Post by StevePulaski on Aug 19, 2011 22:38:36 GMT -5
Ione Skye and John Cusack.
Rating: ★★★½
If you would've told one of your high school buddies that Say Anything would become a classic film in 1989 you probably would've gotten an eye-roll or a good laugh. But truthfully, it wasn't uncommon for an eighties film to do moderately successful at the box office, then become a classic in later years. You'd call that a "cult classic," a film cherished by a specific group of people, but I don't think Say Anything would fit in that category. It's cherished by pretty much everyone who saw it, and I think that's larger than a cult.
Our lead male is Lloyd (Cusack), an aspiring kickboxer who has just graduated high school and hopes to date valedictorian Diane (Skye). Lloyd calls Diane's house, gets her stern, overprotective father (Mahoney) on the phone, and manages to sort of charm him in a strange way.
Lloyd is persistent when he finally talks to Diane, and finally encourages her to go to a party with him. They continue to see each other, much to the father's dismay. Diane likes Lloyd because he's able to see the other side of her. Not just the brainy side, but the honest, beautiful side of her.
The subplots involve the struggle to maintain a healthy relationship and embrace the future since Diane is moving to England for College, and the fact the father is accused of tax violations at the nursing home he owns.
The story is overall beautiful, touching, and many other things. Especially because it's honest and believable. This was made back in time when romantic comedies weren't cliche stories, but had a script, a cast, and a heart. It all works here because it wants to. It wants to make a good film, and does.
Even though Cameron Crowe directed this gem, I had vague images of John Hughes's name being on this film. Maybe because since he was known for every fantastic teen comedy of the eighties, he'd be a name to look for on everyone. But it turns out this was a film that jump-started two careers without having any mention of a great coming-of-age director. Say Anything is on a road all its own.
Starring: John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney, and Joan Cusack. Directed by: Cameron Crowe.