Whatever It Takes

Ryan Woodman, a bookish junior at a California high school, is smitten with Ashley Grant, the girl who seems to glide through hallways with cool confidence. Nearby, star athlete Chris Campbell fancies Maggie Carter, Ryan's brainy best friend, a witty mix of charm and kindness. The two unlikely allies strike a pact to swap dating advice and pool their social tricks, hoping to boost their odds with the people they admire. They trade tips, share confidences, and test small bets as they navigate pep talks and social gambits. As flirtations unfold and mistakes pile up, both pairs learn that looks and status aren't the whole story. The plan starts practical but reveals deeper questions about what each wants from love.

Directed by David Raynr and released in 2000, Whatever It Takes is based on an original screenplay by Mark Schwahn. The film features Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, Shane West, Marla Sokoloff, James Franco, and Aaron Paul in early screen roles.

Whatever It Takes earned about $9,902,115 worldwide on a $15 million budget, marking a modest box office showing for a teen romantic comedy released at turn of the century. It found its strongest appeal with younger viewers nationwide and beyond.

Critics offered mixed notes, appreciating the light hearted tone and the performances of the cast, especially the younger leads who carry the film with charm and comic timing. The story threads themes of crushes, popularity, and honesty, inviting viewers to question what makes romance feel real without losing its charm.

The movie marks early screen outings for James Franco and Aaron Paul, and it sits among early 2000s teen comedies that mix awkward humor with sincere romance. While not widely cited as a cultural keystone, it reflects the era's dating anxieties and optimistic endings. It also foreshadows later fame ahead.