Review of Whatever It Takes (2000) by Chelsea D — 20 Aug 2008

I think everyone is needlessly cruel. I couldn't stop laughing. This movie is actually fairly clever in that it merges staples from 80's teen comedy (sixteen candles nerds=Shane Wests friends, and accordian=John Cusack's boombox, shower scene like sixteen candles, nerd sleeps with hot girl=sixteen candles, etc.

the similarities are definitely purposeful) with staples of 90's teen comedies, there are elements of 10 things I hate about you (both based on classics), can't hardly wait (poet in love with popular girl) and of course she's all that (though really other than Jodi O'keefe I don't see much similar).

But this movie is it's own as well, while it borrows a lot it also has many good moments, like Ryan realizing he loves Maggie during his romantic speech, and Chris at the nursing home and although I agree it seems like a hack job on the outside it's really a good teen movie melting pot.

Also the whole titanic prom idea was classic and appropriate for when the movie was made and the two jocks acting out the end of titanic in the pool made me laugh for maybe 10 minutes straight.