Drive Me Crazy

Drive Me Crazy is a 1999 American teen romantic comedy film based on the novel How I Created My Perfect Prom Date by Todd Strasser. Originally entitled Next to You, the film's title was changed to Drive Me Crazy after one of the songs from its soundtrack, "(You Drive Me) Crazy" by Britney Spears. The film grossed $22,593,409 worldwide, against an $8 million budget, making it a moderate box office success. The soundtrack featured The Donnas, who also appeared in the film. Plot Nicole Maris, a popular preppy, and Chase Hammond, a rebel fed up with the status quo, live next door to each other and were childhood best friends, until junior high when their opposing interests drove them apart. During their senior year, Nicole devotes much of her time and energy into planning their high school's centennial dance, which she expects to go to with a basketball player named Brad, but he falls in love with a cheerleader from a rival school, Kathy, and asks her to the dance instead of Nicole. Chase is dating Dulcie, though she ultimately leaves him for a socially conscious college student, Joshua. One night, Nicole calls Chase and asks him to the dance, suggesting that they pretend to date to make Brad and Dulcie jealous. He agrees to her scheme and they both agree to have an easy out clause in the relationship, so it can end at any time with no hard feelings. Nicole gives Chase a makeover to blend in with her friend group, introducing him to social events where he befriends popular kids. Despite insisting to his old friends, Dave and Ray, that it's all a scam and he hasn't changed, they can clearly see the transformation. While Chase does all the activities Nicole asks him to with little resistance, he eventually points out that everything they've done is for her benefit. Nicole agrees to do whatever he wants and they go to a club he used to frequent with Dulcie, where Nicole has a good time and begins bonding with his friends. When Chase has a run in with Dulcie and her new boyfriend, Nicole comes to his aid and kisses him, making Dulcie jealous. Nicole and Chase begin to fall in love but don't admit their feelings, to each other or themselves, and continue their ruse. Nicole's vindictive best friend, Alicia, seduces Chase at a party, making sure Nicole would see them together, leaving Nicole heartbroken.