Movie Review: Hot Pursuit (1987)

★★★★★

I watched it on a whim and ended up loving the ride. John Cusack’s awkward charm pulled me in, and it was exactly 80s movie I didn’t know I needed.

Megan M.

Florida

Let’s face it, when most people think of John Cusack in the '80s, their minds jump to Say Anything, Better Off Dead, or maybe even The Sure Thing. But buried a little deeper in his filmography is Hot Pursuit (1987), a quirky, chaotic, and often overlooked teen comedy adventure that never quite got the credit it deserved.

I recently revisited this film for BoxReview.com, and while it’s no masterpiece, Hot Pursuit delivers a kind of goofy charm and unpredictable energy that makes it worth a second look, especially for fans of offbeat ‘80s cinema.

The Premise: A Vacation Gone (Very) Wrong

Hot Pursuit follows Dan Bartlett (Cusack), a private school senior who’s got the perfect tropical vacation lined up with his girlfriend Lori and her well-to-do family. But when he fails an exam, Dan is forced to stay behind and make up for the grade. After a last-minute save by his teacher, he rushes off to join the family in the Caribbean, only to find they’ve left without him.

From that point on, the movie becomes a tropical chase with pirates, hijinks, dodgy freighters, eccentric expats, and more than a few close calls. Think Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, but sunburned and wearing board shorts.

A Different Kind of Teen Movie

What makes Hot Pursuit different from many other teen comedies of its time is the complete genre mash-up. It’s not just a fish-out-of-water comedy or a coming-of-age romance. It’s also a full-blown tropical action-adventure with kidnappings, shootouts, and boat chases. And yet somehow it still feels like an ‘80s teen flick.

That mash-up might be why some audiences didn’t quite know what to make of it, but personally, I find the mix refreshing. It’s like someone took a John Hughes protagonist and dropped him into a Jimmy Buffett fever dream.

John Cusack Before Peak Cusack

Cusack is the real glue that holds this oddball story together. He brings his usual neurotic charm to the role of Dan, equal parts awkward, determined, and slightly in over his head. It’s the kind of role that hints at the more confident characters he'd go on to play, but still has that unsure, stammering edge that made him so relatable.

One thing you might not read in other Hot Pursuit reviews is just how physical Cusack’s performance is here. He’s not just delivering lines and romantic angst; he’s crawling through engine rooms, escaping pirate shacks, and diving off docks. It’s an unexpectedly action-heavy role for him, and it makes the movie stand out from the usual teen fare.

Ben Stiller’s Hidden Cameo

Another reason to watch Hot Pursuit? A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance from a young Ben Stiller in his film debut. He plays Chris, a spoiled rich kid and one of Lori’s brothers, and though his screen time is brief, it’s fun to see the seeds of his later on-screen arrogance already in bloom.

And yes, Stiller’s dad, Jerry Stiller, also makes an appearance in a scene-stealing supporting role, giving the film an added dose of comedic veteran energy.

A Tropical Setting With Grit

Unlike polished resort-set comedies, Hot Pursuit gets surprisingly gritty at times. Filmed in Jamaica and other Caribbean locations, there’s a real sense of unpredictable terrain, broken boats, smoky bars, and dodgy characters in flip-flops. The film’s low-budget adventure vibe actually works in its favor, giving it an edge that most teen comedies simply don’t have.

There are moments where the movie dips into surreal territory, like when Dan ends up navigating the jungle with a sunburned ex-hippie (played by the always-memorable Robert Loggia). It’s these random, side-quest-style detours that make the film feel less scripted and more like a real (and ridiculous) journey.

Not Without Its Flaws

Let’s be honest, Hot Pursuit isn’t perfect. The plot relies heavily on coincidences, and some of the pacing in the second act feels a little sluggish. The romantic subplot between Dan and Lori could’ve used more screen time, too; for a love-driven adventure, she’s oddly absent through most of the film.

But at the same time, that distance lets the film focus more on Dan’s transformation from a timid teen into someone who learns to trust his instincts even if they lead him through pirate-infested waters.

Why It Deserves a Second Look

Here at Box Review, we love digging into the forgotten corners of the '80s movie shelf, and Hot Pursuit is a perfect example of a film that didn’t get the spotlight but still has something to offer. It's uneven but earnest, weird but watchable.

It also offers something unique for fans of teen comedies: a chance to see what happens when the genre steps out of suburban high schools and into the unpredictable wilds of the Caribbean. There’s a real sense of adventure that’s missing from many films of this era, especially those aimed at younger audiences.

Final Thoughts

Hot Pursuit isn’t just a hidden John Cusack gem; it’s a reminder of when filmmakers took risks with genre and location, mixing slapstick comedy with sun-drenched suspense. It might not top any “Best of the '80s” lists, but it’s a great example of how imperfect movies can still be wildly entertaining.

So if you’re in the mood for a vacation movie that veers way off the beaten path, give Hot Pursuit a shot. Just don’t expect a straightforward ride and maybe keep an eye out for pirates.