Whatever It Takes (2000) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A nerdy teen, Ryan Woodman is smitten with the popular and gorgeous Ashley Grant, who apparently has no interest in him. Meanwhile, dim star athlete Chris Campbell has his eye on Ryan's brainy and beautiful friend, Maggie Carter. The two agree to help each other in their romantic quests, but, as they come closer to their goals, both Ryan and Chris suspect that they might be pursuing the wrong girls.
Rated PG-13 • 2000 • 1h 34m
This teen rom-com update of 'Cyrano de Bergerac' earned its PG-13 rating for its focus on sexual themes, innuendo, and some language. Centered on a scheme between nerdy Ryan and jock Chris to win over their respective crushes, the film's content is driven by mature thematic elements and crude humor. Parents should be aware of scenes involving strong sexual suggestiveness, discussions of using a girl for sex (a character's 'nail and… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Whatever It Takes appropriate for kids?
This teen rom-com update of 'Cyrano de Bergerac' earned its PG-13 rating for its focus on sexual themes, innuendo, and some language. Centered on a scheme between nerdy Ryan and jock Chris to win over their respective crushes, the film's content is driven by mature thematic… Read more — free account
Content severity in Whatever It Takes
What happens in Whatever It Takes, moment by moment
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:18 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
- 0:25 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
Sex and nudity in Whatever It Takes
Contains moderate to strong sexual innuendo and crude thematic elements throughout. In one particularly suggestive scene, a girl (Ashley) takes a boy's (Ryan's) finger into her mouth. Other content includes a character discussing his plan to 'nail and bail' a girl, another character showing pictures of 'scantily clad hookers,' men mooning women at a party, and a scene where a girl ties a boy to a bed to humiliate him. Characters are sometimes seen in revealing clothing, and there is some male toplessness.
Violence and gore in Whatever It Takes
Violence is very light and infrequent, used only for comedic effect. In one scene during a dinner date, a character (Ashley) is flirting with her foot under the table and accidentally kicks her date (Ryan) in the groin. There is no other significant violence.
Language in Whatever It Takes
Language is moderate and in line with its PG-13 rating. There are some uses of profanity, including 'ass,' 'hell,' and 'bitch.' Crude slang is also present, most notably the phrase 'nail and bail' to describe using someone for sex and then leaving them.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Whatever It Takes
No on-screen substance use is depicted in the film.
Mature themes in Whatever It Takes
The film's primary themes involve deception, manipulation, and peer pressure. The central plot revolves around two boys lying to two girls to win their affection. One character's crass plan to use a girl for sex and then dump her is a major plot point. Additionally, a main character insults his friends to gain social status. The film concludes with themes of revenge and, ultimately, honesty winning out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whatever It Takes appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Whatever It Takes is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This teen rom-com update of 'Cyrano de Bergerac' earned its PG-13 rating for its focus on sexual themes, innuendo, and some language. Centered on a scheme between nerdy Ryan and jock Chris to win over their respective…
What age rating does Whatever It Takes have?
Whatever It Takes is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Whatever It Takes about?
This teen rom-com update of 'Cyrano de Bergerac' earned its PG-13 rating for its focus on sexual themes, innuendo, and some language. Centered on a scheme between nerdy Ryan and jock Chris to win over their respective crushes, the film's content is driven by mature thematic elements and crude humor. Parents should be…
Is there sex or nudity in Whatever It Takes?
Contains moderate to strong sexual innuendo and crude thematic elements throughout. In one particularly suggestive scene, a girl (Ashley) takes a boy's (Ryan's) finger into her mouth. Other content includes a character discussing his plan to 'nail and bail' a…
How violent is Whatever It Takes?
Violence is very light and infrequent, used only for comedic effect. In one scene during a dinner date, a character (Ashley) is flirting with her foot under the table and accidentally kicks her date (Ryan) in the groin. There is no other significant violence.
Is the language in Whatever It Takes appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate and in line with its PG-13 rating. There are some uses of profanity, including 'ass,' 'hell,' and 'bitch.' Crude slang is also present, most notably the phrase 'nail and bail' to describe using someone for sex and then leaving them.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Whatever It Takes?
No on-screen substance use is depicted in the film.
What mature themes appear in Whatever It Takes?
The film's primary themes involve deception, manipulation, and peer pressure. The central plot revolves around two boys lying to two girls to win their affection. One character's crass plan to use a girl for sex and then dump her is a major plot point…
How long is Whatever It Takes?
Whatever It Takes runs 94 minutes, directed by David Raynr, released in 2000.
Where can I read the full Whatever It Takes parent guide?
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