The Sure Thing (1985)
The Sure Thing (1985)
Rob Reiner’s The Sure Thing may not be an original coming-of-age story like The Breakfast Club, but we still are treated to an irresistible and charming flick that will grow on you. The movie may not be overly original, and you can predict the ending from light-years away, but that does not matter too much when you’re given a good time. There are no gratuitous sex scenes (which actually surprised me) or anything similar. You are given an old-fashioned movie that focuses on what it is like to fall in love. And yes, this “teen” film also doubles as a fun road trip movie where the film is at it’s best.
The film is directed by Rob Reiner, the son of legendary actor/director Carl Reiner. Reiner carved himself a very nice career, which of course includes this film. He understands teen/coming-of-age flicks incredibly well. If you do not believe me check out 1987’s Stand by Me. That is a classic. This film, while not a classic, is Reiner at his sweetest. He made some good casting decisions. He originally was against John Cusack because he was underage at the age of filming. He allowed an audition anyhow and realized that Cusack is his leading man. His costar, Daphne Zuniga is actually approximately four years older than him- which is a large age contrast given their real ages and the kind of film this is. Well, it all worked out!
Walter Gibson (John Cusack) is a freshman in college. He is laidback, carefree, and often someone to make a fool out of himself. He falls in love with one of his classmates from English class, Alison (Daphne Zuniga). She is rather attractive but is a bookworm. He boldly asks her out and she accepts the opportunity to stay out of his life. Flash forward to some time in the near future, he decides to hitch a ride to California to see his best friend, Lance (Anthony Edwards). Lance is setting his buddy up with “The Sure Thing” (Nicolette Sheridan), a bikini-clad babe. The thing is…Alison is taking the same trip. She is going out to visit her rather boring fiancée. The trip begins with ignorance and fighting, but they begin to tolerate with each other. What does that mean for the both of them?
This movie made John Cusack a household name. We began to see his talent in 1984’s Sixteen Candles, but he really proved himself here. The film was shot when he was 16, but he made a believable college student. He shared excellent chemistry with Daphne Zuniga, who is four years his senior. Her standoffish nature comes across very well…and relatable. I had very similar experiences with people of that similar personality. These are early supporting performances for Anthony Edwards and Nicolette Sheridan. Sheridan’s character was incredibly one-dimensional, so I guess she did alright being the attractive woman. Also, young Tim Robbins! He plays one of the car drivers taking our duo cross-country. He’s an oddball and a funnyman.
Overall, The Sure Thing is nothing overly special. What it really is a fun, predictable movie about falling in love (in a believable fashion). This movie grows on you and you end up caring what happens to the main characters. Their dialogue is well-written. There are also some funny moments. And this is an 80’s flick, so be prepared for an 80’s soundtrack. At least its good. Yeah, you probably will figure out the ending within the first ten minutes, but it is about how you get there. I can definitely recommend this sweet movie.
My Grade: B+
1985
Rob Reiner’s The Sure Thing may not be an original coming-of-age story like The Breakfast Club, but we still are treated to an irresistible and charming flick that will grow on you. The movie may not be overly original, and you can predict the ending from light-years away, but that does not matter too much when you’re given a good time. There are no gratuitous sex scenes (which actually surprised me) or anything similar. You are given an old-fashioned movie that focuses on what it is like to fall in love. And yes, this “teen” film also doubles as a fun road trip movie where the film is at it’s best.
The film is directed by Rob Reiner, the son of legendary actor/director Carl Reiner. Reiner carved himself a very nice career, which of course includes this film. He understands teen/coming-of-age flicks incredibly well. If you do not believe me check out 1987’s Stand by Me. That is a classic. This film, while not a classic, is Reiner at his sweetest. He made some good casting decisions. He originally was against John Cusack because he was underage at the age of filming. He allowed an audition anyhow and realized that Cusack is his leading man. His costar, Daphne Zuniga is actually approximately four years older than him- which is a large age contrast given their real ages and the kind of film this is. Well, it all worked out!
Walter Gibson (John Cusack) is a freshman in college. He is laidback, carefree, and often someone to make a fool out of himself. He falls in love with one of his classmates from English class, Alison (Daphne Zuniga). She is rather attractive but is a bookworm. He boldly asks her out and she accepts the opportunity to stay out of his life. Flash forward to some time in the near future, he decides to hitch a ride to California to see his best friend, Lance (Anthony Edwards). Lance is setting his buddy up with “The Sure Thing” (Nicolette Sheridan), a bikini-clad babe. The thing is…Alison is taking the same trip. She is going out to visit her rather boring fiancée. The trip begins with ignorance and fighting, but they begin to tolerate with each other. What does that mean for the both of them?
This movie made John Cusack a household name. We began to see his talent in 1984’s Sixteen Candles, but he really proved himself here. The film was shot when he was 16, but he made a believable college student. He shared excellent chemistry with Daphne Zuniga, who is four years his senior. Her standoffish nature comes across very well…and relatable. I had very similar experiences with people of that similar personality. These are early supporting performances for Anthony Edwards and Nicolette Sheridan. Sheridan’s character was incredibly one-dimensional, so I guess she did alright being the attractive woman. Also, young Tim Robbins! He plays one of the car drivers taking our duo cross-country. He’s an oddball and a funnyman.
Overall, The Sure Thing is nothing overly special. What it really is a fun, predictable movie about falling in love (in a believable fashion). This movie grows on you and you end up caring what happens to the main characters. Their dialogue is well-written. There are also some funny moments. And this is an 80’s flick, so be prepared for an 80’s soundtrack. At least its good. Yeah, you probably will figure out the ending within the first ten minutes, but it is about how you get there. I can definitely recommend this sweet movie.
My Grade: B+
1985
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