17 Years Before John Wick, John Cusack Quietly Made the Best Hitman Movie of All Time

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Since the 1980s, this actor has been a fan favorite, appearing in memorable films like Say Anything. He successfully transitioned from a teen idol in the ’80s to a prominent thriller actor in the 2000s, building a remarkably impressive career. While he’s known for many roles, his 1997 film Grosse Point Blank is a standout, and remains a classic hitman movie.

From the late 1980s to the early 2000s, John Cusack was a prominent actor, appearing in memorable films like High Fidelity, Con Air, and even a small part in Sixteen Candles. He brought a unique combination of charisma, charm, and intelligence to his roles, and he particularly excelled in dark comedies that often became defining moments in his career. This was especially true in what many consider his best ’90s film, where he played a hitman grappling with life’s big questions. While Keanu Reeves’ John Wick is now often seen as the quintessential assassin, Cusack’s more unconventional killer remains one of the genre’s finest. The film skillfully combines dark humor, heartwarming romance, and thrilling action, making it a ’90s classic that still holds up today.

Grosse Pointe Blank is a Unique Assassin Movie

The movie Grosse Pointe Blank centers around Martin Q. Blank, a highly skilled former soldier who now works as a professional hitman. He travels the world, taking on contracts to eliminate various targets, from politicians to criminals, with the help of his assistant, Marcella. The film begins with a rival assassin, Grocer, attempting to recruit Blank into a union, but Blank refuses. Shortly after, Blank receives an invitation to his high school reunion, which he’s hesitant to attend. After a session with his anxious therapist, Dr. Oatman, he reluctantly returns to his hometown for the first time in ten years. There, he reconnects with old friends and family, and unexpectedly runs into his former girlfriend, Debi Newberry, beginning a journey of self-discovery and revisiting his past.

While driving through Grosse Pointe, Martin notices he’s being followed, and his anxiety increases when he spots Grocer in town. As he reconnects with Debi, memories of his old life and a sense of normalcy lead him to question his career as a hitman. Juggling a new assignment and the upcoming reunion, he desperately tries to evade NSA agents and his professional rival, all while attempting to mend fences and maintain his secret identity. Throughout it all, he urgently tries to connect with his therapist to understand his complicated life.

Grosse Pointe Blank is a thoroughly enjoyable film about a man reconnecting with his human side. It follows him as he’s pulled back into his old life, away from a job he secretly dislikes. The film portrays Martin not as a heartless killer, but as a man struggling with a life change – balancing his professional skills with a growing appreciation for life. This personal struggle is at the heart of the movie, making it easy to connect with his character. Even when he tries to do the right thing, encounters with other assassins constantly make him appear to be a cold-blooded killer, leading him to repeatedly protest his innocence.

This movie perfectly captures the spirit of the ’90s while still feeling completely original, thanks to its quirky humor and perspective. One of its most memorable and funny ideas – a killer undergoing therapy – was actually quite groundbreaking for its time. While we’ve seen similar concepts in things like Analyze This and The Sopranos now, George Armitage’s film was one of the first to explore that idea, making it feel fresh and inventive when it was released.

Grosse Pointe Blank Expertly Blends Genres

Most hitman movies focus on action, but Grosse Pointe Blank successfully appeals to a wider audience. With John Cusack and Minnie Driver, the film captures the classic ’90s romantic comedy vibe, and Dan Aykroyd adds a strong comedic element. It also satisfies fans of thrillers and dark humor, cleverly using the irony of the main character’s profession, his calm personality, and everyday struggles. The film delivers the action fans expect in its exciting finale, with plenty of shootouts. Ultimately, it’s a highly entertaining movie for anyone, regardless of their preferred genre, and that balance is what makes it so strong.

Many hitman movies, like John Wick, Collateral, and The Mechanic, are very dark and serious. This film stands out by finding the humor in the profession, which feels refreshing. It doesn’t shy away from the main character’s troubled past and personality, but uses it to create a darkly comedic and ironic tone. In fact, the film’s vibe is most similar to Groundhog Day – it’s funny and entertaining, but also touches on deeper, more serious themes. While there are definitely some laugh-out-loud scenes, most of the humor comes from the contrast between a hitman trying to live a normal life and the resurfacing of his high school problems.

How someone experiences Grosse Pointe Blank often depends on what kind of movie they expect. If they’re looking for a romantic comedy, they’ll focus on the rekindled relationship between Martin and Debi, high school sweethearts reconnecting. But if they see it as a dark comedy thriller, they’ll enjoy watching Blank navigate his past life while preparing for a dangerous assignment. Ultimately, the film is a blend of romance, comedy, and thrilling action throughout.

Grosse Pointe Blank is a Quintessential ’90s Movie

Released in an era of ironic comedy and distinctive storytelling, Grosse Pointe Blank perfectly captures the spirit of the 1990s. Martin Blank, with his dark suit and surprisingly human struggles, feels like a character who could have stepped out of Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction and into a romantic comedy. This makes sense, as John Cusack was considered by Tarantino for a role in his 1994 film. Throughout the movie, Martin delivers the same kind of witty social observations as Jules and Vincent, creating a familiar and enjoyable feel.

Like many great movies from the ’90s, Grosse Pointe Blank blends dark humor with satire and throws in a bit of ’80s nostalgia through its music. The story centers around characters revisiting their high school years from the late ’80s, and it shares a cynical edge with films like Fight Club. This cynicism comes through in the main character’s dissatisfaction with his work, his questionable ethics, and even the fact that his childhood home is now a convenience store. A particularly memorable way this is shown is when the protagonist casually reveals his profession, and no one believes him – and understandably so!

What I love about this movie, especially compared to a lot of other films from the ’90s, is that it doesn’t just wallow in cynicism. Instead, it uses that edge to really drive home a surprisingly sweet story about a guy changing his life. Seeing him return to his hometown and confront all those memories of what could have been is incredibly powerful. Honestly, one of the most moving scenes isn’t any big fight, but when Martin just quietly watches a baby, set to “Under Pressure” by Queen and Bowie. It’s in that moment you see him reconnect with his own humanity and start to appreciate life again. It’s a beautiful turnaround for a guy whose whole existence was built around taking lives – he finally finds meaning in protecting one instead.

Grosse Pointe Blank Is Cusack’s Greatest Film

With a fantastic filmography including movies like Say Anything, choosing the best John Cusack movie is difficult. However, Grosse Pointe Blank stands out. It brilliantly blends dark humor with the hitman genre, appealing to a wide range of viewers. Fans of romantic comedies will enjoy its heartwarming story, while those who love action and thrillers will appreciate its clever satire. The film uniquely manages to be both a funny rom-com and a thrilling action movie, making it a truly impressive work.

John Cusack was a key figure in ’90s comedies, and his charm is all over Grosse Pointe Blank. Even after nearly thirty years, it remains a fantastic and surprisingly overlooked film, especially considering it came out in a year packed with hits like L.A. Confidential and Good Will Hunting. While Cusack starred in many memorable movies, Grosse Pointe Blank offered a unique take on the hitman genre, blending dark humor with a sweet romantic story.

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2025-11-06 06:44