Lloyd Dobler. Don't we all know a Lloyd Dobler in our lives? Haven't we all been a Lloyd Dobler at some point in our own lives? That's certainly the thesis statement Cameron Crowe presents with John Cusack's character in Say Anything, hoping that everyone can find enough to relate to in the eccentric, angst-ridden, hopeless romantic. Unlike the work of John Hughes, which would eventually define an entire generation of teen movies due to its daring insights and uncompromising lens, Say Anything dives into romantic entanglements with a little bit of a safety net in tow. Say Anything certainly has its fair share of cringe-worthy moments (Lloyd getting kicked in the face during kickboxing practice) and jilted dialogue (the ensuing conversation between Lloyd and Diane, where Ione Skye repeatedly intones the words "I need you" with all the passion of an empty suitcase), but it makes up for all of that with a genuine, heartfelt perspective. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, for both Dobler and the audience, but just remember that after all of the uncomfortable jolts, there's going to be a trench-coated John Cusack waiting at the platform with a boombox heaved over his head, blasting "In Your Eyes" at full volume.
