March 26, 2000 -- "Whatever it Takes" is a likeable remake of the old story of Cyrano De Bergerac, a man who helps another win the woman he loves by "lending" him the qualities he lacks.

This movie has a different twist on the tale with two teenage boys helping each other win the hearts (or at least the lust) of the girls they want. Ryan Woodman (played by Shane West "Liberty Heights") has lived next door to the beautiful Maggie Carter (played by Marla Sokoloff, better known as Lucy on network drama "The Practice"). They are friends who agree to go to the prom together because no one else is interested in either of them.

Along comes star football player James Franco Chris Campbell (James Franco of "Never Been Kissed"). He offers to set up Ryan with the girl of everybody's dreams, the hot Ashley Grant (Jodi Lyn O'Keefe of "She's All That"). In return, he wants Ryan to set him up with Maggie. Ryan wants to know why Chris wants to do him this favor, especially since he has never spoken to him before in his years at high school. It's a good question, and it never gets answered.

Anyway, the plot goes on as Ryan writes romantic e-mail to Maggie in Chris's name. He also gets Chris a stint as a volunteer at a local nursing home to show he has "heart." He hides behind scenery in the school theater, whispering romantic lines to the sword-bearing Chris, so the lunk can sound romantic. Chris, as promised, also sets Ryan up with the very sexy Ashley. But he soon finds out wanting the illusion is not at all the same thing as living with the reality.

The big finale comes at the senior prom. There's a wonderful scene at the prom, when the school prankster, Floyd, (Aaron Paul "Beverly Hills, 90210") comes up with a classic prank which puts him in the school's prankster hall of fame. After that it is off to the motel, which resembles a scene from "Animal House." Will Chris and Maggie do the deed? Will Ryan and Maggie get back together?

As a comedy, it does have its moments. Floyd and his fellow geeks add a nice comic element. A lot of the jokes fall flat, however. It doesn't really work as a romance, however. It is too contrived and it doesn't show enough heart. Mostly, however, it is a pleasant diversion for the teenage crowd. It rates a C.

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