Unfortunately, only about half of the many jokes and gags in the film are actually funny.
Better Off Dead (1985)
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Reviews Counted:21
Fresh:17
Rotten:4
Average Rating:7/10
Consensus: Better Off Dead is an anarchic mix of black humor and surreal comedy, anchored by John Cusack's winsome, charming performance.
Runtime: 1 hr 38 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: Lane Myer's (John Cusack) dreams are shattered when his girlfriend Beth (Amanda Wyss) decides she prefers the company of a sleazy ski jock over his own. This disheartening news leads Lane to... Lane Myer's (John Cusack) dreams are shattered when his girlfriend Beth (Amanda Wyss) decides she prefers the company of a sleazy ski jock over his own. This disheartening news leads Lane to attempt to take his own life in various ways--all of which never seem to work out. But if he can beat Beth's new boyfriend in a ski run down the treacherous K-12, he may be able to win her back. Along the way, Lane also encounters a beautiful French exchange student, a nasal spray-snorting neighbor, a rabid newspaper boy, and dancing hamburgers. "Savage" Steve Holland (ONE CRAZY SUMMER) directs this 1985 cult favorite. [More]
Starring: John Cusack, Curtis Armstrong, David Ogden Stiers, Amanda Wyss
Starring: John Cusack, Curtis Armstrong, David Ogden Stiers, Amanda Wyss, Kim Darby, Diane Franklin, Dan Schneider, Scooter Stevens, Elizabeth Daily
Director: Steve Holland
Director: Steve Holland
Screenwriter: Steve Holland
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Reviews for Better Off Dead
Forget Citizen Kane. As a matter of history, this seminal film is unquestionably the finest work of cinema ever made. Required viewing for all students and fans of the art form.
strives to be offbeat and sometimes works itself into a sweat doing so. The humor often hits the bullseye, however...
The film doesn't seem to have much of a focus. But it doesn't seem to want one, either.
John Cusack launched his career as a lovable loser at love with this teen comedy about a guy who gets dumped when his girlfriend decides to trade up.
Although the plot is sweet and simple, the laughs are what make this movie stand out.
Latest News for Better Off Dead
February 21, 2006:
Bob Clark Gets "Spring Broke" while Stern Readies "Porky's" Redo
Director Bob Clark ("Porky's," "A Christmas Story") has announced that he will go back to his teen-sex-comedy roots to direct "Spring Broke," which... More...
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