Love Don't Cost A Thing

Why do filmmakers insist on re-creating movies that help define a past decade? Ask writer/director Troy Beyer, since she is responsible for this contemporary version of the 1987 hit Can’t Buy Me Love. With the shameless product placements, the embarrassing performances and the far-from-genuine on-screen chemistry remake, maybe Beyer doesn’t have the long-awaited answer after all. In the original romantic comedy, Patrick Dempsey starred as the nerdy lawn boy who paid the head cheerleader $1,000 to date him for one month so a stellar high school reputation would grant him instant popularity. This time, Nick Cannon stars as the nerdy and puffy-haired pool boy who pays Ms. Rich and Conceited (played by Christina Millian) $1,500 for a two-week ride down the road to popularity. Even though the basic plot points remain the same, this latest installment lacks the heart and soul of its predecessor. The urban makeover inexplicably obsesses over the Sean John clothing brand, the ridiculous "street" lingo and a foolish leading tween whose wannabe "gangsta" attitude comes across like a maniac on speed. Avoid this wasted flick at all cost.