Whatever It Takes *** (2000, Shane West, Marla Sokoloff, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, James Franco) – Classic Movie Review 5469

Director David Raynr’s cute 2000 teen romantic comedy proves oddly funny and genial. This surprisingly entertaining modern take on Cyrano de Bergerac / Roxanne is a better-than-expected teen romantic comedy, with an amiable tone, bright performances and some funny sequences.

Shane West stars as thoughtful Gilmore High pupil Ryan, a geeky swot, who has a crush on Ashley (Jodi Lyn O’Keefe), while his best friend Maggie (Marla Sokoloff) has attracted the attention of Ashley’s sporty but thick football-hero cousin Chris (James Franco). The mismatched guys join forces and weave a complex web of fake e-mails and contrived double dates to get the girls of their dreams in time for the prom.

West, O’Keefe, Sokoloff and Franco keep up the right level of jolliness in a cheery romp. Also in the cast are Aaron Paul, Richard Schiff, Julia Sweeney, Colin Hanks, Kip Pardue and Scott Vickaryous. It is written by Mark Schwahn.

Mel C, Mobo and Stereophonics are on the soundtrack.

© Derek Winnert 2017 Classic Movie Review 5469

Check out more reviews on http://derekwinnert.com