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Movies / On DVD / The Sure Thing
The Sure Thing

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The Sure Thing (1985)

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88 %
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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

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Nov 24, 1998

No Details Exist
 
 

Reviews for The Sure Thing

  • T-Meter Critics
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1 - 20 (sorted by date)
Bubble View | 1 2 >> >|
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Reviews
Tomatometer Critic Review Category
tomato
3/4

A charming surprise.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Nov., 06 2009 03:41 PM

TV Guide's Movie Guide

splat

Dave Kehr

[A] hysterically oversold mix of comic cliches from the 30s and the 80s.

Full Review Source: | comment 1 Comment | Nov., 06 2009 03:40 PM

Chicago Reader

tomato
3/4

James Berardinelli

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.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 09 2009 03:15 AM

ReelViews

tomato

Variety Staff

Realization may not be earth shattering, but in an era of fast food and faster sex, return to the traditional is downright refreshing.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 18 2008 05:08 AM

Variety

tomato
3/5

Clint Morris

One of the great teen comedies of the 80s. One reason why Cusack became what he became

comment Comment | Aug., 17 2008 04:42 AM

Moviehole

tomato

There's plenty of mileage in this pairing, even if the movie isn't going anywhere unexpected.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jun., 24 2006 03:55 AM

Time Out

tomato
3.5/4

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Sweet and wonderful.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | May., 26 2006 03:16 AM

Combustible Celluloid

tomato
4/5

Brad Laidman

A wonderful start for Cusack and Reiner.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Dec., 06 2005 07:55 PM

Film Threat

tomato
3/5

Chuck O'Leary

No review available.

comment Comment | Oct., 09 2005 08:22 PM

Fantastica Daily

tomato
4/5

Emanuel Levy

No review available.

comment Comment | Jun., 13 2005 03:42 PM

EmanuelLevy.Com

tomato
3/5

Jon Niccum

No review available.

comment Comment | Apr., 01 2005 07:21 AM

Lawrence Journal-World

tomato
7/10

JoBlo

One of the more "mature" teen comedies from the 80s.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Feb., 05 2005 10:44 PM

JoBlo's Movie Emporium

splat
2/5

Lori Hoffman

No review available.

comment Comment | Jan., 05 2005 12:31 PM

Atlantic City Weekly

tomato
3.5/4

Roger Ebert

Walter and Alison are closer to real teenagers, with real doubts and hesitations and uncertainties.

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Oct., 23 2004 10:39 PM

Chicago Sun-Times

tomato
3/5

Mike McGranaghan

No review available.

comment Comment | Feb., 19 2004 06:26 PM

Aisle Seat

tomato
4/5

James Sanford

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...

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jan., 11 2004 09:39 AM

Kalamazoo Gazette

tomato
3/5

Michelle Alexandria

No review available.

comment Comment | Nov., 26 2003 04:59 AM

Eclipse Magazine

splat
1/5

John Esther

No review available.

comment Comment | Aug., 22 2003 12:35 AM

Pasadena Weekly

tomato
2.5/4

Bill Chambers

Stars John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga are no Gable and Colbert, but they make for interesting juniorfied versions

Full Review Source: | comment Comment | Jul., 29 2003 07:20 PM

Film Freak Central

tomato
3/5

Philip Martin

No review available.

comment Comment | May., 30 2003 09:26 AM

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

 
 
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