Have you been to a high school reunion?
Well, I doubt it was like this one!
Yes, as Jeremy Piven is quick to point out, this was a “killer” of a reunion, thanks to reunion attendee and professional hit man John Cusack!
“Grosse Pointe Blank” is a classic 1997 action-comedy with a great soundtrack and smart performances by a stellar cast led by John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Dan Aykroyd and Jeremy Piven!
First, check out the trailer:
There’s nothing quite like a high school reunion! Going back to see your fellow students is illuminating to say the least, as this dialogue proves:
Marcella: You know, when you started getting invited to your ten year high school reunion, time is catching up.
Martin Q. Blank: Are you talking about a sense of my own mortality or a fear of death?
Marcella: Well, I never really thought about it quite like that.
Martin Q. Blank: Did you go to yours?
Marcella: Yes, I did. It was just as if everyone had swelled.
“Everyone Has Swelled” Indeed!
John Cusack returns for his high school reunion in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He’s not only there to reunite with his ex-girlfriend Minnie Driver, but he has some unfinished business with another hit man, Dan Aykroyd!
The problem is, Aykroyd’s character Mr. Grocer wants to start a “hit man’s union”, and doesn’t like it when Marty AKA Cusack says no thanks…so he offers up a hilarious warning:
Mr. Grocer: After we do your job, we’re gonna do another job.
Marty: Tell me about it.
Mr. Grocer: Like I’m gonna put a bullet hole in your fuckin’ forehead, and I’m gonna fuck the brain hole!
The film’s Director originally planned to shoot the high school scenes at Grosse Pointe South High, but did not get permission from the school board. They felt that it would be inappropriate to show someone graduating from Grosse Pointe’s school system to become a hit man!
Ha! Point taken!
Of course, Cusack’s former girlfriend Minnie Driver sees the aftermath of his actions in the hallway and finds out what Cusack has been up to…she is horrified at first, but of course wants to know more, like how he ever got into this business to begin with…
Debi: [about the man Martin killed at the reunion] He was trying to kill you, right?
Marty: Yes.
Debi: It wasn’t the other way around?
Marty: No.
Debi: Is it something you’ve done?
Marty: It’s something I do… professionally, for about five years now.
[He lifts the gun in his hand]
Debi: [gasps] You were joking! People joke all the time about the horrible things they do, they don’t *do* them! It’s absurd!
Marty: When I left, I joined the Army, and when I took the service exam, my psych profile fit a certain… “moral flexibility” would be the best way to describe it. I was loaned out to a CIA-sponsored program – it’s called “mechanical operations” – and we sort of found each other.
This is a terrific movie, darkly comic – with razor sharp dialog that is really – and with lots of action, topped by a maniacally hilarious performance by Dan Aykroyd as a fellow “unhinged” Assassin!
High school reunions will never be the same – but thanks to this other film, they will always be hilarious!
“Romy And Michelle’s High School Reunion” is another hilarious high school reunion film – but it’s also touching, sweet and a perfect second feature for a high school double bill…and they are making a sequel!
That’s right, Romy and Michelle will be back!
Click here for a look at the original film and an update on the plans for a sequel!
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Thanks so much for reading, feel free to share on social media and better yet – leave a comment and let me know your favorite cult movies!
Categories: Action Films, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Movies, Obscure Movies, Pop Culture, Revenge Movies, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
I’ve never seen this film, but I like a lot of John Cusack’s work. Dan Aykroyd is a comedic genius who can also pull off serious roles
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You should give this one a try…really sharp script and Aykroyd has a small but vital role and he devours every scene he’s in – in the best way! The cafe scene is worth the price alone!
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I love love this film! Love my dark humor hitman movies. Hardly shot here in grosse point, most all shot in can. Excellent soundtrack, casting,and writing!
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I missed these! Thanks so much, John.
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Two interesting sounding films, John. I am sorry to say I have seen neither but at least I do know the actors and actresses. I did love Friends when I was younger.
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Both are terrifically written and acted…if you come across them one day, give them a chance!
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I will, John. I have a whole list of movies you’ve recommended that I intend to watch.
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Good call, John. I LOVE that film! Perfect casting, and Minnie was easy on the eye too.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, we watched it again a month or so ago and I continue to be such a fan of Dan Aykroyd’s manic performance, which when combined with Cusack’s underplaying really clicks…a gem to be sure – thanks for commenting, hope you had a great weekend!
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I can watch this every year, even knowing the ending! 🙂
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