5/12/16 - Everybody Wants Some!! (2016) – 7+/10

Is it slightly overly verbose with that barely realistic snappy dialogue shtick that Linklater relishes bringing? Is it vaguely exploitative machismo college porn that may put on the philosophy more than it fully embodies? Does it not quite hit the temporal, cultural, or memorable heights of its spiritual brother "Dazed and Confused"?... Yes, to all of these things, but none of those points cut this film's legs out from under it. This film is perhaps the most fun I remember having in the theatre so far this year, with great tunes, a ton of laughs, a smart heart and a burning desire to revisit the sublime greatness of college life.

Other than some dialogue that belies Linklater's penchant for wit and depth, this film and its characters feel real and fleshed out. All the players and scenes are designed to be both reverential and harmonious with not just the time setting, but more importantly, your personal experiences of your scholastic/youthful endeavors. Every actor does a great job and Linklater brings his usual competency and passion, finding specialness in the simplicity and expert timing.

“Everybody” may be less weighty than his "Before" trilogy, “Boyhood”, or maybe even “D&C”, but those are some pretty stratospheric heights to achieve. This might be more the sugary Sunny D than the Simply Orange; doesn't mean that it isn't delicious to drink down or that it won't provide you with the necessary nourishment.

This was a hard movie to dislike. Such an unabashed amusement, craftily constructed by a master of their medium. I enjoyed it immensely.