Director George Armitage

John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Dan Aykroyd, Alan Arkin, Hank Azaria, Joan Cusack, K Todd Freeman, Jeremy Piven, Mitchell Ryan, Michael Cudlitz.

** SOME MINOR SPOILERS **

Martin Blank (Cusack) is having a crisis of faith. Seemingly unmotivated by his career path as a professional hit-man, he is invited to his 10 year high school reunion, but does not want to go since he abandoned his family friends, and girlfriend (Driver) on the night of their prom.

Having bungled a big clients’ most recent ‘hit’ – he must make amends with a pro bono job. By happenstance the job is in the same town as his reunion. Forced to go reluctantly, he is tailed by rival hit-man Aykroyd, who was the first choice of said ‘hit’ and is now targeting Blank, and has hired a couple of fellow hitters who are with the CIA to help take Blank down.

While back in town he reconnects with those who he left behind, his best friend Piven, and his then the girlfriend he left behind.

With a dialogue heavy screenplay co written by star Cusack, feels like a Tarantino style, that is quite real and refreshing, as well as quite humorous. Fellow screenwriters Steve Pink and D.V. DeVincentis would go on to co-write High Fidelity together a few years later.

The soundtrack screams 1980’s – with every hit song from that era that you can think of. This is ultimate 90s filmmaking, one of my all time favourite films.

 Cusack is in his prime here, and is complemented with a barrage of help from the supporting cast – primarily his own real life sisters who share scenes with him (Joan is especially on Joan point as his secretary).

4.5/5