Fun killer comedy (Grosse Point Blank (DVD))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Grosse Point Blank (DVD)
Date:	20/09/09 (2 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cusack, script

Disadvantages: None

note: also appears in part on Flixster and The Student Room

Gimmick comedies are a dime a dozen, and the idea of a romantic comedy involving an assassin could very well go either way. It has promise, but it could also just be goofy and silly. Nevertheless, this is a solid film thanks to John Cusack and Minnie Driver's chemistry and an interestingly executed premise. It had a sequel many years later, War Inc., with Cusack returning in the lead role, but sadly they couldn't recreate the magic this time around.

The film depicts the assassin Martin Q. Blank (John Cusack) who, despite making a wealth of cash, just isn't satisfied with life. More to the point, there are numerous rival assassins that are edging him out of business, such as Grocer (Dan Aykroyd). Contemplating what he wants out of life, he recieves an invitation to his 10-year high school reunion in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He doesn't intend to go, but his psychiatrist (Alan Arkin) and his secretary (Joan Cusack) suggest that he does, and reluctantly, he does so.

On arrival in Grosse Point, he re-establishes his relationship with Debi Newberry (Minnie Driver), who he walked out on during prom night to join the Army. Naturally, she's not too pleased with him, and he's also being sought after by assassin Felix LaPoubelle (Benny Urquidez) and two bumbling NSA Agents (Hank Azaria and K. Todd Freeman).

What makes the film worth a watch is the existential undertones - it's a clever but also quite sweet and poignant film that takes a strange approach to a unique facet of the romantic drama subset. What's more, it features solid performances and earnest writing. This film's premise is extremely promising, and Cusack's usual charm and wit makes this one to watch. Not amazing by any means, but very entertaining.

Summary: A solid comedy