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The online film magazine Combustible Celluloid offers new movie reviews, DVD reviews, film reviews, actor interviews, actress interviews, director interviews, film books and all things cinema related for the thoughtful and passionate. Online for ten years! Over 3000 reviews!

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Better Off Dead (1985)

Rating: 3 Stars (out of 4)

Little Campers

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

John Cusack established his persona as a Gen X icon with two films, this and The Sure Thing, also released in 1985. In the hilarious and brilliantly deadpan Better Off Dead, he plays Lane Meyer, a high-schooler who tries to kill himself after his beloved girlfriend dumps him for a champion skier. Of course, it ends in a big race. It's a cult favorite with great quotable lines like "I want my two dollars!" Director Savage Steve Holland throws in several moments of almost surreal non-reality, including animation. Curtis Armstrong co-stars as Lane's wisecracking pal Charles. Paramount's 2011 Blu-Ray release includes a trailer.

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Trailer | Poster | Soundtrack

Starring: John Cusack, David Ogden Stiers, Kim Darby, Demian Slade, Scooter Stevens, Diane Franklin, Amanda Wyss, Curtis Armstrong
Written by: Savage Steve Holland
Directed by: Savage Steve Holland
MPAA Rating: PG
Running Time: 97 minutes
Date: September 5, 2002