Better Off Dead (1985)
81 %
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
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 attempt to take his own life in various ways--all of which never seem to work out. But if he can beat... [More]
Genre: Comedies
Starring: John Cusack, Curtis Armstrong, David Ogden Stiers, Amanda Wyss, Kim Darby
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Reviews
Unfortunately, only about half of the many jokes and gags in the film are actually funny.
Comment
07/24/07
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.
08/12/03
strives to be offbeat and sometimes works itself into a sweat doing so. The humor often hits the bullseye, however...
07/31/03
The film doesn't seem to have much of a focus. But it doesn't seem to want one, either.
05/20/03
Top Critic
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.
03/10/03
Although the plot is sweet and simple, the laughs are what make this movie stand out.
08/08/02
Related Forums
You may be better off renting BETTER OFF DEAD unless you're a John Cusack-o-phile?
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• Better Off Dead at Rotten Tomatoes
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