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Say Anything

''Say Anything'' may refer to the following:
  • ''Say Anything...'' (1989 film), a teen romantic comedy-drama written and directed by Cameron Crowe starring John Cusack and Ione Skye
In music:
  • Say Anything (band), an American indie rock band
  • "Say Anything" (songs), several songs with this title
Other uses:
  • Say Anything (party game), a board game
  • Say Anything (books), several books with this title
For the 1989 film, see the [[Film and Television]] section.

Film and Television

Say Anything... (1989 film)

Say Anything... is a 1989 teen comedy-drama written and directed by in his feature directorial debut. The story centers on Lloyd Dobler, a laid-back high school graduate with aspirations to become a professional kickboxer, who unexpectedly begins a romance with Diane Court, the intelligent and ambitious class preparing for a in . Their relationship navigates challenges from Diane's overprotective father, James , a nursing home owner hiding financial troubles, as well as the contrasts in their social circles and personal ambitions, ultimately exploring themes of young love, integrity, and self-discovery. The film stars as the charming and optimistic Lloyd, as the studious Diane, and as her authoritative father James. Supporting roles include as Lloyd's cynical friend Corey Flood, Amy Brooks as Diane's sister D.C. and Corey's companion, and as Lloyd's sister Constance. Produced by and released by 20th Century Fox on April 14, 1989, the movie runs 100 minutes and was filmed primarily in the Los Angeles area, standing in for its Seattle setting, with a budget of $16 million. It grossed $20.8 million domestically, achieving modest commercial success. Critically acclaimed for its authentic portrayal of late-1980s teen life and sharp, naturalistic dialogue, Say Anything... holds a 98% approval rating on based on 49 reviews. praised it as "one of the definitive movies about young love" in his four-star review, highlighting its emotional depth and avoidance of clichés. The film's legacy endures through cultural touchstones like the iconic scene, where serenades Diane outside her window with Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes," which has been widely referenced in media and pop culture. It received three Award nominations and won Most Promising Actor for . In 2014, a proposed television adaptation was briefly developed by but shelved following opposition from Crowe and . The , curated by Crowe to underscore the film's emotional beats, features a diverse mix of contemporary rock and pop tracks. Key songs include "In Your Eyes" by , which became synonymous with the moment; "" by ; "Everyday Sunshine" by ; and "Don't Dream It's Over" by . The official album, released by , also includes contributions from Nancy Wilson, , and , emphasizing themes of youthful rebellion and romance.

Say Anything (television adaptation)

In 2014, NBC announced plans for a television series adaptation of the 1989 film Say Anything..., envisioned as a modern-day sequel following the adult lives of protagonists Lloyd Dobler and Diane Court. The single-camera comedy was set 10 years after the original story, with Lloyd attempting to rekindle his romance with Diane following their breakup, amid the challenges of unfulfilled dreams and contemporary relationships. Written by Justin Adler, known for Better Off Ted, and produced by Aaron Kaplan of Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment, the project aimed to refresh the film's themes of young love, ambition, and personal growth for millennial viewers. No casting was revealed, and the series was positioned as part of the 2010s trend of rebooting iconic 1980s teen films, similar to the Full House revival Fuller House. The project faced immediate backlash from the original film's creator and star. , who wrote and directed the 1989 movie, publicly disavowed the adaptation on , stating that he, , and "have no involvement… except in trying to stop it," emphasizing his discomfort with proceeding without his vision intact. echoed this sentiment, responding "Hell no !!" to queries about the series. Developed under without Crowe's full endorsement—despite initial assumptions tied to his Fox deal—the initiative was shelved by less than 24 hours after the October 6 announcement, highlighting the hurdles in adapting beloved properties to episodic television formats. No pilot was produced, and the cancellation underscored broader industry challenges in securing creator buy-in for reboots, where original artistic intent often clashes with network development processes. As of 2025, no further attempts to adapt for television have been reported.

