Okay, fellow travelers on the dusty roads of cinematic memory, let's rewind the tape. Forget the spandex and synth-pop overkill for a moment, because nestled amongst the louder offerings of 1985 lies a film with a quieter, smarter charm, one that proved a fledgling director could pivot beautifully and gave us one of the decade's most enduring reluctant couples: Rob Reiner's The Sure Thing. If your local video store had a well-stocked "Comedy" section, chances are this gem, with its simple cover art often featuring John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga looking understandably wary of each other, caught your eye.
East Coast Meets West Coast, Sort Of
Fresh off the amplifier-exploding success of This Is Spinal Tap, many wondered what Rob Reiner would do next. Another mockumentary? More biting satire? Instead, he picked up a smart, character-driven script penned by Steven L. Bloom and Jonathan Roberts (originally an American Film Institute thesis project!) and delivered a romantic comedy that felt... well, real. It tells the tale of Walter "Gib" Gibson (John Cusack), a charmingly messy, girl-obsessed college freshman stuck at a snowy New England university, worlds away from his California dreams. His polar opposite is Alison Bradbury (Daphne Zuniga), an equally East Coast-bound student – meticulous, organized, and seemingly immune to Gib's brand of laid-back chaos. When fate (and a shared need for a cross-country ride during winter break) throws them together, the stage is set for a classic oil-and-water road trip. Gib is laser-focused on reaching LA to meet the titular "sure thing" (a young Nicollette Sheridan), a seemingly perfect blonde arranged by his buddy Lance (Anthony Edwards, perfectly cast as the affable best friend – ironically, Edwards had originally auditioned for Gib!). Alison, meanwhile, is heading west to visit her decidedly bland fiancé.
The Road More Traveled, But Better
What could have been a formulaic trek across America becomes something special in Reiner's hands. The beauty here isn't in explosive set pieces, but in the slow burn, the subtle shifts in perception between Gib and Alison. Their initial animosity feels genuine, fueled by Cusack's nervous energy and Zuniga's buttoned-up exasperation. There’s a funny story that the two leads didn't exactly hit it off immediately off-camera either, which, if true, certainly didn't hurt the believable friction they project early on. Watching them navigate cheap motels, questionable travel companions (hello, Tim Robbins in a hilariously earnest small role as a perpetually happy showtune singer!), and dwindling funds feels refreshingly grounded. This wasn't a glossy Hollywood fantasy trip; it felt like something kids scraping by might actually experience, filmed on real college campuses (Cornell University standing in for the East Coast scenes) and authentic roadside locations. Remember how real those slightly grimy diners and budget motel rooms felt?
The laughs come not from broad slapstick, but from witty dialogue and relatable situations. Gib's attempts to charm Alison, often backfiring spectacularly, are pure Cusack – that slightly awkward, incredibly endearing persona he'd perfect throughout the 80s and 90s was already taking shape here. Zuniga masterfully portrays Alison's gradual thawing, revealing the intelligent, vulnerable person beneath the tightly controlled exterior. Their chemistry, once it finally sparks, is undeniable, built on shared vulnerability rather than instant lust. That scene where they're forced to pretend to be a passionately arguing couple to get a ride? Gold.
More Than Just Teen Spirit
Reiner brings a level of maturity and warmth often missing from the era's teen comedies. He respects his characters, allowing them to grow and learn without sacrificing the humor. It's not just about whether Gib will get his "sure thing," but about whether these two very different people can recognize the real sure thing right in front of them. The film was a modest success upon release, pulling in around $18 million on a $4.5 million budget (that's over $50 million adjusted for today – not bad!), and critics largely recognized its quality, helping solidify Reiner's path towards directing classics like Stand by Me (1986) and The Princess Bride (1987). It felt like a breath of fresh air compared to some of the crasser teen fare hitting the shelves back then.
It’s funny watching it now – the distinct lack of cell phones, the reliance on maps and payphones, the very idea of a campus "ride board." It’s a snapshot of a specific time, yet the core story of connection, misjudgment, and finding common ground remains timeless. My own well-worn tape of this got plenty of play back in the day, a go-to when you wanted something funny, smart, and genuinely sweet.
***
VHS Heaven Rating: 9/10
Justification: The Sure Thing earns this high score for being a pitch-perfect example of the 80s romantic comedy done right. It boasts career-defining early performances from Cusack and Zuniga, sharp writing, and assured direction from Reiner that elevates it far above its peers. The chemistry is electric, the humor is intelligent, and the journey feels both nostalgic and universally relatable. It avoids crassness, focusing instead on genuine character development and witty banter. While the premise is familiar, the execution is nearly flawless for its genre and era.
Final Thought: Forget the guaranteed score; sometimes the real prize is the unexpected connection you make while stuck in a car for 2,000 miles. This one’s still a sure thing for a cozy night in.