Must See Movie Monday - Say Anything

Hey peoples. Today is Must See Movie Mondy where I talk about movies that I feel that you must see in your life time. Occasionally I might get input from friends and family members on the movie picks for the segment but today's pick I made all on my own. My pick for this week is the film Say Anything, so now on to the stats and my thoughts on the film.

Film: Say Anything

Released: 1989

Rating: PG-13

Director: Cameron Crowe

Staring: John Cusack and Iona Skye

Short Summary: Noble underachiever, Lloyd Dobler, falls in love with valedictorian, Diane Court, over the summer before she heads off to college.

Why It's A Must-See Movie

The reason for why Say Anything is the Must See for the week has a bit of a story behind it. I can't guarantee that every movie picked will have a story, but this one does. Over that holidays I was visiting my grandpa and he told me that I should bring my boyfriend by to visit. It was really hard for me not to laugh in his face because I have never had a boyfriend. Haven't met a guy yet that I want to be in a relationship with and I'm super independent. Of course told him what I've been telling everyone one who asks me about my love life for the past two years. "If I could meet a real life Lloyd Dobler I would probably marry him in New York minute. He knows how to support a girl without being clingy and he's a good listener among other things." I didn't really say it in those words and I'm not a man hater I promise (half of my friends are guys). I'm just very particular. Anyway, I've noticed that when I say this that most of the people I know get a blank look over their face. Believe it or not there are a lot of people who have not seen Say Anything despite that fact that it contains on of the most monumental moments in film. You know...Lloyd holding up that boom box playing "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel. Hence, I have decide it to make it my must see movie of the week. Now I will tell you why I think it's awesome.

I think the best thing about Say Anything is that it is a coming of age film that takes place right after the characters finish high school. There are a ton of coming of age films that take place in high school or in college but it is rare that a film explores that delicate moment in between. I think that this factor is what makes the movie unique. 

I also appreciate the fact that Say Anything is a quirky romance. Quirky romances are usually the only movie in the romance genre I like. With the exception of classics such as Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Gone with the Wind, etc. For some reason quirky romance gives me a since of realism that overly sweet romances do not. Plus, quirky romances are usually a little bit on the funny side. Who doesn't like that?

The movie develops the characters in really fun excellent ways. I think it's a great example of the show and not tell thing that writers always talk about but not every writer actually commits to doing. I love how the movie shows the personalities of Lloyd and Diane by showing their interplay with their friends and family members and doesn't just totally focus on them as a couple. It's a extra plus that the supporting characters are as interesting as the leads and they create some of the best scenes in the film. I always feel like the judgement of whether a movie is just okay or great is whether it's subplot is good. This movie has a great one, however I won't spoil it for you in case you haven't seen the movie. 

All in all if you haven't seen Say Anything you should drop everything sometime this week and check it out. If you have seen it this is a great time to watch it again. I am watching it as I write at this moment. Tune in next week to see what my next movie pick is and don't forget to comment to tell me what you're must see movies are. Keep it shiny!