The Sure Thing

This is my favorite cover art for The Sure Thing, I love the painted Cusack and Zuniga

John Cusack has this manic sort of personality that he perfected in the 80’s. It’s in full force in the sure thing. Cusack plays Walter Gibson (“Gib”), he’s a bit of a loser and has had some terrible luck with the ladies in high school. He’s convinced this is going to change in college, he’s wrong. He figures his only way he’ll get lucky is if he uses pity so he sets his sights on a fellow student (Alison played by Daphne Zuniga) in his English class. He fails.


Gib's attempt at getting pity sex, ask for help studying

Gib’s high school friend Lance (Anthony Edwards) convinces him to come out to the west coast for his Christmas break. His lure, the proverbial sure thing (played by Nicollette Sheridan in her introductory role) a no strings attached, no guilt, no questions asked sexual encounter of teenage myth and lore. In his quest to find a ride he finds himself stuck sharing a ride with Alison. One thing leads to another and they wind up kicked out of the car and forced to hick their way across the country. Hilarity (not to mention an emotional roller coaster) ensues as they try to make it to their respective destinations and all the while they’re forced to deal with feelings they’re developing for each other.


What we used to call an overactive imagination would probably be called ADHD these days

The sure thing is about 2 steps away from being an 80’s teen sex romp, but what it is is a quality romantic comedy. Rob Reiner’s direction just adds to an already fantastic cast, script and story. Arguably one of the best films of Cusack’s early career, maybe only topped by better off dead of say anything. For a fun night, it’s a…you already know where I’m going with this.


Remember whan Nicollette Sheridan was hot? Me neither

9 out of 10