Review of Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) by Spangle — 13 Apr 2016

Grosse Pointe Blank is that type of action comedy film that never takes it self too seriously, almost to a fault. However, John Cusack always finds a way to feel endlessly relatable, especially here in a film about a hitman returning home to go to his 10-year high school reunion.

As someone who is nearly halfway there on that front, there is a terrifying idea made even more awkward by him being a contract killer. The film is unapologetically fun and really plants a smile on your face from beginning to end.

Even more, it does a great job humanizing hitmen while taking a comedic approach to both that subject and returning home after many years. That said, the plot can be a little convenient and unfulfilling, namely in the sense that they keep emphasizing one point and then it is rectified in two seconds.

The film's romantic element is also not given enough depth or room to breath. It feels like a very cliche movie romance. The film's incessant cleverness and unique take feels super Pulp Fiction (helped by the cardboard cutout of it during a shootout) and it feels like the kind of film made in the aftermath of it that thought, "Oh wow that looked fun, let's do it again".

While still a fun movie, the incessant cleverness and alleged contemplation on the part of our protagonist can be a little much at times. However, that being said, it is a very well acted and well-written flick that entertains in spades while also providing an interesting look at someone returning home after many years.