Review of Say Anything... (1989) by Adrian B — 05 Sep 2011

One of many simple teenage love stories that were released during the 1980's, but this one has much more power than the others. Average teen Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) falls for a smart, sophisticated, but lonely and socially reserved Diane Court (Ione Skye).

Diane is reluctant to accept his invite, mainly because she is shy and hardly knows Lloyd, but eventually does and two begin to fall in love. What is here in this simple, though breathtaking film are well-developed characters, possible real life situations, and very natural acting.

The characters are so immenently likable that we can't keep falling in love with them as well, even if they are socially awkward. When the two face a crisis situation, as in a breakup, they aren't the only ones heartbroken.

The viewers are as well. Everything about this film works. It is indeed a gem.