"No, no, don't give it a shot...don't shoot anything."

GROSSE POINTE BLANK (R) 

Martin Blank (John Cusack) is a gun for hire: a professional killer.  Ten years ago he mysteriously disappeared from his home town of Grosse Pointe, Michigan and hasn't returned since--but a ten-year high school reunion, a contract kill, and his long lost love Debi (Minnie Driver) finally lure Martin back to town, and the result is a highly entertaining dark comedy called Grosse Point Blank.  Humor, romance, and violence rule in this film, and though this is sometimes a jarring combination, Grosse Pointe manages to combine the three elements to great success.  John Cusack turns in an excellent performance as the hitman with a therapist (Alan Arkin), using some of the most wonderful comedic expressions I've seen in a while.  There are also some memorable performances from Grosse Pointe's supporting cast, including Dan Aykroyd, Joan Cusack, Alan Arkin, and Jeremy Piven.

Very simply, Grosse Pointe is FUN.  Those who are sensitive to violence may not enjoy some of the shoot-em-up scenes in this film, but these sequences are done with such exaggerated, over-the-top energy that even the most squeamish should find a laugh or two.  This is an interesting film with intelligent characters in ridiculous situations.  The final sequence, where Martin expresses his feelings for Debi while killing what seems like a dozen people, is an absolute study in the absurd...but it works!  

Credit goes to the writers for some very clever dialog, and to director George Armitage for helping create this alternate world complete with great new wave 80's music and the most colorful collection of characters recently brought together on film.  Check this one out!

Responses from cyberspace--thanks for writing, folks!

missycoe@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "A classic J.C. movie. It never fails to make me laugh and put me in a good mood. Cusak is a favorite of mine, he and Mini Driver are awesome together. Not to mention that I'm an 80's girl from a small town who skipped her reunion cause she didn't want to deal (much like Blank). It's a keeper!" (9/18/00)

alustrielstar@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "this movie is one of my 3 all time fav's.. john cusak freakin rocks, and the exaggerated violence combined with witty dialouge and great acting makes for Quality entertainment and then .. grosse pt blank is more than just a "popcorn" movie.. its a classic... *" (12/5/99)

sweden00@yesbox.net gives this movie  stars: "This movie is very good. But they are some misstakes done! like when Martin puts his mobile phone down on the hood of his car and then picks it up from inside. And when you first can see a shot of the ultimart without a sign and in the next shot you can see the sign fall off! And what happened to all the car number plates!? But I´m still thinking this is the best movie for some times! John Cusack is a hell of an actor!" (8/16/99)

bigblue@citlink.com gives this movie  stars: "Wonderful! I love action/comedy movies and this one tops my chart! Even though im not much of a fan for Black Humor, I watched this movie anyway and I'm very glad I did!" (8/15/99)

capt_angeles@mixmail.com gives this movie  stars: "this is an absolute awesome movie that is the best movie of all time. everything about it, the acting,action,comedy,drama, and music, all kick serious ass." (7/28/99)

brio@nettaxi.com gives this movie  stars: "A hilarious film, with a cool lead by John Cusak. Where can I sign-up to become a hit-man?" (1/3/99)

cerletty@fas.harvard.edu gives this movie  stars: "I really enjoyed this film, particularly the humorous dialogue. It is most enjoyable for those with a quick dry wit." (10/22/98)

Hannah gives this movie  stars: "The film is brilliant. The soundtrack to the film is even better" (9/24/98)

martindf@flyernet.udayton.edu gives this movie  stars: "This is the best movie.... ever... comedy, action, little drama.... its awesome.... the soundtrack complements its every scene..... absolutely the best...." (9/19/98)

igoo@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "This is in my mind one hell of a film. Cusack did one perfomance that I will not soon forget. This defeinetly ranks with my top five along with The Star Wars Trilogy The Indiana Jones Trilogy and The Back to The Future Trilogy" (9/16/98)

ten1378@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "I believe 1125 is so incorrect. The movie, Grosse Pointe Blank was awesome. It is ranked in my personal top 5 favorites of all time. I think Cusak, though washy at times, never strayed from character, and delivered a convincing, though sometimes lacklustre performance. The same is true for Minnie Driver. The screenwriter did an excellent job of tying all of the movie together, making a web instead of a continuum style story. Overall excellent. Go out and rent this one today folks. And listen closely...there is a lot you could miss if you don't. :)" (1/26/98)

sukhi@lara.on.ca gives this movie  stars. (5/31/97)

ydnew@alaska.net gives this movie  stars: "I loved this movie. Cusack was great as the assassin in search of meaning. Absurd situations, witty black humor and out of the ordinary. Very entertaining." (5/11/97)

1125@aol.com gives this movie  star: "this movie sucked. it was a real dog. for one i have to agree with my local paper, which is not very often." (4/18/97)