Love Don’t Cost a Thing is a light comedy, a teen movie, with the theme of identity, being authentic and always remaining true to oneself. The plot of the movie follows the life of Alvin Johnson a very intelligent but socially clumsy nerd who longs to win the attention of the popular kids- and Paris Morgan, the most desirable cheerleader in the school. In a traditional story of mistaken values, Alvin takes Paris to impersonate to be his girlfriend in the hope that this will improve his status in the society. Brooding in the shallow world of popularity, as he gets engaged in this, Alvin starts losing sense of who he is and the film humorously puts emphasis on the superficiality of high school cliques.
The movie visually reflects the high school atmosphere of energy, bright colors, and active scenes that reveal the youthful energy in the characters. The acting is sweet, particularly that of the actor who plays the part of Alvin compellingly shifting between the clownish outsider to the self-assured man. The comic timing is properly performed, and the light-hearted scenes are interchanged by more emotional scenes that accentuate the development of the personality. The music suits the light tone of the story, where the young people are in need of acceptance and love.
The message of the film that touched me the most was the one about authenticity and friendship. The path that Alvin makes towards surface to sincerity is more than humorous, and touching as it reminds the audience that being authentic and coming to terms with yourself is the best way to be confident. The denouement that comes with Alvin defending his friends and gaining their respect provides a fulfilling lesson of loyalty and self acceptance. Love Don’t Cost a Thing comes out, in the final analysis, as a good song that glorifies the value of real relationships, rather than the shallow popularity.
