 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Grosse Pointe Blank
- Review Date: November 9, 2005
- R
- Genre: Comedy
- 2000
Common Sense Media says
Quirky mix of laughs, romance, strong violence.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Grosse Point Blank is a dark, quirky comedy about a professional assassin (John Cusack) -- so you can expect many violent confrontations and some blood. For example, in the opening scene, three men are brutally shot at close range; later, a character is stabbed and killed in the neck with a pen. Relationships are relatively mature, and there's strong language throughout, including "f--k" and "s--t." Characters also drink, smoke, and occasionally use/talk about drugs; there are one or two passionate kisses.
What's the story?
Martin Blank (John Cusack) left his family and friends in Grosse Pointe, Mich., behind him 10 years ago, ultimately becoming a hardened professional assassin. But when his latest assignment brings him back to town just in time for his 10th high school reunion, he starts questioning his choices and his path in life -- especially after he looks up old flame Debi (Minnie Driver) and realizes he still has feelings for her. Can he extricate himself from the violent life he's built for himself?
Is it any good?
Cusack fans -- and there are many -- are bound to enjoy GROSSE POINTE BLANK, which is a quirky mix of dark humor, startling violence, and banter-filled romance. There are traces of Cusack's iconic Say Anything character Lloyd Dobler in the angsty, quippy Martin Blank -- if Lloyd's relationship with Diane had gone off the rails, you could almost picture the kickboxing underdog channeling his pain into Martin's deadly lifestyle.
Though Cusack, Driver, and the rest of their Grosse Pointe High classmates seem a bit too old to be having their 10th reunion (15th probably didn't have quite the same hook?), the reunion setting offers lots of opportunities for both humor and self-reflection ... amid chases and fights, of course. Cusack's sister Joan has a memorably funny supporting role as Martin's gung-ho assistant, and the movie's soundtrack -- which includes Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now," the Violent Femmes' "Blister in the Sun," and '80s hit "Take on Me" -- is strong enough to rival a Cameron Crowe film. It may be too offbeat for some, but if you like your comedy pitch-black and your romances full of snappy rejoinders, Grosse Pointe Blank is a fun entry in Cusack's canon.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about Martin's character. Is he a good guy or a bad guy? How does Grosse Pointe Blank get you to feel empathy for an assassin?
How does the violence in this movie compare to others you've seen? How is its impact affected by the movie's overall tone?
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Teen, 13 years old
January 9, 2012
AGE
Excellent action comedy for teens and up
This is an excellent action-comedy about a professional hit-man who builds a romantic relationship with his former prom date while visiting his hometown on a mission to assassinate an important person. It is a bit tame for an R rating, it contains occasional strong language and infrequent but strong violence, though not overly so. I'm mature (not to brag) and I first watched it at 9 but for average kids, 13 and up is definitely OK.
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Parent of 2 year old
December 8, 2012
AGE
Darkly comic film is actually pretty good
This movie is a pretty funny, but dark comedy with quite a bit of violence. Since its about a hit-man, that's understandable, and most of it fits well within the story-line. John Cusack is very good as the serious, but funny assassin going back home for his high school reunion. Most older teens should be ok with this one, as the violence is not gratuitous.
What other families should know:
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| Topics: | high school, misfits and underdogs |
| Studio: | Buena Vista |
| Director: | George Armitage |
| Cast: | Dan Aykroyd, John Cusack, Minnie Driver |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 107 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 12, 2000 |
| DVD release date: | November 10, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | strong violence, language and some drug content |
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