After looking at many movies, it has become apparent to us that John Cusack was the only actor available for lead male roles in the ’80s, which is fine with us. He was just so damn cute — not in a sexy Brad Pitt way, but in an innocent, 17-year-old way. How could any Hollywood director not want to make him the object of the country’s affection?
In honor of our fancy “Spring Break Issue,” we present “Hot Pursuit,” an epic adventure from 1987 about girls, guns and ganja. Cusack plays Dan, a young prep school student scheduled to go on a spring vacation to the Caribbean with his girlfriend, Lori, and her family. But because he fails a chemistry final, he has to stay behind and make it up.
Fortunately, the lovable chemistry teacher raises Dan’s grade at the last minute and lets him go on vacation. But Lori’s family has already left for the airport. From this point, he is in “hot pursuit” of his girlfriend through the black-hearted oceans and jungles of the Caribbean.
Along the way, he encounters a series of endearing eccentrics, such as the jolly Rastafarians who teach Dan to “go wit de flow.” We would be lying to you if we said they achieved such tranquility without the aid of certain chemical substances. Then there is Mac, a mysterious sea captain who helps Dan tame the wily seas.
Mason: Dyarrrrrrrrrrr!
Rebecca: Shut up, Mason.
During his journey, Dan’s mission changes from just finding his girlfriend to saving her family from the clutches of evil pirates in white shorts played by Jerry and Ben Stiller. Hardened by the beating sun and crashing waves, Dan transforms into a hero, who looks surprisingly Rambo-esque.
Rebecca: Complete with a headband and a machine gun. It’s breathtaking. Really.
Mason: You should see me with a headband and a machine gun.
Rebecca:… ew.
We originally thought “Hot Pursuit” would be a porno flick. Instead, it turned out to be a genuinely cool movie, which we figured was a good thing.
Mason: I didn’t.
The eye-candy shots of tropical scenes and the synthesizer music blend nicely in the background to subtly influence the fun mood. Of course, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” fills its requisite role in the soundtrack — never mind the lack of lions in the Caribbean. “Hot Pursuit” also shows hints of Cusack’s evolution beyond his “sweet guy” roles and into the mature actor we see in movies such as “Grosse Pointe Blank” and “High Fidelity.”
As an added bonus, this movie is chock full of grade-A buzz lines. Here are some to whet your whistle.
“I can’t afford to switch schools like underwear.” — Dan
“Yeah, Dan’s got a stomach problem all right — a lack of guts.” — Lori’s Dad
“Love, the chemistry of life.” — lovable chemistry teacher
“Mon belong to de woman, but de woman she don’t belong to de mon.” — jolly Rastafarians
“Some of us drink from the fountain of knowledge; others gargle.” — Mac
Mason: grlaaarrlaaalralabblaalbaarrr
Rebecca: Mason, stop gargling. I think Mac was speaking metaphorically when he mentioned the fountain of knowledge.
Mason: Damn.
You certainly don’t need to be smart to enjoy this movie. Actually, it probably helps a little if you aren’t. Let’s just say that certain things are better left unquestioned, such as how Dan actually gets to the Caribbean.
We give this movie three stars. But the rating isn’t important; what’s important is not flunking any of your finals before spring break. But if you have to choose one, pick chemistry.
In ‘Hot Pursuit’ of a spring break flick?
Daily Emerald
January 31, 2001
Bryan Dixon Emerald
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