Music

Say Anything (band)

Say Anything is an American rock band formed in in 2000 by singer-songwriter , who serves as the band's primary creative force on vocals and guitar. Initially emerging from the early emo and scenes, the group gained prominence with their ambitious sophomore album ...Is a Real Boy in 2004, which blended theatrical storytelling with raw emotional intensity and established Bemis's reputation for intricate, narrative-driven songwriting. The band's revolving lineup has included longtime drummer Coby Linder, guitarist Alex Kent, and various collaborators, reflecting Bemis's vision while navigating periods of lineup flux and personal challenges. Throughout their career, Say Anything has undergone significant evolution, marked by Bemis's openness about his , which has profoundly shaped the band's lyrical depth and sonic experimentation. Diagnosed in his early twenties, Bemis has credited manic episodes and recovery with influencing the darker, more introspective tones in albums like (2007), a sprawling that explored themes of mental turmoil through genre-bending tracks. Lineup changes, including contributions from members like Parker Case on keys and Jake Turner on guitar, have allowed the band to shift from high-energy to more orchestral and arrangements, while maintaining a core of emotional vulnerability. The group briefly paused in the late amid Bemis's solo pursuits and focus, reuniting in 2022 for renewed activity. The band's musical style fuses , , and , characterized by Bemis's witty yet confessional lyrics that delve into struggles, tumultuous relationships, and existential questions around and . This approach has fostered collaborations with like-minded acts, including a musical project Razia's Shadow featuring members of and , which expanded Bemis's theatrical sensibilities into a format. Say Anything's sound often incorporates dynamic shifts—from punk-infused anthems to piano-driven ballads—prioritizing conceptual cohesion over conventional radio fare, which has cemented their influence in the community. Key discography highlights include the breakthrough ...Is a Real Boy (2004), a weaving metaphors with personal ; the expansive (2007), featuring guest spots from indie luminaries; the self-titled (2009), which refined their pop sensibilities; Anarchy, My Dear (2012), emphasizing raw aggression; (2014), an orchestral pivot toward introspection; I Don't Think It Is (2016), a collaborative effort exploring personal and political themes; and the band's eighth studio album, ...Is Committed (2024), marking a reunion effort inspired by , with tracks like "BE, CHILDREN (INTRODUCTION TO THE REUNION RECORD)" and "ON CUM" blending experimental folk elements with the group's signature emotional core. A 2019 reissue of ...Is a Real Boy incorporated expanded -themed and bonus material, celebrating its enduring legacy. In 2025, they released the surprise EP ...Is Committed (Remixes) on October 10, reimagining select tracks, followed by the covers collection Is Sleazy on October 24, featuring unorthodox takes on songs by , , and . Recent developments have revitalized Say Anything's presence, including the 20th anniversary tour for ...Is a Real Boy launched in 2024 and extending through November 2025, co-headlined with and supported by and Sincere Engineer. The tour spans U.S. cities such as (November 19 at ), Austin (November 21 at ), (November 22 at ), and (November 29 at Fillmore Auditorium), performing the album in full to packed venues. This run addresses gaps in post-2020 coverage by showcasing the band's renewed energy and fan engagement amid the wave. The October 2025 drop of Is Sleazy further highlights their playful experimentation, arriving unannounced to surprise longtime supporters. Say Anything has cultivated a dedicated in the and scenes, with albums like selling over 117,000 copies in the U.S. alone and contributing to hundreds of thousands of total units moved across their catalog. Their impact lies in pioneering emotionally literate rock narratives that resonate with fans grappling with similar themes, influencing subsequent waves of introspective indie acts without chasing mainstream crossover.

"Say Anything" (songs)

Several musical artists have recorded songs titled "Say Anything," often exploring themes of communication, vulnerability, and romance within diverse genres such as pop-rock, , and . These tracks span decades and reflect varying artistic contexts, from Canadian pop sensations to Japanese pioneers. The Canadian band Marianas Trench released "Say Anything" in 2006 as the lead single from their debut album Fix Me. This pop-rock song delves into themes of emotional expression, inspired by frontman Josh Ramsay's personal struggles during rehabilitation for . It achieved commercial success, peaking at number 3 on the Canadian Singles Chart. X Japan, a seminal band known for their style, included "Say Anything" on their 1991 Jealousy. The track is a dramatic that exemplifies the band's symphonic and orchestral influences, blending intense guitar work with poignant vocals to convey longing and introspection. A remastered version was released in 2007 as part of an expanded edition of the . Aimee Mann's "Say Anything," from her 2000 Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo, is an folk-rock composition addressing failures in communication and the weight of unspoken grudges, delivered through her signature witty and incisive lyrics. The song highlights Mann's ability to dissect relational dynamics with subtle melancholy and sharp observation. The American rock band released their self-titled song "Say Anything" in 2012 as the second single from the album Anarchy, My Dear. The track captures the chaotic, high-energy essence of the album's themes of personal turmoil and rebellion, featuring frontman Max Bemis's raw, confessional delivery. Among more recent examples, Norwegian indie pop artist (Marie Ulven) issued "say anything" on January 7, 2018, as part of her debut EP chapter 1. The song portrays queer romance through nostalgic lens, drawing direct parallels to the 1989 film by likening a budding relationship to the movie's iconic scene, emphasizing vulnerability and youthful infatuation.

