_**The summer after high school in Seattle in the late 80s**_

Ione Skye plays Diane, a misfit "preppy" girl who suddenly comes alive upon graduation after striking up a relationship with Lloyd Dobler, played by John Cusack. Diane has a scholarship to a prestigious college in England and her Dad, played by John Mahoney, doesn't want some aimless kickboxer getting in the way of her success. Joan Cusack fittingly plays Lloyd’s sister while the alluring Bebe Neuwirth shows up for a cameo as his teacher.

"Say Anything" (1989) is a coming-of-age drama/romance praised by critics and has loads of fans.

I agree to some degree: The situations and relationships smack of real life and you can tell that writer/director Cameron Crowe and the cast put time & effort into creating this "reality." For instance, two of Lloyd's best friends are girls, Corey and D.C., who try to advise him on his new relationship. Another example is Diane’s honest relationship with her dad. The first half is filled with quality scenes, like Corey playing her guitar at a party, still venting emotions regarding a past flame. Plus unlike, say, "Porky's" and "American Pie" there's thankfully no juvenile raunch. In other words, "Say Anything" is a classy teen-college flick.

Yet I’m not a big fan of Cusack and Crowe apparently doesn’t know how to lens beautiful women, like Skye (and I’m not talking ‘bout nudity or sleaze). Meanwhile the second half isn't as entertaining as the first because it leaves the high school graduation antics behind to focus on Diane and Lloyd's increasingly intimate relationship, as well as unexpected revelations about Diane's father. Those who like stories about romantic relationships will no doubt appreciate the second half more than me.

It’s decent and I respect it, but Crowe did far superior work with "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982) and “Jerry Maguire” (1996).

The film runs 1 hour, 40 minutes, and was shot in Seattle; Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver (the graduation scene); Los Angeles and North Hollywood (the boom box scene).

GRADE: C+