Haven't been here for years... all new and shiny these days.
Haven't been here for years... all new and shiny these days.
Member since:31.10.2000
Reviews:148
Members who trust:101
Grosse Pointe Blank is Hollywood film making at its most innovative and impressive and ranks as one of my favourite films of all time. It is directed by George Armitage and stars the epitome of cool John Cusack and the beautiful and talented Minnie Driver as the leads in a black comedy that seamlessly combines sublime action and touching romance with a script sharp enough to cut yourself on. As you may be able to tell I’m quite a fan.
John Cusack plays Martin Blank, a professional hitman, who is feeling uneasy about his life, pays regular visits to a psychiatrist and has just been invited to attend his ten-year high school reunion. Whilst initially reluctant, he has to return to Grosse Pointe to ‘make amends’ and ‘delete’ someone, after shooting his last target who was supposed to ‘die naturally’. So the basic plot is relatively simple but this movie is less about contrived plot than magnificent script and delivery from the range of characters.
Firstly we have Grocer (Dan Ackroyd), who is in the same ‘rarefied profession’ as Martin and is intent on setting up a union of professional killers so that they can ‘earn more, work less’. Grocer sees Dan Ackroyd in significant departure from his usual roles but he is surprisingly good and handles the comedy with his usual aplomb... his altered lyrics version of ‘She’ll be coming around the mountain when she comes’ near the end is one of the film’s many highlights.
At the beginning
of the film Grocer tries to persuade Martin to join his little ‘concern’ but as it rapidly becomes obvious that he is not interested Grocer decides to do the job Martin was hired for and take Martin out at the same time. There are several scenes throughout the movie where both Cusack and Ackroyd share the screen and these are a real treat as the rapid delivery of some incredible lines makes for fantastic entertainment.
Also in town are, as Martin so succinctly puts it, ‘two spooks and a ghoul’. The ‘spooks’ in question are part of a federal task force and are tipped off as to Martins presence by none other than Grocer. The agents, Steve (Hank Azaria) and McCullers (Todd Freeman), are the typical less-than-sharp portrayal of government agents but with both Azaria and Freeman in fine form, the characters are played with humour that keeps well clear of parody. The ‘ghoul’ is a fellow assassin sent to kill Martin and is involved in several action sequences, an amazing shoot out in an Ultimart with Motorhead’s Ace of Spades blaring in the background and a beautifully choreographed hand-to-hand fight scene.
Finally and most importantly there is Debbie, Minnie Driver, Martins girlfriend from high school who has not seen or heard from him in ten years since he disappeared without a trace on prom night. There is superb chemistry between Driver and Cusack that enables the romantic elements of the film to avoid the fall in schmaltz. Driver is fantastic as the girl whose feelings from the past have been reawakened and is torn between anger and passion for the mysterious return of her old flame. On learning of Martins profession her reaction is both realistic and believable and where the script grants her some comic lines she delivers them flawlessly, a very impressive performance.
So to John Cusack, this is probably the film that started his climb into superstar territory and it is hardly surprising, especially when you add the fact that he co-wrote and produced this film. As Martin Blank he has found a superb character, an almost definitive flawed hero and his portrayal of a man ill at ease with his life and seeking to change is spot on (think Rob Gordon (High Fidelity) dressed in sharp black suits and with a small arsenal in his briefcase.) Added to this are his impressive performances in several of the action sequences and his immaculate delivery of comic lines and it is clear why he is now probably the most sought after actor in Hollywood.
Of the remaining cast Cusack’s own sister, Joan, who plays his secretary is in inspired form and is hysterical in every scene in which she appears. Alan Arkin, who is Martin’s unwilling therapist, Dr. Oatman, is highly amusing in the several scenes in which he appears. And last but not least is Jeremy Piven who appears as Paul, Martin’s best friend from high school, who certainly does not let the side down.
I’ve deliberately avoided going into much detail as to the plot although this is one film where knowing the story doesn’t really affect enjoyment. I’ve probably watched it about a hundred times and still love it. Whilst I would to mention a whole host of the other notable scenes in the film I fear that this opinion would drag on for far too long (not that it hasn’t anyway I hear you mutter). Bear with me, as there are a few more things I’d like to mention.
The music in the film is certainly worthy of a paragraph, as it features a great selection of 80’s tunes starting with the opening Blister in the Sun by The Violent Femmes, through songs like I Can See Clearly Now by Jonny Nash to the aforementioned Ace of Spades. Added to this are the likes of Queen, Guns n’Roses, The Clash, The Jam, and The Specials; very impressive stuff. There is even place for 99 Luftballoons by Nena although this didn’t make it onto the soundtrack.
Well I’ve just re-read what I’ve written and haven’t got anyway near to doing this film justice but suffice it to say it is an unmissable film, a sublime combination of sardonic humour, a romantic comedy and an action movie that never fails to hit the target. Cusack and Driver are a winning combination as the leads, all the supporting cast are excellent and the director never loses his way. I’ll leave you with several of the lines from when Martin meets Debbie’s father in what is probably my favourite scene although with so many its hard to say…
“Father to Martin: I visualised you in a haze, as one of those slackster, flannel wearing, coffee house misanthropes I’ve been seeing in newsweek.
Martin: No, no I went the other way, six figures, doing business with lead pipe cruelty, mercenary sensibilities, sport, sex, no real relationships…
Father: …what have you been doing with your life?
Martin: Err… professional killer.
Father: Oh… good for you it’s a growth industry.”
Amazing!!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
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An excellent op, which puts my recently written op to shame! I think I'll go and hide in a corner now...... Anna
EnglishPatient 30.03.2001 20:30
Well, I finally read it! Terrific stuff, and a film which I must watch again, it was a blast before and I'm sure it will be next time too. Cusack has emerged as THE choice actor of his generation. A smart movie all round. Congrats on making the CMW for April, by the way :-)
Gavin6 27.03.2001 18:13
Great op. There are so many good moments - the kitchen shoot out, the shoot out in the mini mall, the whole film.
Hit man Martin Q Blank (John Cusack) is in an awkward situation. Several of them, ... more
actually. He's attending his high school reunion on an assignment; he's got a rival hit man (Dan Aykroyd) on his tail; and he's going to have to explain to his old girlfr...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Hit man Martin Q Blank (John Cusack) is in an awkward situation. Several of them, ... more
actually. He's attending his high school reunion on an assignment; he's got a rival hit man (Dan Aykroyd) on his tail; and he's going to have to explain to his old girlfr...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Grosse Pointe Blank is the witty dark comedy starring John Cusack that's being hailed by ... more
both critics and audiences for its outlandish plot and irreverent humour! Unlike his High School friends who become respected professionals Martin Blank (Cusack...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Grosse Pointe Blank is the witty, dark comedy starring John Cusack (Con Air; The Grifters) ... more
thats being hailed by both critics and audiences for its outlandish plot and irreverent humour!Unlike his High School friends, who became respected professionals...
![Grosse Pointe Blank [DVD] [1997]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78550215.jpg "Grosse Pointe Blank [DVD] [1997]")
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