Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
John Cusack | ... | Martin Q. Blank | |
Minnie Driver | ... | Debi Newberry | |
Alan Arkin | ... | Dr. Oatman | |
Dan Aykroyd | ... | Grocer | |
Joan Cusack | ... | Marcella | |
Hank Azaria | ... | Steven Lardner | |
K. Todd Freeman | ... | Kenneth McCullers | |
Jeremy Piven | ... | Paul Spericki | |
Mitchell Ryan | ... | Mr. Bart Newberry | |
Michael Cudlitz | ... | Bob Destepello | |
Benny Urquidez | ... | Felix La PuBelle | |
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Duffy Taylor | ... | Ultimart Carl |
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Audrey Kissel | ... | Arlene |
Carlos Jacott | ... | Ken | |
Brian Powell | ... | Husky Man |
Martin Blank is a freelance hitman who starts to develop a conscience, which causes him to muff a couple of routine assignments. On the advice of his secretary and his psychiatrist, he attends his 10th year High School reunion in Grosse Pointe, Michigan (a Detroit suburb where he's also contracted to kill someone). Hot on his tail are a couple of over-enthusiastic federal agents, another assassin who wants to kill him, and Grocer, an assassin who wants him to join an "Assassin's Union." Written by Afterburner <aburner@erols.com>
One of the complaints about movies these days, and justifiably so, is that they're predictable. This movie is not predictable, and I never thought I'd be able to say that about a movie with four credited writers. Every time you think you can guess where it's going, it throws a curve. It was also very funny, which is nice because good comedies are becoming a rare species. John Cusack continues to show what a great actor he is as hitman Martin Blank. He doesn't wink at the audience, saying, Oh look, I'm a hitman, but plays him as normal, with the right amount of misgivings and tenacity. Minnie Driver is quite good as the woman he's still obsessed with (although she was good in GOOD WILL HUNTING, she should have been nominated for this performance), and Alan Arkin and Jeremy Piven were good, as ever, in support. The surprise, however, is Dan Aykroyd. Just when I was prepared to write him off forever, he comes through with a great performance here. The soundtrack is terrific too, avoiding the cliched 80's songs to provide a fresh, and compatible, score.