A charming surprise.
The Sure Thing (1985)
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Reviews Counted:26
Fresh:23
Rotten:3
Average Rating:6.8/10
Runtime: 1 hr 35 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: When free-spirited but juvenile Walter "Gib" Gibson (John Cusack) meets studious, uptight Alison Bradbury (Daphne Zuniga) at an unnamed Ivy League college, sparks fly; unfortunately, they are... When free-spirited but juvenile Walter "Gib" Gibson (John Cusack) meets studious, uptight Alison Bradbury (Daphne Zuniga) at an unnamed Ivy League college, sparks fly; unfortunately, they are mostly of the disastrous variety as all of Gib's attempts at courtship fall painfully apart. Inevitably, the duo is tossed together when they both answer the same ad for a ride to California. While Alison is traveling to reunite with her tidy law school boyfriend, Gib is on the road to meet a beautiful girl his best friend promises him is "a sure thing." Before too long, Gib and Alison's bickering inflames the driver, who promptly deposits the two with their suitcases on the side of a lonely highway thousands of miles from their destination. As the misadventures pile up, the initially contentious pair begin to take a liking to one another--but do these two dare fall in love? Rob Reiner's initial attempt at romantic comedy pays subtle homage, with gentle lyricism, to the classic screwballs of early Hollywood. The film is buoyed by the stellar performances of the two leads, Cusack (in one of his first significant roles) and Zuniga, who are reminiscent of the great studio pairings of the past. [More]
Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Anthony Edwards, Viveca Lindfors
Starring: John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Anthony Edwards, Viveca Lindfors, Nicollette Sheridan, Tim Robbins, Lisa Jane Persky
Director: Rob Reiner
Director: Rob Reiner
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Reviews for The Sure Thing
[A] hysterically oversold mix of comic cliches from the 30s and the 80s.
This is a likeable film that follows all of the necessary steps to engage an audience. It may not be a sure thing, but it's at least a pretty good bet.
Realization may not be earth shattering, but in an era of fast food and faster sex, return to the traditional is downright refreshing.
One of the great teen comedies of the 80s. One reason why Cusack became what he became
There's plenty of mileage in this pairing, even if the movie isn't going anywhere unexpected.
Walter and Alison are closer to real teenagers, with real doubts and hesitations and uncertainties.
It's a treasure, smartly written, delightfully played (you'll be able to see why Cusack quickly became a star), and scored with a half-dozen period hits...
Stars John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga are no Gable and Colbert, but they make for interesting juniorfied versions
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 15% 15% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
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