The Sure Thing: Rob Reiner’s Underrated Romcom Masterpiece

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The Sure Thing is one of seven fantastic films directed by the late Rob Reiner, spanning from Spinal Tap to A Few Good Men, but it’s often overlooked. Reiner sadly passed away at age 78, and his loss is deeply felt – he was not only a talented filmmaker, but also a dedicated activist, a beloved comedy director, and a genuinely kind person.

Following his role as Mike “Meathead” Stivic on All in the Family, Rob Reiner decided he wanted to direct movies, and he quickly became one of the most successful filmmakers ever. He started with a remarkable run of hits, including This is Spinal Tap, The Sure Thing, Stand by Me, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Misery, and A Few Good Men – all released one after another.

This director has created seven incredible films, each in a different genre – including mockumentaries, comedies, coming-of-age stories, fantasy adventures, romantic comedies, thrillers, and courtroom dramas. They’re all nearly perfect examples of their type, and some have even become defining works within their genre. However, one of these films doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves.

Movies like Spinal Tap, Stand by Me, and When Harry Met Sally are well-loved and frequently celebrated, but The Sure Thing doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Despite its seemingly typical story, the film remains enjoyable and relevant today, standing the test of time just like The Princess Bride or Misery.

The Sure Thing Is Much Sweeter Than Its Premise Makes It Sound

Just from the basic idea, The Sure Thing seems like one of those ‘80s comedies that hasn’t held up well in light of today’s conversations about respect and boundaries. Movies like Porky’s treated spying on people as harmless fun, and Revenge of the Nerds even presented a serious sexual assault as a victory for the main character. Based on that pattern, The Sure Thing initially appears to fit right in with those problematic films.

The movie centers around a woman who becomes the object of affection for Walter Gibson, nicknamed Gib, played by John Cusack. Gib is a college student struggling with romance, so his friend Lance (Anthony Edwards) sets him up with a woman at UCLA, essentially acting as a matchmaker – though the arrangement is a bit unconventional. All Gib needs to do is travel to California before Christmas break to make it happen.

The way I described it might make the movie seem like it’s only about one character trying to win someone over sexually, treating that person like an object. However, the film is actually much more heartwarming and gentle than that brief description suggests.

The film starts like a typical 1980s teen comedy, but quickly evolves into something more. Director John Hughes uses the initial premise as a setup for a classic screwball comedy, reminiscent of films by Frank Capra or Howard Hawks. Once the main character, Gib, starts his journey, the movie shifts from being about a quest for a casual encounter to a heartwarming story about finding real love.

The Sure Thing Is A Modern-Day Screwball Comedy

When Gib starts college, he tries to win over a smart, studious student named Alison (played by Daphne Zuniga from Spaceballs), but she isn’t interested. Later, while bumming a ride to California with a snobby classmate (Tim Robbins), Gib is surprised to learn Alison is coming too – she’s visiting her boyfriend at UCLA.

Okay, so things really hit the fan when Gib said something incredibly rude. That was it for Robbins – he just booted everyone out of the car, leaving Gib and Alison completely stranded somewhere between New England and California! They had no choice but to travel together, and let me tell you, it was a bumpy ride. It reminded me so much of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles – lots of bickering, getting on each other’s nerves, but also slowly starting to understand each other. And, predictably, amidst all the chaos, they ended up falling in love. It’s a classic road trip romance, really.

This film is a funny, fast-paced romantic comedy in the style of classic screwball films. It uses the same core idea as It Happened One Night – two people who don’t want to be together are forced to travel together and end up falling in love – but gives it a more playful, 1980s feel similar to Porky’s.

John Cusack & Daphne Zuniga Are A Perfectly Matched Romcom Couple

Whether a romantic comedy works really depends on how well the two main actors connect on screen. While A Big Bold Beautiful Journey is visually stunning and made with care, Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie just don’t seem to have that spark. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is silly and predictable, but it’s enjoyable because Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson have amazing chemistry together.

John Cusack and Justine Zuniga have great chemistry in The Sure Thing, making them a believable romantic comedy pairing. Even when their characters initially dislike each other, there’s a clear spark between them. Their comedic delivery is perfectly timed, and the audience genuinely feels their connection growing.

The Sure Thing Was A Precursor To Rob Reiner’s Other Great Romcom

While Rob Reiner is most famous for When Harry Met Sally, his earlier film The Sure Thing really laid the groundwork for it. It was Reiner’s first romantic comedy, and it explored many of the same ideas he’d later develop more fully in his more well-known film.

Similar to the classic film When Harry Met Sally, The Sure Thing is a story about two people who initially dislike each other but ultimately fall in love. It’s the tale of two very different people who start with a bad first impression, only to discover they’re perfect for each other.

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2026-02-03 15:59