Whatever It Takes (2000) is a teen romantic comedy that attempts to capture the essence of high school romance and the lengths people go to for love. Directed by David Raynr, the film follows Ryan (Shane West), a kind but awkward high schooler, who has a crush on the popular and beautiful Ashley (Jodi Lyn O’Keefe). To win her over, he strikes a deal with the school’s confident jock, Chris (James Franco), who wants to charm Ryan’s best friend, Maggie (Marla Sokoloff). As the scheme unfolds, both boys realize that what they thought they wanted may not be what they truly need.
Though the film doesn’t break new ground in the teen rom-com genre, it offers lighthearted entertainment with a few humorous moments and a predictable yet satisfying conclusion. It follows the well-trodden path of high school love stories, emphasizing the importance of honesty and realizing that the best relationships are built on genuine connection.
Overall, Whatever It Takes is a typical early 2000s teen rom-com that delivers some charm but remains fairly forgettable. Fans of nostalgic high school romance films might enjoy it, but it lacks the originality and emotional depth of classics like 10 Things I Hate About You or She’s All That.
