Say Anything

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: April 14, 1989

DVD Release Date: March 5, 2002

Plot 411: A slacker applies himself for the first time when he tries to win over the class valedictorian.

Review: Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) is a nice guy with very little ambition in life. But when he sets his sights on an impossible goal - dating Diane Court (Ione Skye) - he works the hardest he's ever had in his life. This is one of the best high school rom coms around despite being over 20 years old. What makes this movie great is the characters. Lloyd represents the everyman in his insecurities and dreams. He is part of all of us and his struggles to win Diane over are easily relatable. Most people are neither truly exceptional or completely useless. We just hover around mediocre until we find something that we're passionate about. Lloyd is passionate about Diane. The movie is a simple in concept but highly effective in execution. It also contains some very good music (though very time specific) in the score.

Watch It: If you've ever made a fool of yourself for love.

Skip It: If you're looking for something more dramatic out of Cusack, like Stand By Me.