Say Anything… Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A kickboxer woos a valedictorian with a boombox, then her dad gets arrested, so they fly to England to escape their problems, which is probably not a long-term solution.

🍿 Say Anything…: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Lloyd and Diane’s Unlikely Connection

Lloyd Dobler, a kind but aimless high school graduate, sets his sights on Diane Court, the class valedictorian. Despite their apparent differences, Lloyd bravely asks Diane out, leading to an unexpected connection between the two. Diane, usually reserved and focused on her studies, finds herself drawn to Lloyd’s genuine nature and optimism. Their summer romance blossoms as they navigate social expectations and personal insecurities. Diane, typically isolated from her peers, begins to experience the joys of friendship and connection through Lloyd’s circle. Meanwhile, Lloyd finds purpose and direction in his unwavering devotion to Diane, challenging his own lack of ambition.

Diane’s Father and the IRS Investigation

Diane’s close relationship with her father, James Court, is a central element of her life. However, their bond is tested when James becomes the subject of an IRS investigation. Accusations of financial mismanagement and defrauding residents of his nursing home cast a dark shadow over their lives. As the investigation intensifies, Diane struggles to reconcile her image of her father with the accusations against him. The pressure strains her relationship with Lloyd as she grapples with the uncertainty and potential consequences of her father’s actions.

The Breakup and Lloyd’s Iconic Gesture

Pressured by her father and overwhelmed by the IRS investigation, Diane makes the difficult decision to break up with Lloyd. Heartbroken, Lloyd refuses to give up on their love. In one of cinema’s most iconic scenes, Lloyd stands outside Diane’s window with a boombox, playing Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes.” This grand gesture symbolizes Lloyd’s unwavering commitment and his refusal to let go of their connection. While Diane remains inside, the act resonates with audiences and solidifies Lloyd’s status as a romantic hero.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack): A well-meaning but directionless young man who pursues a relationship with the class valedictorian.
• Diane Court (Ione Skye): The intelligent and sheltered valedictorian who experiences love for the first time with Lloyd.
• James Court (John Mahoney): Diane’s overprotective and doting father who faces an IRS investigation for his unethical business practices.
• Corey Flood (Lili Taylor): Lloyd’s close friend who provides cynical but supportive advice and harbors unrequited feelings.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lloyd Dobler: “I don’t want to sell anything, buy anything, or process anything as a career. I don’t want to sell anything bought or processed, or buy anything sold or processed, or process anything sold, bought, or processed, or repair anything sold, bought, or processed. You know, as a career, I don’t want to do that.” – Lloyd explains his career aspirations to Diane’s father, highlighting his unconventional approach to life.
• Lloyd Dobler: “What I really want to do with my life – what I want to DO – is be with your daughter.” – Lloyd honestly declares his feelings and intentions to Diane’s father, showing his dedication.
• Lloyd Dobler: “She gave me a pen. I gave her my heart, she gave me a pen.” – Lloyd expresses his disappointment and heartbreak after Diane breaks up with him.
• Diane Court: “I want to get unstuck. I want to be with people who want to feel things.” – Diane explains to Lloyd about her desire to change her life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $20,781,385
• Worldwide Gross: $21,515,196

💥 Say Anything… Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched this movie as a teenager, and it hit me hard. The boombox scene? Still gets me every time. It’s not just the romance, though. I loved how it showed real people struggling with real problems, not just the typical teen movie drama. It really captures that feeling of being on the cusp of adulthood, trying to figure everything out. Ione Skye as Diane Court was the ideal girl, smart and sweet. And Cusack, he was the guy every girl secretly wanted but were too afraid to ask. The movie is a real gem.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s teen movies”
  • “People who enjoy romantic comedies”
  • “John Cusack fans”
  • “Viewers who like films with heart and substance”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief mild language”
  • “Implied sexual activity”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Crowe captures the awkwardness and sincerity of first love with an authenticity that’s rare in teen movies. Cusack is brilliant, and Skye brings a delicate vulnerability. This is a must-see for anyone who’s ever been young and in love.
• Entertainment Weekly: “Say Anything… isn’t just a teen romance; it’s a beautifully observed story about growing up, finding your place, and daring to be yourself. Crowe’s writing is sharp, funny, and deeply heartfelt.

Audience Reactions

The boombox scene is iconic and perfectly captures the romantic angst of the era.: Viewers consistently praise the realistic portrayal of teen romance and the film’s genuine heart.

Overall Consensus: A beloved coming-of-age story that transcends the teen movie genre with its sincerity, humor, and memorable performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Cameron Crowe’s directorial debut.”
• “The boombox scene was almost cut because studio executives felt it was too unrealistic.”
• “The film was shot in Seattle, Washington, giving it a distinct regional feel.”
• “Ione Skye was cast after Cameron Crowe saw her in a small role in another film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Say Anything…?

Say Anything… is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where it may be available for rent or purchase. Check your local streaming services for availability. You can also purchase the movie digitally through various online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Say Anything…, you might like these similar films:

• The Graduate (1967): Explores themes of unconventional love and questioning societal expectations, sharing a similar spirit of youthful rebellion.
• Almost Famous (2000): Also directed by Cameron Crowe, it features a coming-of-age story with a great soundtrack and focus on genuine human connections.
• Juno (2007): A quirky, character-driven film that captures the anxieties and awkwardness of adolescence with humor and heart.
• Reality Bites (1994): Captures the ennui and uncertainty of young adulthood in the 90s, similar to Say Anything’s portrayal of late 80s youth.

🛒 Say Anything… Related Products

• Say Anything… (Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A meticulously restored Blu-ray edition from the Criterion Collection, packed with special features, behind-the-scenes content, and insightful commentary.
• Say Anything… Movie Poster: Get nostalgic with the classic trench coat and boom box poster for this beloved film.
• Peter Gabriel – So (Vinyl): The iconic album featuring ‘In Your Eyes,’ the song forever linked to Say Anything…. Experience the music that defined a generation.
• The Say Anything… Script: A digital copy of the original screenplay. Study the writing style of Cameron Crowe.

🎧 Soundtrack

Say Anything… features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “In Your Eyes” – performed by Peter Gabriel
• “All for Love” – performed by Nancy Wilson
• “One Big Rush” – performed by Joe Satriani

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Say Anything | Loiter Squad | Adult Swim

Curious to see how ‘Loiter Squad’ put their comedic twist on the title of this 80s classic? Give this hilarious sketch a watch!

Say Anything… (3/5) Movie CLIP – Boombox Serenade (1989) HD

Who doesn’t remember the iconic boombox scene from Say Anything? Relive this classic moment with us!

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