Curly Sue Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT SUMMARY
Bill Dancer and his young companion Curly Sue are the classic homeless folks with hearts of gold. Their scams are aimed not at turning a profit, but at getting enough to eat. When they scam the rich and beautiful Grey Ellison into believing she backed her Mercedes into Bill, they're only hoping for a free meal. But Grey is touched, and over the objections of her snotty fiance, insist on putting the two up for the night. As they get to know each other, Bill becomes convinced that this is where Curly Sue belongs - in a home, cared for by someone that can give her the advantages that his homeless, nomadic existence lacks. He plans to leave the young girl in the care of Grey and take off.... but Curly Sue has other ideas!
| James Belushi | Bill Dancer |
| Kelly Lynch | Grey Ellison |
| Alisan Porter | Curly Sue |
| John Getz | Walker McCormick |
| Fred Dalton Thompson | Bernard Oxbar |
| Cameron Thor | Maitre d' |
| Branscombe Richmond | Albert |
| Steve Carell | Tesio |
| Gail Boggs | Anise Hall |
| Burke Byrnes | Dr. Maxwell |
| Viveka Davis | Trina |
| Barbara Tarbuck | Mrs. Arnold |
| Edie McClurg | Secretary |
| Charles Adams | Prison Guard |
| James W. Bolinski | Pawnbroker |
| John Hughes |
4.70 out of 10 (3323 votes)
Visitor Reviews
An endearing comedy with a BIG heart!
posted on 08 Feb 2008"When somebody gives you something to remember them by it means they are going to take off. If they are going to stick around you don't have to have anything to remember them by because they will be there." - Curly Sue
Curly Sue is one of those goose bumps, feel-good, heartwarming movies. While it has its moments of comedy, it is not one of those rolling on the floor laughing out loud movies. It's about a homeless man (John Belushi) who has taken care of this orphan girl, Curly Sue (Alisan Porter) since her birth on meager means, that is until they cross the path of an attorney (Kelly Lynch) who dares to care for this little girl and Bill (John Belushi). It's an incredible story full of compassion that is sure to warm your heart during the holidays or anytime of the year. Full of warmth, honesty and a kick of humor you are sure to fall in love with Curly Sue. This movie is a definite see for any movie lover.
Homeless girl who'll capture your heart...
posted on 16 Oct 2007John Hughes brings us another sad tale of a character, who's heart is bigger than her wallet, or her guardian's brain.James Belushi plays a bum. A man who has been unemployed traveling from city to city for the past ten or so years. And did I mention he travels with a little girl? Curly Sue is her name, and along with scams and easy ways of getting free food, and some money the two play a game with one another. Kelly Lynch, plays a very successful sophisticated lawyer, who happens to be the bait, for such a ploy the two decide to pull. After running over Bill (Belushi) with her car, she takes the two out for dinner in order to apologize for her actions. Throughout several other meetings with the two unfortunates, she takes them in for the night which turns into several nights.It's a heart-warming tale of three unlikely people who find joy and happiness with one another. However, be prepared, that as funny as most of Hughes' films are, this one tends to be much more dramatic than you might think. But a wonderful piece that will stay with you years after you see it.I give this film a 7 out of 10 (10 being the highest). Although I enjoy it thoroughly, it's still not the best movie Hughes has ever made or written.And that's my review.
This movie tends to receive poor reviews...whatever for
posted on 19 Apr 2007Basically the only reason I turned it to nauseating-sounding "Curly Sue" is because I saw that it only had a rating of one-star and I was kind of curious as to why. It wasn't too hard to figure out:I admit to missing some of "Curly Sue" (rather sappily titled, since it is about a girl named Susan with curly hair), but what I did see basically had no plot. Various little situations happened, including Jim Belushi's character and Susan going to some fancy restaraunt with his lawyer girlfriend, who somehow managed to offend them both; a Very Bad man filing a false report of abuse against Jim Belushi's character; a Mean Man pointlessly giving Susan a haircut(this is not even shown and to this second, I still don't know WHICH man it was) and Belushi involved in some ridiculous conflict at a jail, where he is trying to locate a ring.Without giving away the movie, I feel I can say that these various problems amount to absolutely nothing and have nothing to do with the film's ending, which is so predictable I knew what was going to happen the second I turned it there. To give this silly movie "credit," at least its plotlessness and predictability made it amusing in a *bad* way, but it was still very, very easy to see why critics might give this film one-star.
