1990s Dark Thriller Comedy Starring ’80s Heartthrob Needs Saving
If you’ve never seen Grosse Pointe Blank, you’re doing yourself an incredible disservice. This John Cusack movie is excessively violent, hilariously dark, and has one of the best soundtracks to supplement its storytelling. But the unfortunate reality about Grosse Pointe Blank is that it’s nowhere to be found on streaming.
Get A Physical Copy While You Can!
Grosse Pointe Blank probably won’t be getting a 4K restoration anytime soon either. There is hope, however, as you can still rent it on-demand on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, or Apple TV+. But it comes with strong recommendations that you find a physical copy because you’re going to want to throw Grosse Pointe Blank into your regular action/comedy rotation.
John Cusack Is A Frustrated Hitman
John Cusack’s Martin Q. Blank treads the line between a morally flexible killer for hire and a former high school sweetheart in Grosse Pointe Blank. After a high-profile assassination attempt goes wrong, Martin loses his taste for contract killing and considers retiring.
His mounting occupational frustrations are further exacerbated by a rival hitman named Grocer (Dan Aykroyd). Grocer insists that Blank join his new union, which defeats the purpose and appeal of being a lone gunman.
You Can Never Go Home Again
Grosse Pointe Blank’s plot thickens when Martin is tasked with taking out a target in his hometown of Grosse Pointe. He’s reluctant to take the job because it just so happens that his 10-year high school reunion is just around the corner, and he didn’t exactly leave his friends and family behind on the best of terms. After a run-in with his ex-girlfriend, Debi (Minnie Driver), old romantic feelings resurface as Martin tries to make amends with those who he abandoned in the past when he mysteriously left town on prom night to enlist in the Army.
Grocer Dials Up The Pressure
Meanwhile, Grocer is not satisfied with Martin’s reluctance to join the union, and sends out hit-men of his own to use violence and intimidation tactics to get him to change his mind. Martin has to balance his rekindled relationship with Debi with his secret life as a highly skilled contract killer, all while carrying out his last job without blowing his cover. By the time Grosse Pointe Blank approaches its third act, every single plot point converges in what can only be described as a heartfelt and slap-stick bloodbath of epic proportions.
The Soundtrack Is An ’80s Treasure Trove
/imageWhile the narrative in Grosse Pointe Blank plays out, the musical backdrop elevates the premise to iconic levels. Not only did Joe Strummer of the Clash compose the actual film score, the soundtrack itself features bands like A-ha, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Violent Femmes, and Guns N’ Roses. This stylistic choice is fitting because the music represents Martin’s high school days that he desperately wants to relive.
A Warm Reception
Grosse Pointe Blank was a critical and commercial hit upon its release, earning $31 million at the global box office against its reported budget of $15 million. Audiences and critics alike love this film for its wild premise that’s not typical of your average ‘90s romantic comedy.
Despite Grosse Pointe Blank’s commercial success and 82 percent critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, it runs the risk of being lost to time without a proper updated release. Though it may one day become available on streaming or get restored for modern home entertainment systems, the best we can do today is find an old DVD copy or rent it on-demand to make sure that future generations remember this masterpiece for the brilliant piece of satire that it is.
