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Movie Notes: The Usual Suspects

May 29th, 2008

The Usual Suspects

starstarstarstarstar = 5 stars

Starring Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri
Directed by Bryan Singer

Synopsis

Five criminals, brought in for questioning, team up to commit further crimes. Something goes wrong and all the men are killed except for Roger Kint (Kevin Spacey). The police struggle to figure out exactly what happened, and who exactly was calling the shots among the five men.

The Good

  • A successful example of the “twist” genre where everything in the film is turned on its ear due to a surprise late in the film.
  • Several strong actors in the ensemble, namely Kevin Spacey, Chaz Palminteri as the inquisitor, and Gabriel Byrne, and Benicio Del Toro as two of the criminals.
  • A deft noir, thriller feel.

The Bad

  • None I can think of.

Conclusion

I last watched The Usual Suspects several years ago, and was a bit worried that on a second viewing, the film wouldn’t hold up as well, as I already knew the “surprise.” It actually held up decently, since there’s still a big puzzle as to how much of the story is fact or fabrication. And one can still enjoy the amusing acting by Kevin Spacey in particular. Even Stephen Baldwin (Bio-dome) comes off well.

IMDB: The Usual Suspects
Wikipedia: The Usual Suspects
Rotten Tomatoes: The Usual Suspects 89%

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  • Mike
    I love this film! This was the film that really turned me on to Kevin Spacey - my understanding is that he chooses his roles wisely. That's certainly the case with this one.

    I have fond memories of the first time I saw this film - was watching with some friends, and one of the friends didn't understand what was happening towards the end. Everyone in the room simultaneously spelled it out for him, fairly loudly. :)
  • Yeah definitely a cool movie. There are so many of these "twist" flicks with
    varying degrees of success - the earlier ones like this one, and The Sixth
    Sense still seem to be the best examples.
  • Hi Jason! wow! I haven't been by to comment in awhile! --first, congrats on all your new ventures with Webomatica....

    now, to the movie....

    Yes, this is a great little "noir" film. One of Spacey's best performances. But where's Palmintieri these days? He had a good short run playing the tough guy in the '90's, but haven't seen him in a long time. And I remember laughing my butt off as this one unfolded. A similar laugh to the one I got from Fight Club, but it didn't cause the queasy feeling that happened with Fight Club.
  • I watched 3 times and I still enjoy watching this movie. Kevin Spacey fan here :D
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