It’s difficult to out-and-out dislike Sydney White, directed by Joe Nussbaum. It has charm, and its good message is one of tolerance, of getting along with all types of people by not letting the elite dictate the rules. The film is also a breath of fresh air in its absence of potty humor and raunchy scenes. Considering other recent comedies, such as American Pie and Knocked Up, Sydney White seems almost a throwback to the 1950s and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

As Sydney, Amanda Bynes has an upbeat, perky nature that’s hard to resist, and good comic timing. You’ll smile with satisfaction from the beginning to the end of this movie, but only once or twice will you laugh at an unexpected twist or turn. All of the characters are likable, but the problem, with the plot, the script, the characterizations -- in short, with everything -- is that it’s all predictable, and with good reason: this retelling of "Snow White" is loaded with references to that story, and to fairytales in general. (One of the characters quips, "That’s grim, brothers.")

Sydney is a plumber’s daughter in her first year of college, where she hopes to join Kappa Phi Nu, a sorority in which her mother was something of a legend. Kappa Phi is now run by Rachel Witchburn (Sara Paxton), whose name tells you who her counterpart may have been in the original "Snow White." Rachel’s wall doesn’t have a magic mirror, but she does have a computer program that tells her who the current top sorority chick is. And, of course, Rachel is always No.1 -- until Sydney comes along. The unpretentious freshman even attracts Rachel’s ex-boyfriend, Tyler (Matt Long). Rachel sets out to rid herself of Sydney -- who, by the way, is the sole brunette of Kappa Phi, which is otherwise populated by archetypal blondes. Rachel’s connivances finally succeed in ousting Sydney, who, now homeless, leaves campus.

Sydney then meets some dorks -- yes, seven of them -- outcast eccentrics who live in an old rundown house on a lot on which Rachel wants to build a modern edifice to herself. Yes, all seven are amiable as can be; it will take you about a minute to like any them better than all the Kappas and their ilk. Sydney then challenges Rachel in the run for Student Council President, and yes, Rachel is ruthless in her efforts to defame Sydney. Yes, there’s a poisoned apple, or something like it. And yes, there is a kiss. From Tyler, whose last name is, yes, Prince.

Sydney White is not offensive or even boring, but I wish screenwriter Chad Creasey, who had the idea to overlay a college romance on "Snow White" in the first place, hadn’t run out of steam after that inspiration. But it’ll make a great DVD rental for a date at home.

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