‘The Sure Thing’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan

Key Takeaways

The Rewatchables dedicated an "emergency pod" to Rob Reiner's 1985 film "The Sure Thing," which was previously unavailable for streaming.
The episode celebrates Reiner's multifaceted career, highlighting his roles as an actor, director, and his talent for casting.
The Sure Thing is lauded as a top 80s film, praised for its balance of humor and drama and its succinct 90-minute runtime.
John Cusack's performance in "The Sure Thing" is considered a breakout role and a defining young actor portrayal of the 1980s.
The film's nuanced portrayal of relationships earned critical acclaim, including 3.5 stars from Roger Ebert, contrasting with other teen films.

The episode is an "emergency pod" dedicated to "The Sure Thing" (1985), directed by Rob Reiner, following his recent passing.
"The Sure Thing" was previously unavailable on streaming services but was found on YouTube for the podcast.
Reiner's career includes acting, directing, and producing, with "The Sure Thing" being his directorial debut and seventh film by him on "The Rewatchables."
The film's limited streaming availability might be due to its soundtrack, featuring artists like Rod Stewart, Huey Lewis, and The Cars.

The film is categorized as a road trip movie, an opposites-attract rom-com, and a coming-of-age story, with an efficient 90-minute runtime.
Host Craig shared that he had never seen "The Sure Thing" before but immediately enjoyed it, ranking it as a favorite.
Parallels are drawn to "Risky Business," but "The Sure Thing" is described as a more grounded and human story.
The film's long, character-focused scenes are compared to Richard Linklater's "Before Sunrise" trilogy.
A college notebook from 1991 listed "The Sure Thing" as a favorite film, indicating frequent VHS viewing.

Rob Reiner's first two directorial efforts, "The Sure Thing" (1985) and "This Is Spinal Tap" (1984), showcased a surprising stylistic range.
Both Daphne Zuniga and John Cusack felt their characters mirrored aspects of their own personalities, suggesting Reiner drew upon their traits.
The film is compared to classic screwball comedies like "It Happened One Night," reflecting Reiner's deep connection to Hollywood history.
Many viewers, including the hosts, primarily associated Reiner with his "Meathead" role in "All in the Family" before his significant directorial success.

The opening credits featuring Rod Stewart's "Infatuation" are debated for their effectiveness in setting the film's tone.
The initial classroom scene, establishing the contrasting personalities of Gibb and Allison, is identified as a "Most Rewatchable Scene."
The football scene on the quad is praised for its humor and the characters' interactions.
Other memorable scenes include a pool scene, a character shotgunning a beer, a hitchhiker encounter, and a professor reading an essay.

The film features 1985 dated elements like writing detailed letters, using bulletin boards for rides, and a romanticized portrayal of college life.
The soundtrack, with artists like Rod Stewart, Huey Lewis, and John Waite, is a significant 1985 element and a possible reason for its limited streaming.
The movie idealizes college life, particularly in California, mentioning scenes at UCLA and UCSB and their legendary party atmosphere.
An honorable mention is given to a dive bar scene for its random characters and realistic portrayal typical of 80s and 90s cinema.

Elements that have aged poorly include Lance's room with beer bottles and a tennis poster, as well as 1980s college fashion and partying.
Dating and meeting people in the 80s, often through introductions and cross-country journeys, are contrasted with modern apps like Bumble and Hinge.
The cinematography of "The Sure Thing" is praised, noting the director of photography for "There Will Be Blood" worked on the film.
Roger Ebert awarded the film three and a half stars, calling it a "small miracle" for its portrayal of respectful relationships.
Screenwriter William Goldman's collaboration with Rob Reiner is mentioned, suggesting Reiner's projects helped reinvigorate Goldman.

The discussion debates whether the pragmatic character Allison would have gotten into a car with a stranger, given her desperation.
A "hottest take" suggests the relationship between Gibb and Allison may have formed slightly too early, given their impending freshman year experiences.
Speakers analyze Gibb's potential academic future at Cornell and the likelihood of his relationship with Allison lasting.
One speaker expresses a contrary view, believing Gibb and Allison will last through college, with Gibb eventually facing a crisis.
Hitchhiking is considered an element that has aged the worst due to true crime documentaries and PSAs from the late 70s and early 80s.

Anthony Edwards and Robin Wright were considered for roles in "The Sure Thing," with Wright auditioning for the lead role of Allison.
Potential recastings include Tom Cruise or Rob Lowe as Lance, with the hosts debating their suitability.
The film's production locations are noted, with much of the road movie primarily shot in California.
Gibb's jersey is identified as an Australian National Rugby League team's green and gold kangaroos jersey.
John Cusack taught Rob Reiner how to shotgun a beer, a scene that was then incorporated into the script.

The film's ending, specifically the classroom scene and rooftop kiss, is critiqued for being abrupt and typical of 80s filmmaking.
The short runtime of 92 minutes leaves some desiring a few extra minutes, particularly to expand on the Hawaiian party scene.
Hypothetical additions include an all-black cast or focusing on side characters like Wayne Jenkins.
Speculation arises about the aftermath of Gibb and Allison's relationship, with one speaker suggesting it might falter by the first semester of sophomore year.
The logistics of the return trip for the characters and financial implications, referencing a potential loan from Flanders, are discussed.