Amazing Movie!
posted on 15 Nov 2006This is a romantic comedy that everyone should have in their collection. James Belushi did a very good work with this characterization, as the tutor of little Curly Sue. Alisan Porter is so cute, smart and good singer, you fall in love with her instantly. I recommend this movie for everyone in the family!
OK
posted on 07 Aug 2006A borderline bad John Hughes film that has its moments. Belushi plays a con man, Porter is his accomplice. She's charming, he's insufferable. I will never understand why an actor of such limited ability manages to appear -- even star -- in so many movies. He's even starring in a current TV sitcom! Tom Arnold has more talent, and that's saying a lot. Anyhow, worth a look, but only a look. Hughes has made far superior fare, and this shows his best years were by then behind him. Sentimental to a fault. Just like ANNIE.
Curly EWWWWW
posted on 20 Jun 2006It's hard to believe people actually LIKE this dreck! I do think kids can enjoy it, but to me it's the kind of kid film parents can't bear to sit through. Predictable plot, boring Belushi, and possibly the worst kid actor of all time. I will give the director some of the responsibility for the kid, but she was truly painful to watch. I feel embarrassed for her now, having people know it was her. When she sang the Star Spangled Banner I had to turn the sound off--then I came here and discovered they did that because she won Star Search. I've always felt Jim Belushi should be ashamed to trade on the name of his wonderful, sadly missed brother, and this crap shows why. Zero stars.
One word for this film-- Adorable!!!!
posted on 13 Aug 2005This is absolutely one of the cutest movies I have ever seen! James Belushi stars as a con-man stuck with a cute little girl with curly hair. In another one of their typical cons, they hit the jackpot. They get taken in by Kelly Lynch, who plays a tough, no nonsense attorney. She lets them stay the night after she hits Belushi with her car and eventually they make their way into her heart as well. Of course, this is a John Hughes film, and they always have an underlying dark theme to them (this film is no exception), but all in all it is a great movie. Little Curly Sue will steal your heart. Want a feel good movie with a happy ending? Voila!
Take a heartfelt whirl with Curly Sue!
posted on 25 Jun 2005Curly Sue is a 6 year old with an abundance of hair and a life as a drifter. She and her father, Bill (Jim Belushi), try to survive on the streets by being small time con artists. In Chicago, Bill decides to jump in front of a car in a pricey parking garage while Curly will scream about lawsuits and traction to the intended victim. It happens to be a very upscale lawyer named Grey (Kelly Lynch) who is appropriately appalled at what she has done. Not only do the scammers make some cash, they get to spend the night at Grey's plush apartment. Even then, Grey feels she owes them more so the three of them hang together for a spell. Grey only knows the lucrative law business and nothing about life. Who better to teach her than Bill and Curly, those savvy experts on life's realities? But, all good things must come to an end and there is no life for a legal expert and a couple of con men. Or is there? This is a sweet and funny movie about the unexpected. Curly is certainly as entertaining as Shirley Temple but much edgier, of course. Belushi gives a rare touching performance as the down on his luck con and Lynch is luminous as the snooty but soft touch lawyer. John Hughes, as writer and director, shows us his magic touch once again, as the script is lively and unpredictable. Just watch Curly and Bill take Grey out for a night, with no money, and see the humorous results. Do you long for happy endings, long promised and finally delivered, with a few uncertain moments in between? This is your made-to-order movie.
