There was not much to like about the 1985 teen romantic comedy, Better Off Dead, starring John Cusack. The simple, and often retold story of a high school boy whose girlfriend dumps him for someone better, and his road back to redemption where everyone learns a lesson, is over-cooked.

The Better Off Dead Camaro. Photo from betteroffdeadcamaro.com

The movie centers around Cusack’s character finding his confidence, which was shattered when his girlfriend leaves, but is restored when another student helps him rebuild his vintage Camaro. The beautiful French foreign-exchange student that is living with one of the neighbors begins helping Cusack’s character fix up his 1967 Camaro to win back his ex-girlfriend. During the process, it is the exchange student and Cusack’s character that fall in love with the black Camaro speaking the international language of love.

There are moments of comedic relief in this teenage tale of angst and despair, like the paperboy that persistently chases after Cusack repeating that he wants two dollars that are owed. What should have been a saving moment by the Camaro was wasted as a skiing accident eliminates the paperboy’s constant pursuit.

It was the black Camaro that understood the international language of love. Photo from betteroffdeadcamaro.com

The film also introduces two characters that tie the story together. A pair of drag racing brothers, one of whom practices english by imitating the late Howard Cosell. After losing an early race against the brothers, Cusack gets his revenge with the rebuilt Camaro.

Two years ago we reported on the actual Camaro from the movie and it’s true life story in this article: Better Off Dead Camaro Found And Restored To Its Former Glory.