Curly Sue Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A con artist and a precocious child scam a lawyer, and hilarity ensues as they try to become a family, mostly through slapstick and the lawyer realizing her life is empty without the chaos of street life.

🍿 Curly Sue: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Bill and Curly Sue

Bill Dancer and Curly Sue are a homeless duo who survive by running small-time cons. They travel from city to city, always looking for their next meal and a place to sleep. Their bond is strong, and they deeply care for each other, despite their unconventional lifestyle. Bill has raised Curly Sue since she was a baby after her mother left her.

The Scam on Grey Ellison

In Chicago, Bill and Curly Sue attempt to scam Grey Ellison, a wealthy and driven lawyer, by pretending Bill was hit by her car. Grey, initially annoyed, feels guilty and offers them dinner. This encounter marks the beginning of a significant change in both their lives. Grey is intrigued by their unusual circumstances and the close relationship between Bill and Curly Sue.

Unexpected Hospitality

After a series of events, including Grey accidentally hitting Bill with her car for real, she invites them to stay at her luxurious apartment. This arrangement clashes with her fiancé, Walker McCormick, who disapproves of their presence. As Grey spends more time with Bill and Curly Sue, she begins to question her career-focused lifestyle and starts to develop feelings for Bill.

Bill’s Dilemma

Bill realizes that Curly Sue deserves a more stable and conventional life, including an education and a permanent home. He contemplates leaving her with Grey, believing she can provide a better future. This decision causes internal conflict, as he loves Curly Sue deeply and doesn’t want to abandon her, but feels it’s the right thing to do for her well-being.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bill Dancer (Jim Belushi): A kind-hearted homeless con artist who has raised Curly Sue since she was a baby.
• Curly Sue (Alisan Porter): A precocious and street-smart orphan girl who has been raised by Bill to survive on the streets.
• Grey Ellison (Kelly Lynch): A successful but emotionally unfulfilled lawyer who finds her life changing after meeting Bill and Curly Sue.
• Walker McCormick (John Getz): Grey’s snobbish and unlikeable fiancé who disapproves of her involvement with Bill and Curly Sue.
• Bernard Oxbar (Fred Thompson): A friend and colleague of Grey who understands her need for finding true happiness.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Curly Sue: “I’m freezin’ my baguettes off!” – Said while walking down the street in the cold with Bill.
• Bill Dancer: “Never put whipped cream on the top. Always on the side. That way you have a choice.” – Bill explaining to Curly Sue how to get the most out of a sundae, showcasing his unique perspective on life’s simple pleasures.
• Curly Sue: “He’s got ways of coping. He’s a skilled craftsman with charm.” – Curly Sue defends Bill when Grey questions their lifestyle, highlighting Bill’s resourcefulness and likability.
• Grey Ellison: “You know, there’s nothing wrong with being a lawyer.” – Said after defending her profession, leading to the movie’s exploration of morals.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $33,691,313
• Worldwide Gross: $33,691,313

💥 Curly Sue Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Curly Sue’ as a kid and loving it. Alisan Porter was so cute, and the story seemed heartwarming. Revisiting it now, it still has some charm, but it’s definitely more predictable than I remembered. The moments between Bill and Curly Sue are still sweet, and Kelly Lynch does a good job, but overall, it’s a movie that’s more nostalgic than genuinely great. The restaurant scene where they scam the banquet is a fun one.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of family-friendly comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy feel-good stories”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted 90s movie”
  • “People who appreciate John Hughes’ films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril”
  • “Some slapstick violence”
  • “Brief scenes depicting homelessness and poverty”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “A sentimental mess, ‘Curly Sue’ squanders the talents of its cast, especially Alisan Porter. The script is formulaic, and the humor relies too heavily on slapstick, making it a forgettable film for families.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “While Alisan Porter is undeniably charming, ‘Curly Sue’ feels overly calculated and predictable. It relies too much on heart-tugging moments and a predictable plot, making it a lesser effort from John Hughes.

Audience Reactions

Alisan Porter’s performance as Curly Sue is endearing and unforgettable.: Viewers appreciate the heartwarming story and the chemistry between the main characters.

The film’s slapstick humor and feel-good ending are enjoyable for family viewing.: Many find the movie to be a pleasant and nostalgic escape, despite its flaws.

Overall Consensus: Despite its flaws, ‘Curly Sue’ has a nostalgic charm and heartwarming story that appeals to many, especially those who watched it during their childhood. However, it’s considered a lesser work in John Hughes’ filmography.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Steve Carell’s film debut. He played a waiter and was credited as Steven Carell.”
• “John Hughes’s final film as a director. He continued to write and produce movies but never directed again.”
• “Ringo Starr performed ‘You’ll Never Know’ for the soundtrack. The song plays a significant role in a pivotal scene of the film.”
• “Parts of the movie were filmed at Haven Middle School in Evanston, Illinois, a location often used in John Hughes’s films.”

🖥️ How to Watch Curly Sue?

Curly Sue is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Curly Sue, you might like these similar films:

• Paper Moon (1973): Shares a similar theme of a con man traveling with a young girl, forming an unlikely but endearing partnership.
• Annie (1982): Both feature a heartwarming story of an orphan girl who finds an unconventional family and a better life.
• Matilda (1996): Portrays a bright, independent child who overcomes difficult circumstances to find a loving home.
• Instant Family (2018): A more modern take on the unconventional family, exploring the challenges and rewards of adoption and finding connection.

🛒 Curly Sue Related Products

• Curly Sue [Blu-ray]: A great addition to anyone’s Blu-ray collection. Enjoy the film in the best quality possible for your home theater.
• Curly Sue Movie Poster: The official movie poster. Decorate your room with this classic movie poster for a nostalgic touch.
• Curly Sue T-Shirt: Show off your love for the film with a stylish and comfortable t-shirt. This is movie merchandise with fun memories.

🎧 Soundtrack

Curly Sue features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You’ll Never Know” – performed by Ringo Starr
• “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You” – performed by Russ Morgan, Larry Stock, and James Cavanaugh

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Girl From Curly Sue Is 38 And Flat Out Gorgeous Now

Ever wonder what happened to the adorable Curly Sue? This video spills the tea on Alisan Porter’s life after the movie, and let’s just say, it’s a wild ride! I was totally surprised by her story.

Alisan Porter 1991 interview

Check out this super rare interview with little Alisan Porter from way back in 1991! It’s so cool to see her talking about ‘Curly Sue’ when it was brand new – you can tell how excited she was.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iw3IV_rEp1g

‘The Voice’: Christina Aguilera Tears Up After ‘Curly Sue’ Star’s Flawless Audition

Get ready to feel all the feels! Watch Alisan Porter (aka Curly Sue!) blow the judges away on ‘The Voice’. Seriously, Christina Aguilera’s reaction says it all – you’ll be cheering her on!

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