Cute but geeky high-school student Samantha Martin (Hillary Duff) is knocked off her feet by her father's untimely death, which left his diner and Samantha's well being in the care of Nora (Jennifer Coolidge), Sam's thoroughly wicked stepmother. Not one to take on such menial tasks as dishwashing and mopping floors, Nora exploits Sam's dependence as a method of hoisting any dirty work off her own shoulders. School is hardly a break for Samantha, particularly when Shelby Cummings (Julie Gonzalo) is around — spoiled, wealthy, and popular, Shelby treats Samantha nearly as badly as Nora does. Samantha's life is irrevocably changed, however, by two events: a makeover of epic proportions, and a sudden, electronic correspondence with a mysterious young man. Due to a misplaced cell phone and a series of fateful coincidences, Samantha and her Prince Charming develop a romance through text messages and e-mails, and ultimately promise to meet face-to-face at the biggest school dance of the year. Of course, getting there doesn't go smoothly, and Samantha may miss her chance to meet her dream date — none other than Austin Ames (Chad Michael Murray), the most popular boy in school.
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