Everybody Wants Some!!

Richard Linklater's 'Everybody Wants Some!!' aims to capture the carefree essence of college life, but it often drifts aimlessly. While it has its moments of charm, the film struggles with pacing and coherence, leaving viewers wondering what its true purpose is.

College Life Without a Map

Set in the 1980s, 'Everybody Wants Some!!' revolves around a group of college baseball players as they navigate their first weekend on campus. Jake Bradford, played by Blake Jenner, arrives ready to embrace the freedom of unsupervised adulthood but quickly finds himself entangled in the chaotic dynamics of male bonding and rivalry. The film meanders through parties, dating endeavors, and moments of introspection, all while struggling to find a cohesive plot. It’s less about a specific story arc and more about vignettes of college life, which can be both entertaining and frustratingly unfocused.

Characters That Could Shine More

The ensemble cast delivers a solid performance, with Blake Jenner's Jake serving as the somewhat relatable protagonist amongst a sea of eccentric characters. Zoey Deutch's Beverly adds a refreshing spark, but unfortunately, many of the supporting characters, like J. Quinton Johnson's Dale and Will Brittain's Beuter, feel underdeveloped. They are entertaining but often exist as shallow stereotypes. The lack of depth in character arcs leaves viewers wanting more, and some characters vanish for stretches, making their presence feel inconsistent.

Nostalgic Aesthetics, Slow Pacing

Richard Linklater's direction is evident in the film’s laid-back vibe and nostalgic aesthetic, but it often lacks a strong narrative backbone. The camera work captures the carefree spirit of college life well, yet the slow pacing can lead to moments where viewers might find themselves checking the time. Some sequences, particularly the party scenes, are visually stylish but feel drawn out, losing momentum when they should be building excitement. The aesthetics of the 80s, from outfits to music, are well-executed, but they sometimes overshadow the storyline.

Feels More Casual Than Impactful

Watching 'Everybody Wants Some!!' is a mixed bag. There are genuinely amusing moments that highlight the awkwardness and joy of young adulthood, but the film's episodic structure can lead to boredom during stretches where nothing significant seems to happen. It occasionally fails to evoke the deep emotional connections that Linklater’s previous work has achieved, leaving viewers feeling more like passive observers than emotionally engaged participants. The humor often feels light, and those seeking a deeper narrative might find themselves frustrated.