Better Off Dead

About a year back, I wrote a few posts about the films of Savage Steve Holland. Now, some of you were wondering why I didn't cover his directorial debut, 1985's Better Off Dead. At the time I felt that it kind of had a big following. But since I'm on a early films of John Cusack kick, and the fact that most millennial's have never heard of it, now was just a good a time as any.

After Lane Meyer, Cusack, gets dumped by his girlfriend, Amanda Wyss, he decides to end it all. But after a lot of failed a suicide attempts, and a blossoming friendship with the French foreign exchange student Monique who lives next door, Diane Franklin, Lane gets a new lease on life.

This is a very funny, and silly, black comedy. Cusack, who supposedly hates this movie for some reason, is in top form. This is the kind of role that Cusack really shines in and his comedic chops are on full display. Franklin, who I felt never got the attention she deserved, is terrific. Monique was the dream girl for myself, and a lot of guys my age, and that's due to Franklin's likable and winning performance. Holland regular Curtis Armstrong is also quite funny as Lane's best friend. As are David Ogden Stiers and Kim Darby as Lane's frustrated parents.

This, along with One Crazy Summer, really showed off Holland's skills as a comedic director. There's a lot of laughs to be had.

It's available on dvd and blu ray.