished from the sorority house, Sydney moves into the Vortex, a dilapidated house on Greek Row that is set to be demolished to make room for the Greek Life Center - a student union for the Greeks. The building is called the Vortex because it "sucks in losers." In actuality, seven socially inept male students reside there and they're soon referred to as Sydney White and the seven dorks.

Tired of being in the shadow of Rachel and the Greeks, Sydney talks her new friends into running for the student council against the Greeks, and especially Rachel, who is the council president and has every intention of being reelected. But what Rachel never counted on was Sydney White.

Amanda Bynes is adorable and the perfect Sydney White. She sparkles on the screen. She has great comic timing and takes over the part with ease.

This modern fairy tale is a delight. Audiences are treated to many subtle comparisons between the classic story and this film. "I think it's going to be a lot of fun for audiences, especially to find the nods to Snow White in Sydney White. There are tons that are very overt, but there's actually a couple that are a bit subtle," explains director Joe Nussbaum. For instance, look for the poison apple and the "wake up" kiss.

The film is light and funny. It's fun for kids and adults alike. As Sydney garners the attention of all the outcasts on campus, we learn that we're all dorks in some way or another. And even though we're not perfectly coiffed, wear designer clothes and are a size 2, there's something to be said for individuality and friendship.