À la poursuite de Lori

Formulaic, uninspired but painless teen comedy. It's the typical formula where the young hero encounters every imaginable object as he tries to get to his (constantly changing) destination; thanks to his wits, and to pure luck, he overcomes all of them. This film shares with many 80s comedies ("Stripes" comes to mind) the bad habit of turning into an action film halfway through, but the beautiful locations (beautifully photographed) keep it pleasant enough. (**)

No the film won't win any oscars, but the tropical locations, John Cusack's talent, and gruffy Robert Loggia make this a very watchable film. I have seen this movie dozens of times and never get tired of it.

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.

Hot Pursuit is a mildly funny comedy which is likely to draw interest from audiences searching for John Cusak movies.

Dan Bartlett (Cusak) is supposed to go on vacation with his girlfriend. Lori Cronenberg. to the Islands. But, he has to bail at the last minute after flunking his Chemistry exam and his girlfriend leaves without him. A generous Chemistry teacher helps him out though, and Danny is once again able to go. But, what a surprise (not), he misses his flight and opportunity to join Lori and her family for a vacation on the beaces. Thus begins one misfortune after another as Danny spends his vacation moving from one place to the next to reach his girlfriend. Each time, something stops him from getting where he has to go. The plot is predictable (the procedure), though sometimes what the situation brings is not (the substance). But Danny is persistent, even if growing ever more tired of all the ungodly obstacles that seem to pop up just as he arrives.

Meanwhile, the boat that Lori and her family is traveling on along the coast is being navigated by a murderer, who eventually gets the Cronerbergs involved in his plot. Danny not only must reach his girlfriend, but save the Cronerbergs from the madmen before it's too late, delivering an ending which at times wavers from being too over the top (Danny's plan of escape involves nothing more than a jeep ride and some grenades). Sometimes, the climax doesn't seem enough (the explosions of the grenades look like someone threw a sandbag at a tree).

I think John Cusak fans will nonetheless enjoy the movie as he delivers typtical and youthful Cusak insanity present in his early films, even the ones with the most stupid plots. Even so, there are some funny moments in the movie from other characters, especially Kieth David as one of the Jamacians who gives Danny a lift. And Robert Loggia as Mac, who commands the boat that Danny hithces on.

John Cusack's worst film ever! The story is lackluster, the characters foolish and unmotivated. Poor performances all around. For a great John Cusack movie, rent Grosse Pointe Blank, or Say Anything.