This edition of “Sunday Cinema” has a question:
“Have you been to a high school reunion?”
Well, if you have 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!
Time to celebrate a great film from the 90’s!
“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!
I love that line! Here’s the plot of “Grosse Point Blank:”
John Cusack returns for his high school reunion in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He’s int the midst of a premature mid-life crisis – you know, since he’s a professional hit man!
He wants to reunite with his ex-girlfriend Minnie Driver, and also settle some unfinished business with a rival 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!
Aykroyd is pitch perfect in the role: chewing up scenery with relish! I think it’s one of his best roles!
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 becoming 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 funny – and it has lots of action, topped by a maniacally hilarious performance by Dan Aykroyd as a fellow “unhinged” Assassin!
This is worth looking for – it’s a blast!
Speaking of high school reunions, make it a double bill with this great comedy!
“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!
If you enjoy these posts, why not subscribe and never miss out? It’s easy, and there are NO ads of any kind, just stuff I like…click on the main page and “follow” me on the upper right…
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, Pop Culture, Revenge Movies, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
Leave a comment