Say Anything (1989)

John Cusack Film Fest Movie #5

Synopsis: John Cusack imparts a valuable, heart-warming message to loveable losers everywhere: stalking works wonders.

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: ‘Unlike most films, which begin with a screenplay, producer, James L. Brooks asked Cameron Crowe to write the story in prose, first. The result was a 90-page novella that became the outline for the film, and from which Crowe wrote the final screenplay.”

What Did I Learn?: 1) A pen is a pretty crappy parting gift. 2) Not many people take “swear to God?” all that seriously, anymore.

You Might Like This Movie If: you carry a boombox with you, knowing it can solve all sorts of problems.

Really?: So wait – Lloyd gives Diane the cold shoulder after he serenades her with the boombox outside her window? Come to think of it, isn’t that scene a wee bit creepy?

Rating: I didn’t expect to like Say Anything after so many years, but it holds up well, thanks to good writing, three-dimensional characters, and some excellent performances from Cusack, Ione Skye, and John Mahoney (best remembered for playing Frasier’s dad…interestingly, Bebe Neuwirth, who played Lilith on Cheers and Frasier, also has small part). 8/10 stars.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098258/