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The Sure Thing

91 minutes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

John Cusack Walter "Gib" Gibson
Daphne Zuniga Alison Bradbury
Viveca Lindfors Professor Taub
Nicollette Sheridan "The Sure Thing"
Tim Robbins Gary Cooper
Boyd Gaines Jason
Lisa Jane Persky Mary Ann Webster
Larry Hankin Trucker
Fran Ryan Lady in Car

On The Rewatchables (1)

The Rewatchablesaired December 18, 2025 host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryanproducer Craig Horlbeckproducer Chia Hao Tatproducer Eduardo Ocampo

Roger Ebert's review

Ebert review

The cited three-and-a-half-star review praises the film for treating its love story with thought, respect, and love.

In the discussion (1)
  • The cited three-and-a-half-star review praises the film for treating its love story with thought, respect, and love.

Recasting Couch

No cast change

The cast is kept intact; the only proposed alteration is making the college's identity more specific.

In the discussion (1)
  • The cast is kept intact; the only proposed alteration is making the college's identity more specific.

Half-Assed Internet Research

Shared role and shotgun-beer anecdote

Robert Bauer is said to have played a character named Moek here and in This Is Spinal Tap. The shotgun-beer scene is reported as an addition based on John Cusack telling Rob Reiner that it was one of his talents. Gibb's jersey is identified as a Kangaroos rugby-league shirt chosen for its appearance.

In the discussion (3)
  • Robert Bauer is said to have played a character named Moek here and in This Is Spinal Tap.
  • The shotgun-beer scene is reported as an addition based on John Cusack telling Rob Reiner that it was one of his talents.
  • Gibb's jersey is identified as a Kangaroos rugby-league shirt chosen for its appearance.

Picking Nits

Logistics and ending

Questions include how Gibb entered the truck unseen, why the Sure Thing was eager to meet him, whether Gibb was a virgin, and why the ending cuts away so abruptly. Gibb's pajamas, the implausible amount and condition of his packed clothing, and the short time at the Hawaiian party are also criticized.

In the discussion (2)
  • Questions include how Gibb entered the truck unseen, why the Sure Thing was eager to meet him, whether Gibb was a virgin, and why the ending cuts away so abruptly.
  • Gibb's pajamas, the implausible amount and condition of his packed clothing, and the short time at the Hawaiian party are also criticized.

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Relationship and travel questions

The discussion asks whether Gibb lied about his sexual history and is actually a virgin. The discussion asks what credit-card bill Allison's father would receive after the trip.

In the discussion (2)
  • The discussion asks whether Gibb lied about his sexual history and is actually a virgin.
  • The discussion asks what credit-card bill Allison's father would receive after the trip.

Best Double Feature

Stand by Me and One Crazy Summer

Stand by Me and One Crazy Summer are the two distinct double-feature selections.

In the discussion (1)
  • Stand by Me and One Crazy Summer are the two distinct double-feature selections.

Mentioned in the podcast

Recorded movie reference

Top Gun

The Rewatchables · aired July 23, 2019

The Sure Thing is listed in the sourced research for this episode. The precise discussion has not been linked yet.