Discover why Richard Linklater's 'Everybody Wants Some!!' is hailed as a feel-good masterpiece, a spiritual sequel to 'Dazed and Confused' that captures the joy of college life, friendship, and self-discovery without typical movie stakes.
The author expresses a deep personal connection to Richard Linklater's 2016 film, 'Everybody Wants Some!!', watching it annually since its release for its ability to evoke a teenage feeling. The movie, a spiritual sequel to 'Dazed and Confused', is set in 1980 and follows naive baseball player Jake (Blake Jenner) in the days leading up to college. He moves into campus housing with his new teammates, whose strong on-screen chemistry is attributed to a pre-filming hangout at Linklater's ranch, featuring actors like Wyatt Russell, Tyler Hoechlin, and Glen Powell in an early breakout role. The film depicts Jake quickly finding camaraderie, engaging in good-natured hazing, and exploring various social scenes from country bars to disco parties and theatre student gatherings. It's praised for its respectful portrayal of women, unlike comparisons to films like 'Porky's', and its 'banging tunes' from artists like Blondie and Devo. A refreshing aspect is the absence of typical dramatic stakes or a forced third-act conflict, focusing instead on the pure escapism and fun of new friendships and experiences. Linklater's talent for dialogue and character development shines through, showing jocks who, despite their bravado, build each other up. The film culminates with Jake forming a hopeful romantic connection with Beverly (Zoey Deutch) and ending with a smile, embodying the joy and optimism of new beginnings.
