rck1 When people talk about John Cusack's early film career, they all seem to mention "Say Anything." But "The Sure Thing" is not that well-known. It should be. It is well written, directed, acted. It has so many memorable lines. It's one of Tim Robbins' first films. I can't count how many times I have seen it. And I intend to see it again. It is funny, touching, and entertaining.

Irishchatter I have to say, this was a stupid funny film that ever was out in the 80s. John Cusacks character is like such an annoying brat that you definitely wouldn't want to be his classmate at all lol. Whereas Daphne Zuniga is like your typical girl who's fed up with life and of course, peed off with him but still cares about him. Yknow after watching the movie, I couldn't believe Cusack was 17 that time and Zuniga was the princess in Space Balls! That's mad like you wouldn't think these actors in this underrated film would turn out to be big than you actually think!It's a good movie, although I think the girls parents who kicked them both out of the car, shouldn't have been bothered being added onto this movie. It was too short of a role for Robbins and Persky's role as the parents as it seems they were rather neglectful here or was that the idea of the story? That's just the only complaint I have with this film!Anyways I'm glad Cusacks and Zunigas characters lived happily ever after! 8/10

Spikeopath Gib Gibson {John Cusack}is on to a "sure thing," the treasure at the end of every horny male college student's rainbow, a guaranteed night of passion with a babe and no strings attached. But there are troubles in his way. Firstly, this "sure thing" {in the shapely form of Nicollette Sheridan} is on the other side of the country, thus he has to hitch his way to nirvana. Secondly, circumstance sees him hitching with his prim and proper class mate, Alison {Daphne Zuniga}, a problem since they really have different ideals and approaches in life.The 80s, a time of "interesting" fashions and lots of hairspray. Also the time of John Hughes and a raft of teen comedies/coming of age semi-serious fluff-a-like dramas. Perhaps, given its make up, the biggest surprise is that The Sure Thing isn't a John Hughes picture. Written by Steven Bloom & Jonathan Roberts, it's directed by Rob Reiner {This Is Spinal Tap/Stand by Me}, with Reiner gleefully remaking Capra's immensely superior It Happened One Night, only for the 1980s colourful tweeners.Naturally it's all too predictable, with some stuff coming off as unimaginative copy-cat scripting, and unlike the Capra movie, The Sure Thing as telling entertainment does not, as some nostalgic 80s lovers proclaim, hold up well today on a revisit. What is evident tho is that Reiner's direction, given the time it was made, is accessible and unhindered by the sign posted nature of the beast. No overwrought angst here, Reiner chooses to focus on the two principals and steers clear of plot twisters and shockers. That has to be applauded, as does the performance of John Cusack, who here in his first full lead portrayal, serves notice of the shtick that would shape the rest of his popular career. That can't be said of Zuniga tho, whose subsequent post "Sure Thing" film career says far more about her ability than I personally wish to write.The only "Sure Thing" here is that I'm sure to annoy the 80s nostalgists who love this film. Yet I'm one of that nostalgic number too, my thick-skin is honed from affection for the likes of Pretty in Pink, The Breakfast Club and Cameron Crowe's excellent Say Anything {Cusack again superb}. But no! The Sure Thing deserves to stay back in 1985 where it belongs, matted down by lashings of hairspray. One really should seek out It Happened One Night instead of suffering the unadventurous writing that, here, is hidden by the affable charm of its leading man. 4.5/10

Amy Adler Walter "Gib" Gibson is a freshman at a worthy east coast college. An aspiring writer, he nevertheless is doing poorly in English because his spelling is suspect and his neatness is non-existent. Since there is a beautiful young lady in his class, Gib gets a great idea. Wby not ask Alison (Daphne Zuniga) to be his English tutor and try to get close to her? Although he has to dive into a pool to get her attention, he succeeds in arranging a tutoring session. Yet, after a nice first meeting, Gib puts the moves on Alison and she walks away angry. Christmas break is approaching and Gib suddenly hears from a close friend (Anthony Edwards). If Gib can travel to the west coast, his pal will set him up with a woman who will be a "sure thing", that is, she'll definitely sleep with him. But, upon arranging a ride from a note on a bulletin board, Gib learns that Alison will also be traveling in the same car, to see her devoted boyfriend in Los Angeles. Will it be the ride from hell? Or, will Alison warm up to Gib? This is a sure thing as far as comedy movies are concerned. It is funny, original and clever. Although it was one of Cusack's first major roles, it remains one of his best, nicely showing off his abundant charm, good looks, and acid wit. Zuniga, likewise, proves herself to one beautiful funny girl. The rest of the cast, including Edwards, Tim Robbins, and Nicolette Sheridan are terrific, too. As for the costumes, settings, and usual production values, they are quite nice, also. If you think this is a film for teenagers only, think again. This film was made for young and old alike, as everyone can appreciate and remember their first awkward steps into the world of love. If you need a surefire winner on your next trip to the video store, this one is a great choice. It will have you laughing up the proverbial storm, even as it delights you with its sweet tale of romance, too.