Linklater became my favorite filmmaker with his amazing knack for organic dialogue. Movies like “Before Sunrise,” “Slacker,” and “SubUrbia” tell a fascinating story with a simple plot, and the same can be said here.
“Everybody Wants Some!!” is about a group of college baseball players in Texas. It’s set on the final weekend of summer in 1980. Sports may be the backdrop, but its far from a sports movie. I’ve read that it’s a “spiritual sequel” to “Dazed and Confused” which I still need to see.
I loved the characters.
The members of the team live in an off campus house where rules are meant to be broken. The opening scene reveals the date; August 28, 1980 and advises its 3 days until classes start. Jake (Blake Jenner) is a pitcher who has gone from high school stud to a fledgling freshman trying to figure things out. Finn (Glen Powell) and Glen (Tyler Hoechlin) are the team captains that run the show – on and off the field. Zoey Deutch plays Beverly, Jake’s romantic interest.
There are too many characters to name them all. Each one does an excellent job at portraying college students, and baseball stars in Texas. The style and fashion are on point. The social demeanor all seem legit. These are kids that grew up in the 1970s and are now easing into the decade of decadence. As is the case with Linklater stories, its dialogue heavy, and the dialogue is compelling at every interaction.
Perfect Comedy
“Everybody Wants Some!!” is a comedy. But there are deeper elements included. Toxic masculinity, athlete entitlement, and the standard chauvinistic tendencies of the time.
The lewd behavior of all the of the students makes the film feel like its from 1980 and not just set there. Its two hours that feel totally real. By the end, you’ll want to grow a mustache and be one of with these guys.
The bond of the teammates is something that’s special to witness. The film takes place over a single weekend. Teammates become friends. There’s a longshot to make the pros. These guys love baseball and love the glamor of being college stars. There’s a finite duration to the lifestyle they have which is touched upon in the story. “We came for a good time,” one of the players advises, “not for a long time.”
The soundtrack is also amazing. The opening scene shows Jake arriving at the college with “My Sharona” blasting – and throughout the film every scene is accompanied by songs of the era. You’ll end up downloading more than one.
“Everybody Wants Some!!” is a great and underrated film. Baseball fans will enjoy it. Those looking for comedy will laugh hard. It’s a perfect film to set the mood for summer.
Everybody Wants Some!! is available to rent on Amazon.
