Hit Man Fall Guy
Grosse Pointe Blank
Review Review by Ross Anthony

Great pace, strong dialogue, and a fun fresh angle on the life of a hit man. John Cusack strongly brings to life a professional killer open and frank about his life in a rather detached (yet distinctly every-man kind of way).

Quirky, the film teeters occasionally on ridiculous, but never gives itself up. And while light, the film isn't afraid to fire some heavy shots, or kill somebody. It's a well-balanced fun playful absurdity that keeps the film reeling forward. I can't think of a bad thing to say about this picture itself. However the cover art for the video has a cheesy 80's look to it.

Despite the cover art, and with very little expectations beyond the stars involved, we bought this video at a thrift shop for a dollar ninety-nine. It was worth every penny. :)

Oh, perhaps the idea seed for the films "Analyze This" and "Analyze that," Cusack spends a few quality moments with his timid shrink Alan Arkin. Arkin, as always, plays the part with spark and humor. Unfortunately, the film is not his story and his appearances are quite brief.

Actually Hank Azaria has a very minor roll in the picture as well. And though Dan Aykroyd has a larger roll, this is clearly a John Cusack project.


  • Grosse Pointe Blank. Copyright © 1984.
  • Starring John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Dan Aykroyd, Joan Cusack, Alan Arkin.
  • Directed by George Armitage.
  • Screenplay by Tom Jankiewicz, D.V. DeVincentis, John Cusack, Steve Pink.

Grade..........................A- (3/4)

Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.

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Last Modified: Saturday, 16-Sep-2006 08:10:15 PDT