Most critics respond warmly to Say Anything…, finding an unusually thoughtful teenage romance in its attention to uncertainty, moral choices and the awkwardness of first love. Praise centres on John Cusack, whose humour, anxiety and earnestness make Lloyd feel like a person rather than a familiar romantic lead. Crowe’s writing and direction also draw credit for giving the characters dignity and allowing comedy and more difficult feelings to coexist. John Mahoney’s performance as the father earns particular notice among the supporting cast.
Reservations concern the familiar premise and uneven storytelling, though these rarely outweigh the affection for the characters. The New Yorker finds the central idea weak but enjoys the romance’s odd rhythms and Cusack’s performance. Variety offers the sharpest dissent, finding structural problems, unfinished scenes and an unconvincing female lead despite believable romantic development. The spread is appreciable, but even the more doubtful reviews acknowledge humour and feeling.