Grosse Pointe Blank

Starring: John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Alan Arkin, Dan Aykroyd, Joan Cusack, Hank Azaria, Jenna Elfman (cameo)
Directed by: George Armitage
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
Box Office: $28,084,357
1997

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary:Martin Blank (John Cusack) is an assassin facing a strange situation- he will be in Detroit, doing a job, and he has been invited to his 10 year high school anniversary. This poses a problem, because he can't say, "Hi, I'm Martin Blank, a professional killer." However, returning to his hometown would allow him to see his high school sweetheart (Minnie Driver), whom he abandoned on Prom night 10 years ago. To complicate matters, a rival hitman (Dan Aykroyd) is watching Blank carefully, as are two FBI agents (Hank Azaria, etc.)

Review:

Tim: Like you know by now, I'm a huge John Cusack fan. He is amazing in this movie as Martin Blank. Only Cusack could pull off the difficult duality of being both a killer and a really, really nice guy. He plays it perfectly, and it makes for an interesting film. Cusack's Blank is a complicated and exciting person to watch. It really makes this occasionally flimsy film worthwhile because of his performance. He also helps embody the great blend of action and comedy that makes this film so great.

One aspect of this movie I didn't care for was Minnie Driver. As much as I like Cusack, I equally don't like Driver. I just think she's disgusting, and I hate watching her on screen. Although she tries really hard here, I just can't like a character she plays.

Another aspect of John Cusack's movies I enjoy is that his sister, Joan, oftentimes plays a smaller role in the film. Here she is his secretary, and is absolutely hilarious. The scenes with the two of them are among the best in the film.

Despite Driver, this is a really good film to watch. It is both interesting and entertaining, and it's hard to go wrong with a film starring John Cusack. I definetely recommend checking this one out.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7



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