Better Off Dead

Mired in this is Cusack ("The Sure Thing"), an unusually adept verbal comedian not so adept (to his credit) at this kind of slapstick.

The film doesn't seem to have much of a focus. But it doesn't seem to want one, either.

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.

The story features enough weirdo side characters, hot French exchange students, absurd gags, CLAYMATION, and zany heart to elevate it beyond teen movie cliche. It's essential viewing.

Savage Steve Holland, along with Cusack and the rest of his cast, accomplish something unique with Better off Dead. At the surface, the film exhibits the same regressive political traits as many of its contemporary peers.

I just think it's really funny.

There's a potentially edgy aspect to Better Off Dead's comedy that's never fully realized.

Full of...goofy ironies, and while it ain't Molire, it is a pretty great entry in the teen-comedy genre. [Blu-ray]

Unfortunately, only about half of the many jokes and gags in the film are actually funny.

Hilarious and brilliantly deadpan.