Day 49: Grosse Pointe Blank (1997, Dir. George Armitage)
If it wasn’t for that pesky Quentin Tarantino this could be the coolest film of the 90’s, and if it wasn’t for High Fidelity this could be John Cusacks career best. Mind you it’s a pretty close call on both accounts.
Grosse Pointe Blank effortlessly blends blistering brutal action with genuinely funny comedy, a dazzlingly good script and an impressive 80’s soundtrack to boot, what’s not to like?
John Cusack leads the fantastic ensemble cast with a pitch perfect performance that manages to take into his account his kick boxing, dry humour and heart and from it produces a really lovable character, who just happens to be a deadly assassin. Every other player is on top form too with a great quirky turn from Minnie Driver, a fantastic Jeremy Piven, the ever lovable Joan Cusack and a outrageously over the top Dan Aykroyd all playing their part in knocking this one out of the park.
The films concept is so simple, yet so brilliant its easy to see why the highlights come thick and fast throughout; from the explosive hallways fight backed by The Beat’s Mirror in the Bathroom to the emotionally beautiful baby sequence with David Bowie and Queen’s Under Pressure bringing the action to an awe struck standstill.
I’ll admit I’m a bit out of touch with some of Cussacks recent work, for every interesting film like 1408 or Max it looks like there are a fair few missteps and then there is 2012 which looked like… well the less said the better. Hopefully this years Hot Tub Time Machine will put John back on top form. Until then enjoy this funny, fresh, thought provoking film, an absolute classic.
8.5/10
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119229/
Extra: I’ve been avoiding War Inc. and Ice Harvest for a few years now, should I just bite the bullet?
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