“Grosse Point Blank” And “Romy & Michelle” – Two GREAT High School Reunion Movies!

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, Art, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, Film Fight Club, Great Films, Movies, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities

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12 replies

  1. Although these two movies are quite different, both are equally fun. From my viewpoint, it is the stereotypical characters in the background that tie them together. I graduated from high school over 60 years ago, and when I watch these movies, I can put the names of classmates on some of the characters. We may grow older, but for some, their character never changes.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Romy and Michelle is a classic in my book!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. I loved Grosse Point Blank, and have watched it again on TV showings. Always something to enjoy in that film.
    I still have yet to see the second one.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. HI John, a sequel to a high school reunion movie is an interesting idea. I do like Lisa Kudrow.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Gpb is one of any fav movies , as I y have mentioned big love the hit man genre

    Like

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