I saw this film in the theaters and remember liking it, but I kind of forgot about it. Now after rewatching it about seven years later, I’ve rediscovered a darkly funny film that made me laugh out loud. What’s so great about the film is that it works equally as a satire of hitmen movies, as well as high school reunions. A peculiar combo that works surprisingly well.
Martin Q. Blank (John Cusack, HIGH FIDELITY) is an assassin for hire who started out in the business of murder in the Army. He’s returning to his hometown for his 10-year high school reunion. In a “what’s my life all about” crisis, he tries to give up the profession and rekindle a romance with his old flame Debi Newberry (Minnie Driver, GOOD WILL HUNTING), who he left broken hearted when he ditched town. To aid him in his emotional crisis, he’s in constant contact with his shrink Dr. Oatman (Alan Arkin, SLUMS OF BEVERLY HILLS). Rounding out the cast is rival hitman Grocer (Dan Aykroyd, GHOSTBUSTERS), Martin’s high school friend Paul Spericki (Jeremy Piven, JUST WRITE) and Martin’s assistant Marcella (Joan Cusack, IN & OUT).
Martin was the first mentally confused killer, coming before Tony Soprano and William H. Macy’s character in PANIC. And Cusack is the right actor to play the part, bringing the perfect dry wit that masked the coldhearted killer inside. He's supported wonderfully by Driver and Aykroyd. Martin’s moral debates with the other characters are hilarious. The relationships are like sweet and sour. Martin receives a sour reaction from Debi when he shows up at her DJ job 10 years late for their prom date. But as she warms up to him, the rekindled romance is sweet. This love story is in stark contrast to the harsh violence.
As a satire, screenwriters Tom Jankiewicz, D.V. DeVincentis, Steve Pink and Cusack take some nice pokes at big business along with its look at reunions. Aykroyd's Grocer wants Martin to form an assassins union with him, because, you know, it's a growth industry. As for the ritual of reunions, they are often places where people go to show off their success since high school. These two themes come crashing together in that the cutthroat pursuit of money and power is part of why people go to reunions in the first place. But what will Debi think when see finds out? The film is deviously dark with its humor and stylish with its action. It’s a great thing to rediscover a film this fun.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
