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Summer is here! Now that you’ve got all this free time on your hands, we here at ANDPOP are committed to filling your empty calendar with endless, binge-worthy TV shows and movies. ANDPOP’s Lazy Summer series is officially in full swing.
In her prime, Amanda Bynes always made us laugh — for the right reasons. The talented child star got her start performing on stage, but rose to fame after her hilarious performances on Nickelodeon’s sketch comedy show All That. She was so captivating that the network rewarded her with her own series, The Amanda Show — you know, bring out the dancing lobsters and all that?
Once she took the small screen by storm, Hollywood came calling. While acting in the WB (now known as The CW) series What I Like About You, she starred in a variety of big screen hits — some of which are regarded as some of the best teen comedies ever produced.
What we admired most about Amanda — both on and off screen — was her fearlessness. She and her characters were unafraid to be themselves, in all their quirky, hilarious, imperfect glory. She was real, someone who audiences could relate to.
Although Amanda is no longer in the spotlight — we wish her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her life — we’ll always have her movies to look back on.
Here are 8 Amanda Bynes movies you should totally re-watch this summer:
She’s The Man, 2006
SOURCE: weytani
Two words: I. CONIC! She’s The Man — a modern reinterpretation of William Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night — is absolutely hilarious. In the film Amanda plays Viola Hastings, a budding soccer star whose dreams are crushed when her high school team folds. In order to continue to play the sport she loves, she pretends to be her brother — Sebastian — and impersonates him to take his place at an elite boarding school in attempt to secure a spot on their prestigious roster. Her scheme sets off a chain reaction, making everyone around her fall in love with the wrong person. Did we mention Channing Tatum is shirtless in like 50% of the movie?
What A Girl Wants, 2003
SOURCE: tbrc
One of our favourite teen chick flicks of all time. What A Girl Wants follows Daphne’s (Bynes) journey to find her biological father — who just happens to be British royalty. As she attempts to fit into her dad’s world, she struggles to remain true to herself. Featuring an incredible ensemble cast — including Colin Firth, Jonathan Pryce, Kelly Preston and early 2000s heartthrob Oliver James — this is a must watch.
Sydney White, 2007
SOURCE: blunde-r-blog
Another adaptation of a classic, Sydney White is loosely based on the fairytale Snow White & The Seven Dwarves. This modern re-telling takes place on a college campus, where Sydney (Bynes) moves in with the “seven dorks” after a failed attempt to pledge at her late mother’s former sorority. But Sydney and her new partners in crime are ready to shake up the establishment — with a goal of taking down the “evil queen,” Kappa President Rachel Witchburn (played by Sara Paxton).
Robots, 2005
This awesome animated film doesn’t get enough love. While the movie isn’t a Pixar powerhouse, it certainly feels like it. The dystopian tale may look and act kid-friendly, but it’s a super smart critique on the world around us. Amanda lends her voice to Piper Pinwheeler, a sassy yellow robot. The rest of the cast is absolutely STACKED — the film includes the voice over talents of Ewan McGregor, Halle Berry, Stanley Tucci, Greg Kinnear, and the late, great Robin Williams.
Hairspray, 2007
SOURCE: E! News
Amanda returned to her musical theatre roots when she took on the role of Penny Pingleton in the 2007 film adaptation of Hairspray. We were thoroughly impressed with her vocal performance throughout the movie, and her chemistry with on screen love interest Seaweed J. Stubbs (aka actor Elijah Kelley)? Off the CHARTS!
Easy A, 2010
SOURCE: sideshowcollectors
Who could forget Amanda’s AMAZING supporting role in Emma Stone’s Easy A? Her portrayal of the uptight, religious Marianne had us in stitches.
Big Far Liar, 2002
SOURCE: lovatotacos
Amanda’s Hollywood debut was starring opposite Frankie Muniz in this hilarious teen comedy. The film is just as entertaining as it was when it first it the big screen, and we forgot just how good Paul Giamatti is at playing the villain.
Love Wrecked, 2007
SOURCE: wincleass
Fan girls assemble! But don’t get any ideas. This ABC Family Channel original film follows Jenny Taylor (Bynes) and her attempts to make her favourite rock star — Jason Masters, played by Chris Carmack (aka Luke from The O.C.) — fall in love with her. While working at a gorgeous resort at one of Masters’ favourite tropical destinations, Jenny saves Jason when he falls overboard off a yacht. Although it appears the two are stranded on a deserted island, they’re actually just a short distance away from the resort. But Jenny convinces Jason they’re completely on their own in the hopes that Masters will fall in love with her.
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