Favorite Movie: Grosse Pointe Blank
I am a big John Cusack fan, and one of my favorite movies is Grosse Pointe Plank, a rollercoaster of fun, great action, and just a rip-roaring time
Yesterday, I was in a funk. I couldn't find anything to watch that appealed, so I said fuck it, and fired up Grosse Pointe Blank. It was a wise decision.
The premise of the movie is both ridiculous, and brilliant. Martin Blank (played by John Cusack) is a professional hitman, in private practice after a stint in the army doing wet work around the world. He is being badgered by a former colleague (played by Dan Akroyd) after a few snafus, and his office manager (played by the incomparable Joan Cusack, yes, his sister) taunts him about the receipt of the invitation to his high school's 10th annual reunion.
Some hijinx and another botched hit, and he finds the stars lining up, a "make up" hit is booked that happens to be in his old stomping ground, and alas, he attends his reunion.
The former love interest, his high school sweetheart is a DJ at the local radio station, Debbie is played by the incomparable Minnie Driver. And let me tell you, she is just delightful. This is a role that was made for her, and she takes full advantage.
One of the best things about the movie is the music. I presumed that it was a playlist of Cusack's favorite music, and it probably is. However, the credits for assembling this epic collection of 80's and 90's vintage modern rock goes to Joe Strummer, guitarist of The Clash. And what a soundtrack it is. Picture a "Chef's Kiss" right here.
I won't ruin the rest of the story, but if you haven't watched it, I can highly recommend it. Alas, I couldn't find it on any streaming services that I am subbed to, but I own a copy I bought years and years ago from the Apple iTunes store. Worth every penny.