Rating: Summary: Great fun Review: The turkey from Winslow, Arizona who reviewed this movie on 2/17/99 got it precisely wrong: the romance is what's fresh and lovely in this film, the action sequences punctuated with witty dialogue are old hat (though well done, nonetheless). Having the Minnie Driver character confront the old beau who stood her up for the prom live on the air (when he happens to be the PARTICULARLY secretive sort) was an inspired touch.Most of the other reviewers have summarized this terrific black comedy adequately, so I just wanted to add my special appreciation for John Cusack. Lots of folks remember him from "say anything," but my admiration goes back a year before that, to John Sayles's "Eight Men Out." There was a lot to like in that movie, especially the outstanding cast (from David Strathairn to John Mahoney, not to mention Studs Terkel and Sayles himself), but as the emotional center of the plot, the relatively unknown Cusack blew everyone out of the water. It's been great to see him grow, from "Bullets Over Broadway" and "City Hall" to "Being John Malkovich" and "The Thin Red Line." What is especially amazing about Cusack, especially in this role as a professional killer at the center of a romantic comedy, is that he never looks like he's WORKING HARD. It all appears so natural and effortless. There are no wrong notes in this movie -- other than some odd soundtrack picks. Script is excellent, plot terrific, and the acting a joy.
Rating: Summary: Great movie.. but I want extras! Review: I love Grosse Pointe Blank, I love John Cusack, but I was disappointed that there were no "extra director's cut" information on the DVD.
Rating: Summary: Screamingly funny and incredibly stylish. Review: I usually refrain from synopses, but this movie deserves it. John Cusack is a weary hitman ("I killed the President of Paraguay with a fork; how have you been?"), Minnie Driver his jilted prom date turned local D.J. ("And here's the Specials. Doing . . . one of their songs."). Dan Ackroyd is a rival mercenary ("We'll go upstairs together and cap daddy!") with Alan Arkin as Cusack's shrink ("Take a deep breath and realise that this is you breathing.") The ever wonderful Joan Cusack rounds of the cast as her brother's other-worldly secretary ("It's a Greenpeace boat; it'd be so easy.") Not enough? Throw in lashings of dead-pan banter, a dollop of high-octane shoot-outs, sprinkle with one of the most realistic and slick hand-to-hand combat scenes ever to grace the screen, and garnish with a kickin' 80's soundtrack. Serve cool. Very cool.
Rating: Summary: One to watch again.....and again Review: Not only does this movie have one of the best soundtracks around--both I and II, buy them both, infact order them NOW!--but it has John Cusack--a man once called Jimmy Stewart in a Fishbone T-shirt. Its true, Cusack manages to play a character who makes a living killing people for hire, play the character convincingly, AND make us like and feel sympathy for him. Watching Martin (Cusack's character) deal with his old high school friends and explain to his ex-girlfriend why he stood her up at the prom reminds you of Cusack being in all those 80's movies in the first place. Its as if Lloyd Dobbler took a wrong turn somewhere and ended up as an assasin. The other thing this movie has going for it is the presense of Joan Cusack--possibly a better acter than her brother, every scene she is in is a delight. I know she is busy being a mom, but I wish she would make more movies! Buy The Movie! Buy the Soundtrack! Go to your High School Reunion!
Rating: Summary: A Must See Movie Review: Grosse Pointe Blank is one of the least publicized yet most enjoyable movies of the 1990's. John Cusack deserves praise for his script as well as his acting. The casting was well thought out and the chemistry between John Cusack and Minnie Driver made the movie entertaining. The dialogue was humorous and quirky and the music gave the film more of an upbeat feel. This movie is a must see for movie fans who are looking for something out of the ordinary.
Rating: Summary: Best Movie of its Kind Review: Grosse point Blank is one of the best comedy movies I have ever seen. The humor is very dark and semi intellectual. Cusack is a master of sarcasm. The fight seens are well done, and the story line is completely original. For any true movie lover, this is a must see!
Rating: Summary: Grosse Pointe Minnie Review: Favorite scene-In Debi's apartment. Overall-Great black comedy for all those about to have a highschool reunion. Minnie Driver is funny. Debi is a great character for her. No one could play her like Minnie.
Rating: Summary: Grosse point Blank Review: A good John Cusack movie, great action/sound track combo. Ackroyd is great as a hit man. Love the John Cusack facial expresion when he's telling people what he does for a living.
Rating: Summary: Great Movie, terrible DVD Review: Grosse Pointe Blank is an unusual movie. A professional hitman returns to his hometown to "do a job" and, while he's there, attend his 10 year highschool reunion. John Cusack plays the role well, charming and remarkably likeable, despite his profession. This "dark comedy" is very clever, and I rate it as one my favorite 90's films. Too bad the DVD isn't up to par. It has next to zero extras. But even that could be passable if the picture was good. First of all, the movie is non-anamorphic. That doesn't make a difference unless you have a 16x9 television, it'll look the same on a regular tv, it's just a pet peeve of mine. But, the transfer we did get is just pathetic; it looks like a (bad) laser disc transfer. The picture is grainy, and there are some definite compression artifacts to been seen. Bottom line: this DVD is worth buying for the movie, no doubt... and since this is the only version available, it's this or nothing. Just don't expect a really terrific picture.
Rating: Summary: Surpasses even the mighty "Better Off Dead" .... Review: Fantastic premise for a movie -- a hit man returning for a high school reunion ("and what do you do for a living?") -- is made better by the implied in-joke that Cusack became a star starring in all of those great 80's teen flicks. This film is razor sharp and surpasses even the mighty "Better Off Dead" and his minor role in "Sixteen Candles". One almost expects Anthony Michael Hall to show up ....
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