The main feature of this movie--depending on your point of view--is John Cusack, who looks like he's having a lot of fun in a quirky story quirkily done.  Fans will probably find his portrayal of a whimsical professional hit man a nice departure for the accomplished and sensitive actor.

I would too except I just couldn't get over the disconnect between the sweet personality and the amoral nature of his character.  Of course this is a comedy, indeed a satire and burlesque of hit man films with shootouts (two guns ablazing) and car chases aplenty.

There is also a romance between ex-highschool sweethearts Martin Q. Blank (Cusack) and Debi Newberry (Minnie Driver), and they seem nicely paired.  The story is framed around Blank's disappearance on prom night ten years previous and his sudden and unexpected return on the eve of his ten-year class reunion at Grosse Pointe (Michigan) High School.  His "profession" is so unlikely that he can be candid about it and nobody will believe him.  "I'm a professional killer."  "Nice.  I'm glad that's working out for you." (Okay, I made up that dialogue, but it's close to what's really said.)

Dan Aykroyd gives comedic support in an over-the-top portrayal of a rival hit man always making with the jokes even as the bullets fly.  Funny too with a lot of original shtick is John Cusack's sister, Joan Cusack, as the hit man's strange but conscientious secretary, Marcella.  Alan Arkin has a modest part as Dr. Oatman, Blank's frightened shrink--frightened because he knows what Blank does for a living.

Bottom line: a bonafide cult classic with repeat viewing appeal that may not work for all audiences.
The main feature of this movie--depending on your point of view--is John Cusack, who looks like he's having a lot of fun in a quirky story quirkily done. Fans will probably find his portrayal of a whimsical professional hit man a nice departure for the accomplished and sensitive actor. I would too except I just couldn't get over the disconnect between the sweet personality and the amoral nature of his character. Of course this is a comedy, indeed a satire and burlesque of hit man films with shootouts (two guns ablazing) and car chases aplenty. There is also a romance between ex-highschool sweethearts Martin Q. Blank (Cusack) and Debi Newberry (Minnie Driver), and they seem nicely paired. The story is framed around Blank's disappearance on prom night ten years previous and his sudden and unexpected return on the eve of his ten-year class reunion at Grosse Pointe (Michigan) High School. His "profession" is so unlikely that he can be candid about it and nobody will believe him. "I'm a professional killer. "  "Nice. I'm glad that's working out for you. " (Okay, I made up that dialogue, but it's close to what's really said. )

Dan Aykroyd gives comedic support in an over-the-top portrayal of a rival hit man always making with the jokes even as the bullets fly. Funny too with a lot of original shtick is John Cusack's sister, Joan Cusack, as the hit man's strange but conscientious secretary, Marcella. Alan Arkin has a modest part as Dr. Oatman, Blank's frightened shrink--frightened because he knows what Blank does for a living. Bottom line: a bonafide cult classic with repeat viewing appeal that may not work for all audiences.