Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- warm
- sentimental
- breezy
- family movie night
- lazy sunday
What critics said
Critics largely considered the film an overly sentimental and formulaic John Hughes comedy, though some appreciated its warmth and the actors' quiet humor.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Bill Dancer believes Curly Sue may be better off living with Grey Ellison rather than continuing a homeless life with him.
The homeless Bill and Curly Sue become entangled with wealthy attorney Grey and her affluent social world.
The central relationship develops through Bill, Curly Sue, and Grey forming an improvised household.
The fabricated Mercedes collision is the initial scam that brings Bill and Curly Sue into Grey's life.
Films like Curly Sue, and why
Trading Places
shared warm-hearted fish-out-of-water comedy, class contrast, and sentimental found-family themes
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
shared John Hughes-style comedy, unconventional companionship, and emotionally direct humor
Annie
shared child-centered family comedy, economic hardship, and benevolent adult relationships
Overboard
shared romantic comedy structure built around class differences and a guarded wealthy protagonist
Movie Details
- Director
- John Hughes
- Release Date
- 1991-10-25
- Runtime
- 102 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (590)
Cast
- Jim Belushi
- Alisan Porter
- Kelly Lynch
- John Getz
- Steve Carell
- Fred Thompson
- Edie McClurg
- Viveka Davis
- Gail Boggs
- Ralph Foody
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Curly Sue about?
- A homeless con artist and his spirited young companion find their survival scams leading toward an unexpected chance at family and stability.
- What is Curly Sue like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Curly Sue as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Curly Sue violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Curly Sue.
- What did critics think of Curly Sue?
- Critics largely considered the film an overly sentimental and formulaic John Hughes comedy, though some appreciated its warmth and the actors' quiet humor.
- Which films are like Curly Sue?
- Films with a similar feel include Trading Places, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Annie, and Overboard.
- How long is Curly Sue?
- Curly Sue runs 102 minutes.
- Where can I watch Curly Sue?
- In United States, Curly Sue is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
