Rated PG13
Starring: Shane West,
James Franco, Marla Sokoloff,
and Jodi Lyn O'Keefe.
Directed by David Raynr.
Written by Mark Schwahn.
Produced by Paul Schiff.
Distributed by Phoenix Pictures.
Rating: 73%


Despite recent criticism, Whatever It Takes doesn't deserve of mere "whatever," as some critics remark (wow. creative criticism). In fact, it's really not bad. It has some major flaws in plot, production, and cinematography, but the acting, and directing wasn't half bad. I actually must contratulate Shane West in his performance. However, as I said, there were flaws.

The story unfolds as Ashley (Jodi Lyn O'Keffe) is putting on her make-up. At this point, about 2 minutes into the movie, I was already saying "oh goooossshhhh!" However, with a few twists and turns, it didn't turn out as bad as the introduction made it out to be. After fading out on the beauty parlor, we come to a still frame of Maggie (Marla Sokoloff) and Ryan (Shane West) coming out of their neighboring houses, and getting into the same car. From here, we assume that the two are life long friends, and share a "deep bond." They go to school, Ryan drools over Ashley, the highschool hottie, and all in good time, we meet Chris (James Franco). He's pretty much the all around "Mr. Popularity" and can get any girl in the school. But who does he want? None other than Maggie. The two gentlemen strike a deal to help each other get the girls of their dreams, and there, the story unfolds.

While the plot has potential, I think more time should have been spent on character development and relationship development, rather than cheap scenes where they attempted to get a few good laughs. Also, this loosely based Cyrano flick really didn't use Cyrano at all, but a bunch of other little gimmicks that have been done. Perhaps if the plot's delivery had been a little bit more original, we would've enjoyed it much more. But it was just.... well, we've been there. Done that.

Another criticism is the way girls were depicted in this film. The so-called popular girls were dressed up to look disgusting and repulsive individuals. They constantly wore revealing outfits but in this film, didn't have the bodies to wear them. I was almost wondering whether or not they added gut to make them look bad. I mean, some steorotyping is OK. Without it, the flick would be boring. But I don't even think they WERE stereotyping. I mean, give me a break! What WAS that?

However, I do have to commend some of the performances. Shane West did a surprisingly good job in being sincere. It's really hard to pull off cheesy lines, but apparently it wasn't a problem for him. An amateur actor might make the line "You do belong... with me," sound REALLY bad. However, Shane West gives it off with true skill.

In general, it's a fun flick. It has a few good laughs, although a lot of the laughs are vaguely familiar... It gives some good acting preformances, although the plot is a little off, and the themes are a bit derived. Really, it's one of the better teen comedies. But then again, anything has GOT to be better than Down to You and Drive Me Crazy. Oh... umm.. i mean.. uhh... But anyway, if you're a teen, you'll probably enjoy it, get a kick out of it, and have a good time.

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