EVERYBODY WANTS SOME!! (2016)

Summary:

Set in the summer of 1980, just before the start of classes, "Everybody Wants Some!!" follows Jake Bradford, a talented freshman pitcher, as he arrives at Southeast Texas University on a baseball scholarship. He moves into a rowdy, off-campus house inhabited by his new teammates, a motley crew of competitive, testosterone-fueled young men navigating the final days of freedom before the academic and athletic grind begins. The film chronicles Jake's immersive weekend experience, a whirlwind of parties, social dynamics, and the relentless pursuit of women, as he tries to find his place within the team's boisterous hierarchy.

Director Richard Linklater masterfully captures the vibrant atmosphere of early 1980s college life, utilizing a meticulously curated soundtrack of classic rock, disco, and new wave hits. Through Jake's eyes, the audience witnesses the camaraderie, rivalries, and philosophical musings of young men on the cusp of adulthood, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the fleeting nature of youth. The film is less about a conventional plot and more about a deeply felt experience, a nostalgic and humorous slice-of-life portrayal of a specific time and place, culminating in Jake's first day of classes and the subtle shift from carefree abandon to the responsibilities that lie ahead.

Keywords: Everybody Wants Some!!, 2016, Blake Jenner, Richard Linklater, College, Baseball, 1980s, Comedy, Drama.

Plot:

The film opens in August 1980, as Jake Bradford, a clean-cut freshman pitcher from Houston, drives his beat-up car to Southeast Texas University, his trunk packed with records and his baseball gear. He's on a scholarship, eager to start his college career. Upon arrival, he's directed to an off-campus house, one of three designated for the university's baseball team. The house is a chaotic, testosterone-filled domain, already bustling with his new teammates, a collection of eccentric and confident young men. Jake is immediately introduced to the house's "no pussy in the house" rule, a tongue-in-cheek edict that sets the tone for the weekend's relentless pursuit of female companionship. He meets his diverse roommates: the smooth-talking, philosophical senior Finnegan; the intense, hot-headed catcher McReynolds; the laid-back and thoughtful Dale; the awkward newcomer Jay; and the intellectual, pot-smoking Willoughby, among others.

On their first night out, the team descends upon a local disco. Jake, somewhat reserved, observes the elaborate mating rituals and competitive banter among his teammates. Finnegan, ever the charmer, dispenses wisdom on picking up women, while McReynolds' aggressive tactics often backfire. Jake mostly watches, trying to absorb the unspoken rules of this new social environment. The night is a blur of dancing, loud music, and failed attempts at seduction, with the team's collective energy and confidence barely masking their underlying anxieties about the impending school year. They return to the house in the early hours, their energy still high, a testament to their youthful exuberance.

The following morning, the team gathers for an informal practice. The competitive spirit is palpable, especially between McReynolds and Jake, as they showcase their skills. The bond among the players, despite their individual quirks and rivalries, begins to solidify through their shared passion for baseball. The afternoon is spent lounging around the house, playing video games, and discussing everything from women to philosophy, further revealing their distinct personalities. Willoughby, the resident intellectual, introduces them to Carl Sagan's "Cosmos," briefly shifting the focus from girls to the universe, a moment of unexpected depth amidst the locker-room humor.

For their second night out, the team decides to switch gears, heading to a local honky-tonk country bar. This change of venue highlights their adaptability and willingness to embrace different social scenes. Jake, growing more comfortable, starts to participate more actively, even attempting some country line dancing. The night takes a tense turn when a confrontation erupts between some of the baseball players and a group of aggressive rednecks, showcasing the team's fierce loyalty to one another. Despite the near-brawl, the team emerges victorious, their bond strengthened by the shared experience. Jake, in particular, feels more integrated into the group, having stood by his teammates.

The carefree atmosphere is briefly interrupted when Coach Gordon unexpectedly shows up at the house. He delivers the news that Willoughby, who is actually 23 and already played four years of college ball, has been deemed ineligible and expelled from the team. The departure of Willoughby, a character who offered a unique intellectual counterpoint to the team's jock mentality, serves as a stark reminder of the rules and responsibilities that govern their lives, even during this weekend of abandon. His exit leaves a noticeable void, prompting a brief moment of reflection among the remaining players.

Undeterred, the team decides to embrace yet another subculture for their third night out, venturing into a punk rock club. The dramatic shift in music and fashion challenges their preconceived notions and forces them out of their comfort zones. Some players struggle to adapt, others, like Finnegan, embrace it with an open mind. It's here that Jake spots Beverly, a striking theater major, and is immediately captivated. He approaches her, and they strike up a conversation, finding common ground despite their different worlds. Their connection is immediate and genuine, a refreshing contrast to the superficial hookups his teammates are pursuing. The punk club becomes the unlikely backdrop for the blossoming of Jake's first significant college romance.

Jake wakes up the next morning in Beverly's dorm room. Their conversation continues, revealing shared interests and a deeper understanding of each other. They discuss their aspirations, their fears, and the transition into college life. This intimate morning provides a quiet counterpoint to the boisterous activities of the previous nights, solidifying their mutual attraction. Jake returns to his house, invigorated by this new connection, having found something more meaningful than just a casual encounter.

The final night of the weekend culminates in a massive house party at the baseball team's residence, a chaotic celebration before the start of classes. The "no pussy in the house" rule is completely abandoned as the house fills with people, music, and alcohol. Jake and Beverly spend the evening together, their relationship deepening amidst the revelry. Various subplots unfold: teammates hook up, others argue, and the collective energy of the house reaches a fever pitch. McReynolds, still intense, finds a girlfriend, while Finnegan continues his philosophical musings and charming escapades. The party is a microcosm of the entire weekend, a vibrant and uninhibited expression of youth and freedom, with the underlying awareness that it's all about to change.

As the sun rises on Monday morning, the first day of classes, Jake wakes up with Beverly in his room. The house is quiet, a stark contrast to the previous night's chaos. The remnants of the party litter the living room, a visual metaphor for the end of their carefree weekend. Jake and Beverly share a final, tender moment before heading off to their respective classes. The film concludes with Jake sitting in his first class, Beverly beside him, the camera slowly zooming in on his face. The transition from the wild abandon of the weekend to the structured reality of college life is complete, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for Jake and his teammates.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Blake Jenner as Jake Bradford
• Zoey Deutch as Beverly
• Glen Powell as Finnegan
• Tyler Hoechlin as McReynolds
• Ryan Guzman as Roper
• Wyatt Russell as Willoughby
• J. Quinton Johnson as Dale
• Juston Street as Jay
• Will Brittain as Billy Autrey

Crew:

• Director: Richard Linklater
• Writer: Richard Linklater
• Producers: Richard Linklater, Megan Ellison, Ginger Sledge
• Cinematographer: Shane F. Kelly
• Editor: Sandra Adair
• Music Supervisor: George Drakoulias

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: March 30, 2016 (USA)
• Language: English
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport
• Running Time: 117 minutes
• Accolades: Critical acclaim; various nominations for independent film awards, including Best Picture at the Gotham Independent Film Awards.