Whatever It Takes

Whatever It Takes is an American teen comedy film released in 2000 starring Shane West, Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, Marla Sokoloff, and James Franco. The film is directed by David Raynr and written by Mark Schwahn. Its tagline aptly summarises its plot: “How low will they go to get the girls of their dreams?” Indeed, the film falls squarely within the tradition of American teen rom-coms but offers a unique take on classic themes of love, friendship, and high school politics.

The film primarily follows two friends – a high school geek, Ryan (Shane West) and a popular jock, Chris (James Franco), who is also the school’s resident heartthrob. Despite their differences, they share a tight-knit bond and navigate the usual comedic struggles, embarrassments, and high school angst together. Their friendship becomes somewhat complicated, however, when romance enters the equation. Ryan, portrayed as the typical nice guy geek, finds himself hopelessly smitten with Ashley (Jodi Lyn O'Keefe), the popular and glamorous cheerleader who happens to be Chris's cousin. On the other hand, Chris is enamored by Ryan's best friend and girl next door, Maggie (Marla Sokoloff), a smart and conscientious girl who usually seems invisible to the popular crowd.

What's interesting about Whatever It Takes is its exploration of the high school hierarchy, juxtaposing the social lives of the geeks with that of the popular crowd and the outcomes of their interactions. The film charms the audience with its exploration of how people can be accepted or rejected based on preconceived norms and how these norms can often be misleading and superficial.

Ryan and Chris devise a chivalrous albeit misguided pact: in order to win over the girls of their dreams, they decide to coach each other in wooing the other's romantic interest. This is where the comedy part of the romantic comedy comes to the fore. Ryan intervenes in Chris’s clumsy attempts to win over the intelligent and insightful Maggie, and in return, Chris attempts to transform Ryan into Ashley's dream guy. While the film has its humorous moments throughout this endeavor, it also showcases the protagonists’ transformation as they courageously step out of their comfort zone.

Shane West plays his part as the bespectacled Ryan with an earnestness that is both endearing and believably awkward in his pursuit of Ashley. James Franco, on the other hand, perfectly encapsulates Chris's confident and charming jock persona. Jodi Lyn O'Keefe shines as Ashley, capturing the persona of the sophisticated, popular girl with a hidden depth. Marla Sokoloff's portrayal of the down to earth Maggie is done with grace and aplomb. The chemistry between all four actors adds an extra layer of depth to their respective on-screen relationships and contributes significantly to the film's entertainment factor.

The film going beyond the standard teen tropes and explores themes of identity and self-value. It grapples with the question of how much one should change for love and whether such changes are sustainable, valuable or desirable in the long term. As the film dives into these themes, it's interesting to see how the characters evolve, especially as they come to terms with their true feelings and what it implies for their friendships.

In terms of setting, the film very much plays into the timeless high school landscape we've come to expect from teen romantic comedies, boasting everything from bustling cafeterias to bustling house parties, small-town streets, quirky homes and of course, the all-important school dance.

Musically, the film features a lively and contemporary soundtrack aligning with the teen-focused narrative. The eclectic songs range from punk to soft rock and perfectly encapsulate the emotions and moods of the characters, the moments and the time period of the film.

In conclusion, Whatever It Takes is a well-crafted teen romantic comedy that delivers the laughter and the heartaches equally. It reflects on relatable high school experiences, love, friendship, and the trials of growing up. This film keeps you engaged with its blend of wit, charm, and sincere emotional moments, delivering a story that feels surprisingly genuine amidst its comedic narrative and a promising premise: that beneath all the high school drama and beauty lies a simple message – to be true to oneself. Whatever It Takes, with its formulaic yet fun approach to the teen romantic comedy genre, might not be a revolutionary cinema, but it certainly provides a delightful and entertaining viewing.