Whatever It Takes

"Whatever It Takes" is a 2000 teen romantic comedy that centers around high school senior Chris Campbell, a popular and confident student who sets out to win the heart of the school's most beautiful and ambitious girl, Kat Ashley. To do so, he makes a risky bet that frivolously sets the tone for comedic and often chaotic events. As the story unfolds, Chris learns about genuine affection, self-awareness, and the complexities behind teenage social dynamics. The film combines humor with a light-hearted exploration of teenage relationships and the lengths people will go to achieve their desires.

The critical reception to "Whatever It Takes" was largely negative. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a low approval rating of 15%, indicating general disfavor among critics. Rotten Tomatoes consensus points to a formulaic script and predictable plot that fails to bring anything fresh to the teen comedy genre. Metacritic assigns the movie a score of 20/100, which further reflects unfavorable reviews, and IMDb users gave it an average rating of 5.5/10, suggesting mixed feelings among viewers. Critics like those from TV Guide called the film "a rather uninspired, by-the-numbers teen comedy that struggles to find charm or originality." Likewise, Entertainment Weekly criticized it for "relying too heavily on clichés and awkward humor." However, some audience members appreciated its light-hearted nature and the chemistry between the leads, noting it as a passable, easy watch for fans of the genre, even if it lacked depth or innovation. Overall, "Whatever It Takes" is viewed as a forgettable rom-com that does not rise above the conventional tropes typical of the early 2000s teen movies.