Danny Bartlett can't wait until he and his girlfriend, Lori Conenberg head out with her family on a Caribbean vacation. But what stands in his way of this perfect dream is a final chemistry exam, which he left to study for the night before (oh that brings back memories ;)). What occurs is that Danny flunks his exam and when Lori's family arrives to pick him up. He must cancel the trip. Not long after the Cronenberg's left. His chemistry professor comes in decides to give him a break, by giving passing grade and encouraging him to catch up with her. Dan misses their plane, but eventually arrives in the Caribbean. In his goal to be with Lori he manages to stumble into one unusual situation after another.
Like I was, if you're feeling lazy. This Cusack vehicle might not be his greatest (far from it), but it passes by as an earnest comedy teen caper. It's a nostalgia trip of the 80s brand of teen fluff
and god I love that style. "Hot Pursuit" is generically peppered with a bonbon of spontaneous activities and colourful characters, which makes sure its never boring. Helped along by snappy pacing and John Cusack's sprucely maniac performance is another highlight. Despite these gold and energy filled aspects, it's still quite uninspired in its story telling and the bubblegum script is not as oddly witty as you would hope. Simply put it's not funny. Diverting
yep, but far from hilarious. What hits you with a wallop is its change of direction mid-way through the film. It's a story with definite mood swings. From it's cosy light hearted beginning that turns into a violent adventure thriller. Somewhere in the middle of all of that is the bumbling chase pattern. Although like most of these products we know how it's going to end up
with a happy feel good time and good guys come through. These things shouldn't bother you, as why would you be watching it then. Director Steven Lisberger does a passable job. He manages to get some breathtaking images of the alluringly sparkling Caribbean locations. The music score is a relic of the times, but it being a zippy package only enhances the chirpy air created by its lively carefree environment and inhabitants. A quick-witted John Cusack is his usual charming (and popular) self. He basically carries the film through its dead patches. If he wasn't the lead for this film, I'm sure it just wouldn't be as appealing. Making his film debut is a stiffly raw Ben Stiller as a slime ball character. His frail performance and off humour is totally unsuccessful. His father Jerry Stiller has a joyfully untamed part and Robert Loggia is let loose as the neurotic head case sea captain that teams up with Cusack's character. A lovely Wendy Gazelle is good in her part as Lori. Monte Markham and Shelley Fabares are fine as the parents. Turning up in a bright sunny role is Keith David as a relaxed, pot-smoking local with some amusing banter to share.
This predictable 80s comedy is a modest (if forgettable) attempt that passes the time without much trouble. It's one you wouldn't go out of your way to see (unless you're a fan of Cusack and want to see all his films), but if it's on TV there's no harm in it.
