Better Off Dead (1985)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:21
Fresh:17
Rotten:4
Average Rating:7/10
Consensus: Better Off Dead is an anarchic mix of black humor and surreal comedy, anchored by John Cusack's winsome, charming performance.
Runtime: 1 hr 38 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: Lane Myer's (John Cusack) dreams are shattered when his girlfriend Beth (Amanda Wyss) decides she prefers the company of a sleazy ski jock over his own. This disheartening news leads Lane to... [More]
Starring: John Cusack, Curtis Armstrong, David Ogden Stiers, Amanda Wyss
Director: Steve Holland
Reviews for Better Off Dead
| Tomatometer | Critic | Review | Category |
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 2.5/4 |
Unfortunately, only about half of the many jokes and gags in the film are actually funny. Full Review |
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 3.5/4 |
perhaps the greatest movie of all time Full Review |
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3/4 |
Hilarious and brilliantly deadpan. Full Review |
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2/5 |
No review available.
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4/5 |
I've rarely met anyone who didn't secretly love it passionately. Full Review |
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2/5 |
No review available.
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4/5 |
No review available.
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B+ |
Forget Citizen Kane. As a matter of history, this seminal film is unquestionably the finest work of cinema ever made. Required viewing for all students and fans of the art form.
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strives to be offbeat and sometimes works itself into a sweat doing so. The humor often hits the bullseye, however... Full Review |
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4/5 |
Classic '80s Cusack vehicle.
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Better Off Dead's charm stems from its imagination and attitude. Full Review |
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3/5 |
The film doesn't seem to have much of a focus. But it doesn't seem to want one, either. Full Review |
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John Cusack launched his career as a lovable loser at love with this teen comedy about a guy who gets dumped when his girlfriend decides to trade up. Full Review |
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2/5 |
No review available.
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3/5 |
John Cusack can even turn a no-brainer into worthwhile entertainment
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4/5 |
No review available.
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3/5 |
No review available.
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3/4 |
A unique, kooky gem. Full Review |
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86/100 |
Although the plot is sweet and simple, the laughs are what make this movie stand out. Full Review |
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4/5 |
It's a sure bet you're gonna have fun. Full Review |
CommentLatest News for Better Off Dead
February 21, 2006:
Bob Clark Gets "Spring Broke" while Stern Readies "Porky's" Redo
Director Bob Clark ("Porky's," "A Christmas Story") has announced that he will go back to his teen-sex-comedy roots to direct "Spring Broke," which... More...
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