Works as a guilty pleasure
posted on 23 Jan 2005I remember having a pretty low regard for a venture like this when it was first released. James "Not Jim" Belushi, a hammy kid actress, and a cheesy title in a John Hughes formula. You couldn't have paid me to see it 15 years ago. But, I got caught up watching it while wasting away a Sunday afternoon, and it hits me on a couple of levels. The fairy tale (part Pretty Woman, part reverse Pretty Woman), the very vulnerable, Elizabeth_Perkins_in_Miracle_On_42nd_Street -like performance by Kelly Lynch, the escapism. Over all, it gently pulls some very nice strings. It's pretty hard not to fall into the story, develop a crush on Kelly Lynch, identify with James Belushi, dislike the stiff bad guy boyfriend, and laugh at the Curley Sue lines. Has all the ups and downs, with a happy ending, and the kind of message you want to hear. Go ahead, waste your time on this movie, it's worth it.
Sweet story about an orphan's quest for love and stability
posted on 30 Jun 2004Writer/Director John Hughes covered all bases (as usual) with this bitter-sweet "Sunday Afternoon" family movie. "Curly Sue" is a sweet, precocious orphan, cared for from infancy by "Bill". The pair live off their wits as they travel the great US of A. Fate matches them with a "very pretty" yuppie lawyer, and the rest is predictable.Kids will love this film, as they can relate to the heroine, played by 9 year old Alisan Poter (who went on to be the "you go girl!" of Pepsi commercials). The character is supposed to be about 6 or 7, as she is urged to think about going to school. Some of her vocabulary suggests that she is every day of 9 or older.Similar to "Home Alone", there is plenty of slap-stick and little fists punching big fat chins. Again, this is "formula" film making, aimed at a young audience. Entertaining and heartwarming. Don't look for any surprises, but be prepared to shed a tear or two.
Kelly Lynch makes this film watchable
posted on 20 Aug 2003If you can make the leap of faith required to believe that a successful attorney would actually fall in love with a homeless man, then you will enjoy this heart warming film.Jim Belushi does a fair job, either you like his style or you don't. The little girl is cute enough. But, Kelly Lynch was remarkably convincing. I found myself drawn into her performance in a way that was quite surprising considering a film of this nature.This movie is billed as a comedy and it was funny enough. Besides making me laugh, it also got me choked up at times. A good film for the whole family.
This is a light show that is heartwarming and funny.
posted on 06 Feb 2003With all thats going on in the world sometimes we need an escape. Curly Sue is just that. Not a complicated plot or deep meaning; however it is not devoid of substance. There is more than furious action or heart pounding dramas. There are the charming little shows you can watch with your kids and have enough substance to enjoy with your date. Try it you may like it more than you think. The little girl is really smart and cute. The "Dad" and the girl go thru some slapstick routines. When a jealous boyfriend steps in, trouble brews for Curly and the life shes known may be torn asunder. Fred Thompson and Kelly Lynch play good roles as the upper crust and Alison Porter and James Belushi are a interesting fable like duo portraying street wise homeless drifters. Their worlds collide and comedy ensues.
Good Hearted Film
posted on 15 Sep 2002Excellent film and I really enjoyed it. I agree with all the other people that this is a really great film. I doubt my rating will help matters but we'll see. It's a shame we haven't seen Porter in anything since this film. My only qualm is if they might have cut down slightly on the comedy, but it was still a great film. I wondered why this hadn't got a higher rating. Just shows, doesn't it?
A Funny Heart Warming Movie The Whole Family Will Enjoy Watching
posted on 30 Jul 2002A very funny heart warming movie the entire family can watch with and enjoy.
I enjoyed as well as cried at times by what happens to Curly Sue during the movie,which actually occurs in real life.
The music is good as well to listen to
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I can't believe this.
posted on 12 Mar 2009How can the viewer rating for this movie be just 5.4?! Just the lovely young Alisan Porter should automatically start you at 6 when you decide your rating. James Belushi is good in this too, his first good serious role, I hadn't liked him in anything but About Last Night until this. He was pretty good in Gang Related with Tupac also. Kelly Lynch, you gotta love her. Well, I do. I'm only wondering what happened to Miss Porter?i gave Curly Sue a 7