Other Uses

Say Anything (party game)

Say Anything is a party board game designed by Dominic Crapuchettes and Satish Pillalamarri, published by North Star Games in 2008. Intended for 3 to 8 players aged 13 and older, it features a playtime of approximately 30 minutes and emphasizes open-ended, humorous responses to prompts that encourage personal revelations and group laughter. The game has remained in print into 2025, with rights licensed to , and a 10th anniversary edition released in 2018 that includes refreshed artwork and additional questions. In gameplay, one player serves as the judge and draws a question card, reading a prompt aloud, such as "Worst thing to receive as a gift?" Other players secretly write their answers on individual dry-erase boards using provided markers. The judge then selects their favorite answer using the Select-O-Matic 5000 voting device, without revealing it immediately. All players, including the judge, place up to two tokens to bet on which answer they believe was chosen; points are awarded based on correct guesses (one point per token placed on the winning answer), with the judge earning points from others' accurate bets and the chosen answer's writer receiving a bonus point. Rounds continue until each player has judged a set number of times (three for 3-4 players, two for 5-6, or one for 7-8), tracked on a pie-shaped score board, fostering creativity and social interaction similar to but with more personal, unpredictable responses. An expansion, Say Anything Family Edition, was released in 2010 for younger audiences aged 8+, featuring milder questions and support for 3-6 players. The game's components include 80 question cards containing 400 total prompts, eight dry-erase boards and markers, sixteen player tokens (two per player), the Select-O-Matic 5000 device for secret selection, and a dry-erase score board. These elements promote quick setup and replayability through the open-ended nature of answers, often leading to unexpected humor and bonding. has received widespread acclaim, earning over 30 awards, including the 2008 Origins Award for Best Family/, Parents' Choice Gold Award, and Select endorsement. On , it holds an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 from over 6,400 ratings as of 2025, praised for its role as an engaging in social settings. The game gained further visibility through a 2012 of Wil Wheaton's web series, where playthroughs highlighted its lighthearted dynamics and appeal to diverse groups. Its enduring popularity stems from facilitating conversations and revelations in parties, distinguishing it as a staple in interactive social gaming.

Say Anything (books)

"Say Anything" is a title used for several books across genres including romance, contemporary fiction, , and poetry, often exploring themes of communication, self-expression, and personal growth. These works, primarily self-published or from small presses, have garnered niche audiences rather than widespread commercial success, with reader ratings on platforms like averaging around 4.0 out of 5. While none have achieved bestseller status, they reflect a broader literary interest in empowerment through honest dialogue, sometimes loosely inspired by the communication motifs in the 1989 film Say Anything.... One notable entry is by Madeleine Labitan, a 2019 that follows shy high school student as she navigates a secret crush on popular classmate , only to receive unexpected help from another peer, , who harbors his own feelings for her. The story emphasizes themes of building self-confidence and the value of supportive friendships amid teenage uncertainties, culminating in Nora's journey toward authentic expression. Self-published via , the book has received over 380 ratings on , averaging 3.90 out of 5. In the genre, by Audrey Harte, released in 2015 as an e-book and , centers on Lauren navigating love, career ambitions, and modern dating challenges in . As the opener to the Love in NYC series, it delves into the complexities of urban relationships and personal dilemmas, blending humor with emotional depth. Available through Independent Publishing, it holds a 4.00 average rating from 26 reviews. Shifting to non-fiction, by author Fiona Jefferies, published in 2023, serves as a humorous guide offering practical scripts for handling awkward social situations, such as discussions on , , breakups, or issues. Organized alphabetically from topics like "" to "Zealots," it provides concise, empathetic responses to foster kinder interactions without platitudes. Published by One Idea Press, the book appeals to readers seeking straightforward advice in everyday conversations. Another recent addition is by Lee Rossi, a 2024 poetry collection comprising poems and prose poems that examine personal insights, social contradictions, and the act of expression itself. As Rossi's fifth book, it shifts between external observations and internal reflections, capturing the tensions of human connection. Issued by Plain View Press, it continues the author's exploration of philosophical and emotional themes in verse. These books collectively highlight empowerment via , spanning that romanticizes and that equips readers with verbal tools, though they remain distinct from related titles like Ione Skye's 2025 memoir Say Everything, which draws from her film experiences but focuses on personal .

References

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