Is The Sure Thing Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Sure Thing is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Sure Thing Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1985, The Sure Thing emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Gib, a beer-guzzling slob, and Alison, an uptight Ivy-Leaguer, are an unlikely duo stuck together on a cross-country trip during Christmas break. Unlike standard genre fare, The Sure Thing attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Sure Thing features a noteworthy lineup led by John Cusack . Supported by the likes of Daphne Zuniga and Anthony Edwards , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Sure Thing (1985) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.5/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Sure Thing Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Sure Thing is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
The Sure Thing Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Sure Thing concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Sure Thing reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Sure Thing?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
The Sure Thing Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $4.5M |
| Worldwide Gross | $18.1M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Sure Thing Budget
The estimated production budget for The Sure Thing is $4.5M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Sure Thing
- John Cusack – Walter "Gib" Gibson
- Daphne Zuniga – Alison Bradbury
- Anthony Edwards – Lance
- Boyd Gaines – Jason
- Tim Robbins – Gary Cooper
Top Highlights
John CusackWalter "Gib" Gibson
Daphne ZunigaAlison Bradbury
Anthony EdwardsLance
Boyd GainesJason
Tim RobbinsGary Cooper
Lisa Jane PerskyMary Ann Webster
Viveca LindforsProfessor Taub
Nicollette SheridanThe Sure Thing
Marcia ChristieJulie
Robert Anthony MarcucciBobby
Parents Guide & Age Rating
The Sure Thing is rated PG-13. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.5/10, and global collection metrics, The Sure Thing stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1985 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Sure Thing movie hit or flop?
The Sure Thing has received mixed reviews with a 6.5/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Sure Thing worth watching?
The Sure Thing is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Sure Thing online?
The Sure Thing may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Sure Thing Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Sure Thing
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
