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- Everybody Wants Some Is an Exploration of Male Friendships
- Everybody Wants Some Is About a Last Grasp at Freedom
As a cinephile with a keen interest in character-driven films and a soft spot for Richard Linklater’s work, I found myself drawn to his 2016 offering, “Everybody Wants Some!!”. Having grown up watching the likes of Dazed and Confused, this film resonated with me on a personal level.
Glen Powell has been riding high on a wave of success lately. Following his role in the hit movie Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, he continued to shine in Anyone but You in 2023 and won over audiences again this year with Twisters. This gifted actor is establishing himself as a reliable leading man and an engaging talent. Now, fans can revisit one of Powell’s earlier, less recognized films, Everyone Wants Some!!, which will be available on Prime Video.
In the autumn of 1980, the movie titled “Everybody Wants Some!!” unfolds, featuring Blake Jenner portraying Jake Bradford, a newly enrolled college student who shifts into dormitories with his school’s baseball squad. As the final weekend of summer approaches, Jake, along with his teammates, indulge in partying, drinking, and pursuing young women in an attempt to savor the remaining moments of their independent lifestyle. This film was helmed by Richard Linklater (director of Before Midnight, School of Rock, Slacker) and is often referred to as a “spiritual successor” to the 1993 movie Dazed and Confused. Glen Powell appears as Walt Finnegan, one of Jake’s roommates and teammates.
Everybody Wants Some Is an Exploration of Male Friendships
Director Linklater refers to Everybody Wants Some!! as a spiritually linked follow-up to his previous works, Dazed and Confused and Boyhood. Unlike Dazed and Confused which portrays the final day of high school, Everybody Wants Some!! depicts the carefree moments leading up to the start of classes. In an interview with GQ, Linklater describes the movie as a “unusual extension” of his earlier film Boyhood. He explains that it begins where Boyhood ends. Instead of centering on a single character’s journey into maturity, Everybody Wants Some!! is an ensemble piece exploring male camaraderie and the dynamics of personal relationships. According to Linklater, “It revolves around that type of athletic, self-assured male attitude.
The movie is inspired by Linklater’s personal experiences from his youth in Texas, including his school days. In an interview with The Independent, he emphasized the significance of choosing former athletes for the roles to add authenticity through their individual backgrounds. Notably, several key actors have a history in diverse sports such as mixed martial arts, football, baseball, and wrestling. This shared sports past contributes to the strong bond among the characters, particularly Jake, who is integrated into the team, which forms the core of this character-focused movie.
Everybody Wants Some Is About a Last Grasp at Freedom
Similar to the movie “Dazed and Confused,” “Everybody Wants Some!!” centers around the lively social activities of its principal characters. Joining Glen Powell and Blake Jenner, the film also features Tyler Hoechlin (known for “Superman & Lois”), Wyatt Russell (“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”), and Austin Amelio (“The Walking Dead”) as roommates and team members of a college baseball squad. Throughout the movie, the team pursues various wild endeavors, serving as a final burst of excitement before the school term begins. The group dives headfirst into each new experience (and welcoming woman) at venues such as a disco, a cowboy bar where they line dance and bull ride, and many other places filled with adventure.
As a film enthusiast, I must say that while Jake (Jenner) is undeniably the lead character, “Everybody Wants Some!!”, directed by Linklater, is an exceptional ensemble production. Alongside Jake, we have Ryan Guzman, Temple Baker, J. Quinton Johnson, and Will Brittain gracing our screens. With such a formidable group of actors at its core, this film could easily become lost in the shuffle or lose focus. But under Linklater’s skilled guidance, these characters manage to preserve their individuality without compromising the overall ensemble feel. The chemistry between the cast is organic and authentic, making their blossoming camaraderie a soothing experience for the viewer.
The movie “Everybody Wants Some!!” garnered favorable reviews from critics, boasting an 87% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally, it resonated with audiences, earning a 68% fresh review. Unfortunately, the film had trouble gaining a wide audience, mainly due to its limited release and subsequent box office takings falling short of its $10 million budget by more than half. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes described the movie as “nostalgic in the best sense,” with some even going so far as to label it as director Richard Linklater’s most underappreciated work. Despite having a sparse narrative, the film offers an intriguing and subtle exploration of character development, demonstrating how various personalities contribute to forming a cohesive team.
Zoey Deutch, famously known for “Zombie Land: Double Tap,” takes on the role of Jake Bradford’s romantic interest in “Everybody Wants Some!!”. She has collaborated with Richard Linklater again for their upcoming film, “Nouvelle Vague.” Similarly, Glen Powell joined forces with Linklater to shoot the 2023 romantic comedy, “Hit Man,” exclusively for Netflix streaming. Powell will soon appear in the darkly comedic film, “Huntington”, as well as the upcoming comedy series, “Chad Powers”. Created and written by Powell himself, “Chad Powers” is set to air on Hulu and is inspired by a sketch featuring Eli Manning. Originally released by Paramount Pictures, “Everybody Wants Some!!” is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
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2024-09-19 01:01