Whatever It Takes is a teen romantic comedy released in 2000, directed by David Raynr. The movie stars Shane West as Ryan Woodman, Jodi Lyn O'Keefe as Ashley Grant, James Franco as Chris Campbell, and Marla Sokoloff as Maggie Carter. The movie is loosely based on the 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand.
The movie starts with Ryan Woodman, a high school senior, being in love with Ashley Grant, a popular girl in school. However, Ashley is dating a college guy, while Ryan is just a nerd with no romantic experience. Chris Campbell, the school's star athlete, is also interested in Maggie Carter, who is Ryan's best friend. Maggie is a quiet and reserved girl who is ignored by guys, despite her brains and beauty.
Ryan and Chris decide to help each other out and come up with a plan to win over their crushes. Ryan agrees to help Chris win over Maggie, while Chris helps Ryan win over Ashley by giving him makeover tips and teaching him how to be confident. The plan appears to be working, with both Ryan and Chris getting closer to their dream girls.
However, as they get to know Ashley and Maggie better, they realize that they might have been pursuing the wrong girls. Ryan finds out that Ashley is not as perfect as she seems and has some major flaws. On the other hand, Chris realizes how smart and beautiful Maggie is, and that she is the perfect girl for him.
In the end, the movie culminates in a school dance, where Ryan and Chris have to make choices about who they really want to be with. It is revealed that the two girls have also figured out what is going on behind the scenes. Maggie confronts Ryan, while Ashley confronts Chris. Ryan and Chris apologize and confess their true feelings, and in the end, everyone finds happiness with the right partner.
Overall, Whatever It Takes is a lighthearted and enjoyable teen movie with a lesson on being true to yourself and finding love in unexpected places.
