The Sure Thing (1985)

Walter Gibson is a university freshman going through a dry spell. His old buddy arranges a "sure thing" for him in California. Gibson and his classmate Allison then take a long road trip out to Cali, and both foil each other's plans.

Director:

Rob Reiner

Writers:

Steve Bloom (as Steven L. Bloom), Jonathan Roberts

Stars:

John Cusack, Daphne Zuniga, Anthony Edwards

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Cusack	...	Walter 'Gib' Gibson
Daphne Zuniga	...	Alison Bradbury
Anthony Edwards	...	Lance
Boyd Gaines	...	Jason
Tim Robbins	...	Gary Cooper
Lisa Jane Persky	...	Mary Ann Webster
Viveca Lindfors	...	Professor Taub
Nicollette Sheridan	...	The Sure Thing
Marcia Christie	...	Julie
Robert Anthony Marcucci	...	Bobby
Sarah Buxton	...	Sharon
Lorrie Lightle	...	Lucy
Joshua Cadman	...	Jimbo
Krystal Richards	...	Girl in Photo
John Putch	...	Mastin

Storyline

College freshman Walter (Gib) Gibson decides to go cross country to visit his friend in California during winter break. Awaiting there is a bikini-clad babe whom his friend assures him is a "sure thing". Meanwhile, Allison, a cute (but somewhat retentive) girl at Gib's college has also decided to head out to Cal. to see her boyfriend during break. Gib and Allison are thrust together on a road trip from hell, and somewhere along the way, they find each others company to be tolerable. Now, what will become of Gib's "sure thing?"

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Plot Keywords:

road trip | hitchhiking | one night stand | white bra | cross country | 

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Taglines:

A Romantic Comedy From Rob Reiner

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

Because John Cusack was only 17 and hence a minor during production, he had to seek legal emancipation from his parents in order to shoot on location.

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Goofs

When Gary is driving after the first night in the hotel he is on the left-hand side of the road. In the next shot he is back on the right.

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Quotes

Gib: Sorry I'm late. There was this big problem... and I'm late because of it.

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Alternate Versions

This film has an alternate version. The first scene of the alternate version starts with the scene right before Lance's dialogue "Private Gibson" to Gibson (John Cusack) where Gibson is sitting alone. This version doesn't have scenes with Gibson's dialogue to two women. This version delete the scene where Gibson's roommate is making love to his girlfriend. This version also doesn't have the scene where John Cusack kisses the girl in Lance's room close to the end of the film.

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Connections

Referenced in The Rotten Tomatoes Show: Daybreakers/Leap Year/Youth in Revolt (2010)

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Soundtracks

Penny Lover
Written by Lionel Richie and Brenda Harvey-Richie
Performed by Lionel Richie
Courtesy of Motown Records
Published by Brockman Music

User Reviews

"Did you know that Nietzsche died of syphilis?"

Very funny and smart romantic comedy from Rob Reiner. It's a kind of mixture of the old-fashioned romantic comedies from the '30s & '40s and the newer sex comedies that were all the rage in the '80s. The script is excellent and there are some great performances. John Cusack is extremely likable and charming in this. Daphne Zuniga is pretty good, too. But it's Cusack who really carries the movie. There's also some nice supporting work from Anthony Edwards and Viveca Lindfors. Tim Robbins is fun in an early role. Nicollette Sheridan plays the "sure thing" of the title. She's required to do little more than look pretty, which she accomplishes with ease. The first half is better than the second but it's all good. The plot may sound like it's going to be a childish Porky's-type movie but it's nothing of the sort. Definitely worth your time.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 March 1985 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Sure Thing

Filming Locations:

Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Valley, San Bernardino National Forest, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$4,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,124,782, 3 March 1985

Gross USA:

$18,135,531

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$18,135,531

Company Credits

Production Co:

Embassy Pictures, Monument Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1