Whatever It Takes

In the 2000 teen romantic comedy 'Whatever It Takes,' Jodi Lyn O'Keefe plays the role of Alyssa Bayer, a high school student who becomes the love interest of the protagonist, Ryan Woodman (played by Shane West). Her character is central to the plot as Ryan attempts to win her affection by improving his reputation and personal image. This role fits into O'Keefe's early career phase, where she often portrayed popular and confident young women, aligning with her image in other teen-oriented productions. What makes this performance stand out is her ability to blend charm and approachability, which contrasts with some of her earlier work that leaned more toward edgier or villainous characters, such as in TV series like 'Nash Bridges.' 'Whatever It Takes' helped showcase her versatility in lighter, romantic roles, broadening her appeal to a mainstream teen audience.

In the movie 'Whatever It Takes' (2000), Shane West played the character Chris Campbell, a popular and charming high school student who gets entangled in a complicated romantic scheme. This role was one of West's earlier appearances, coming before he rose to greater prominence. Unlike his later, more dramatic roles—such as Dr. Ray Barnett in 'ER' or Johnny Truelove in 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen'—Chris Campbell showcased his ability to embody the quintessential teen heartthrob archetype with comedic timing and youthful charm. This performance stood out by highlighting West's versatility, as it contrasted with the more intense and brooding characters he portrayed in his subsequent career, demonstrating his range and appeal in lighter, romantic comedy settings.