I've keeping my run of John Cusack movies with each trip to the library. Not that I'm on the lookout for his old movies deliberately, it just happens. Not that I'm complaining, but he's always been one of the few who play characters so diverse, it's almost impossible to stereotype him. He's fast becoming one of my favourite actors, besides Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington, amongst others.
School reunions are one of those social events that you either love, or loathe. If you're a somebody back then, and are sort of somebody right now, it presents to you an opportunity to brag about it. If you're cruising along fine, then you're probably curious about how others are doing, and want to take stock. If you're a nobody then, or now, then you'll probably not want to attend at all.
John Cusack plays Martin Blank, a professional hitman whose at the crossroads of that decision. 10 years ago, he abandoned his date for the prom, and never made contact ever since. Also, he's wondering how he could possibly tell anyone about his current profession. He's also finding that life is becoming meaningless, and is seeking for something to lift him up from the doldrums.
His secretary (played by real life sister Joan Cusack - there are a total of 4 Cusack siblings in this movie) arranges a perfect opportunity for him to mesh work and play, and packs him off back to Grosse Pointe. Naturally he seeks out his old flame Debi Newberry (Minnie Driver), and tries his best to make amends by offering to go to the reunion with her.
However, his nemesis and hitman rival Grocer, played to hiliarity by Dan Ackroyd, is pissed at Blank for not wanting to join up in his union, and he wants to bump Blank off. He's provided with some of the best dialogue, and banters with Cusack so well, you just beg for more of their scenes together.
It's a quirky movie (aren't most of Cusack's movies) which is thoroughly enjoyable with its excellent selection of songs, wonerful dialogue, and delightful action toward the end. Watch out too for a short appearance by Jenna Elfman!
The Code 1 DVD is nothing to shout about - the barebones version.
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