The Sure Thing Review
One of the first in the early directorial hit parade of former actor Rob_Reiner, The Sure Thing proved his instincts were just as smart for romantic comedy as they were for faux documentary following This_Is_Spinal_Tap, his brilliant debut. John_Cusack (only 18 at the time of filming, the actual correct age for his character) made a splash in his first lead role, earning him a bunch of ensuing parts clearly inspired by his madcap Walter "Gib" Gibson, whom he plays to perfection. The result is a minor classic among both teen coming-of-age comedies and road movies. Gib's cross-country quest to end his dry spell with a bikini-clad babe (Nicollette_Sheridan) is pure '80s cheese, but otherwise, the film barely feels dated. Constantly wittier than expected, The Sure Thing also captures a truly perceptive nostalgia for life in the first year of college. Although it boasts funny supporting performances from Boyd_Gaines, as the too-square-by-half boyfriend of Gib's sparring partner and romantic interest (Daphne_Zuniga), and Anthony_Edwards, as Gib's best friend, this film really belongs to the charming clowning of Cusack. Whether he's plunging fully clothed into a swimming pool to get Zuniga's attention or pretending to be an insane hitchhiker to scare off a horny truck driver, there's a spark constantly dancing in those eyes. It nicely foreshadows the career Cusack has come to have, playing goofy average guys who effortlessly win audience sympathy. Add in a sharp script by Steven_L._Bloom and Jonathan_Roberts, and this lighthearted outing is as good a guarantee of enjoyment as its title suggests. Derek Armstrong, Rovi
Browse More Movies:
