Grosse Pointe Blank – Review

This fun and cheery yet darkish comedy features a professional hitman (John Cusack) at his 10-year high school reunion in a small Detroit suburb of Grosse Pointe. Looking to both knock off a target and reconnect with a long-lost love (Driver), the plot treads back and forth between action/comedy stakes, and hints of romance. Thankfully, the tone is fairly light, and the jokes keep the seriousness of murder-for-hire a bit more palatable. A killer soundtrack keeps the movie grooving, and keep the good times rolling.

There is more to the plot and a plethora of memorable side characters. Funny jokes are laced in-between fights and gunshots, but the modes all work and the movie only gets so serious. The atmosphere remains fairly goofy, despite bullets whizzing and bodies piling up. That being said, there is a realistic edge to a lot of the character motivation, and finding a proper balance was likely quite a challenge for the filmmakers. The cast plays it straight helping keeping the film composed, and the sharp script has a plethora of memorable lines. 10 years man!!!!

I have always loved this movie, and think it holds up well even after all these years, likely due to the excellent writing and balance of tones. It is certainly quirky and silly at times, but is always a good time and is very fun. Cusack and Driver work together naturally; however, the entire cast is full of all-stars which bring about memorable moments.