SNMR 3.6: "Grosse Pointe Blank"

Tonight's SNMR feature is "Grosse Pointe Blank" (1997, R, 107 minutes), starring John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Alan Arkin, Dan Aykroyd, Jeremy Piven, Joan Cusack and Hank Azaria. The film was directed by George Armitage.

The first time I watched this movie was about six years ago, when ex and I rented it from the video store. I've always liked John Cusack's films and Minnie Driver is a very underrated actress.

From the DVD's dust case:

Here's the killer comedy hit that's loaded with outrageous fun! For Martin Blank (John Cusack - Serendipity, High Fidelity), a hit man stuck in a career rut, attending his 10-year high school reunion is about the last thing he's in the mood for. But when the prospects of rekindling an old flame (Minnie Driver - Good Will Hunting, Return To Me) and pulling off one final job convince him to go, things are looking up...that is, until Martin's arch-rival (Dan Aykroyd) shows up aiming to blow the competition away! For hilarious comedy entertainment that's packed with action, Grosse Pointe Blank is a surefire knockout!

From Martin and Porter's DVD & Video Guide 2007, p. 468:

This dark hued romp is a career maker for John Cusack, a meticulous assasin who finds businees conflicting with pleasure while atending his ten year high school reunion. When not dodging bullets, Cusack tries to patch things up with the girl he jilted long ago at the high school prom. The script is sharp and sassy, the action fast and furious and the comic tone too funny for words.

I really enjoyed this movie. The script is well written with some snappy exchanges between characters. Dan Aykroyd is excellent in his small role. The premise of the story is interesting, Cusack's hit man struggling with moral issues. This film is an enjoyable piece of entertainment. I'll give it three and a half out of five stars.