Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)

What can I say, this film is brilliant, from the start through to the finish, I don't think there is actually one bad scene. The comedy timing is excellent, the action sequences are brilliant, especially the unarmed fight with Cusack and his real life martial arts instructor Benny Urquidez, short but realistic. If you love brilliant timed comedy, action sequences that are well done and a soundtrack that is also brilliant do yourself a favour and watch this movie, you will not be disappointed.

I have a soft spot for this movie. Cusack has played several variations of Blanke (the lead character) over the years and this itself is pretty interesting; he has been able to explore a sort of lost soul/Rennaisance killer in a variety of settings at various ages. This film works on a lot of levels. It speaks to a certain sense of nostalgia and regret for lost opportunity. It's a hilarious romp through alt-80s pop-culture. And it's a great study in the internal conflicts of a man confronting his fears and the consequences of his decisions. It's also funny and pretty decent adventure movie.Watch the movie twice (or more) to capture the details, setting and back story. The characters are surprisingly well-developed, but a lot of this is hidden by rapid-fire dialogue, in scenery details and in the score. Music is HUGE part of this movie. Sadly, the official soundtrack only includes about half of the songs used in the film. The score sets the scene, explains the characters and the cast and director were clearly aware of the impact of the lyrics of the songs as well as their tone to define the action.Watch this movie.

I love this film the dark comedy and choice of soundtrack is amazing and the cast work so well together . It works on many levels and I have to say it's amazing. John cusaac is a great actor. His ability to portray a dark souls and yet keep aspect of him redeemable and funny. Dan ackroyd is comedic genius and has a good touch of phycopathic lunacy. Joan cusaac has a great ability to to go hot and cold in a blink of an eye is perfection as the put upon assistant. Minnie driver displays a range not seen in her earlier rolls and to be honest not seen since. The whole film set around a hit man reaching a midlife crisis of sorts and having the ability to go back home. Choices made and a future of new found respect for life is fun. The action sequences are completely believable and no gratuitous unrealistic expectations of gun play and hand to hand fighting. The pen really is mightier than the sword.

Great and recommended for a variety of reasons.A "bumble bee" movie, on paper it seems crazy, hi-concept, and unlikely to work. In reality with a killer script, killer direction and great acting, one of the most memorable and entertaining films of the era.Holds up well on a second or third viewing.Is a comedy or an action film with elements of satire? That is the genius. It is hard to tell.A demarcation point for Cusack -- likely the last film in which he was able to recreate the "charm" of his "brat pack" days, and he milks it for what it is worth. Shortly thereafter he became (according to his agent) "the hardest working actor in Hollywood" and went for clearly adult roles.Great film.