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"Still Better Off Dead"/"One Crazier Summer"

Originals: In commercial washout-turned-cult classic “Better Off Dead,” heartbroken Lane Meyer (John Cusack) skis and drives his way into the heart of Monique (Diane Franklin), while learning to decipher her totally fake French accent. In commercial washout-turned-lesser cult classic “One Crazy Summer,” slacker Hoops McCann (also Cusack) boats his way into the heart of Cassandra (Demi Moore), while learning to tolerate her totally lame music.

The sequels: Writer/director Savage Steve Holland returns to his roots after 20 years of Disney TV shows, a straight-to-video “Legally Blonde” sequel and Howard Stern's forthcoming “Porky's” remake. Unafraid of alienating fans, Holland charts a bold new direction and explains the events of both original movies as Lane Meyer's carbon monoxide-induced fantasies.

This exquisite two-parter picks up in the middle of the “Better Off Dead” plot, using spontaneous animation and racing metaphors to explore themes of love, death and redemption and reveal the hidden meaning of “I want my two dollars.” Former child actor Alex D. Linz (“Max Keeble's Big Move,”  “Home Alone 3”) fills Cusack's shoes in a surprisingly dark performance and Curtis Armstrong (co-star of “Dead” and “Summer”) appears as DeMar, Lane's spirit guide on his journey of self-discovery.