John Cusack: 5 Awesome Performances And 5 That Sucked

By Shaun Davis /

1. Martin Q. Blank - Grosse Pointe Blank

This one was kind of a homecoming for Cusack's acting talents. Well, actually it was a school reunion, but splitting heirs aside the fact of the matter remains that Grosse Pointe Blank is the best showcase of Cusack's two most famed opposing qualities: slick high school motormouth versus that of anarchic post punk at heart. In the role of a lifetime Cusack is perfectly cast as Martin Blank, a hitman returning home (it's in the title) for said shindig as well as clearing up a little bit of work at the same time. What transpires is a sassy, smart and violent story, one that typified the nineties wave of indie movies - the film was partially fronted by Cusack's own New Crime Productions - with highlights including Cusack's brutal verbal sparring sessions with Dan Aykroyd's devious hitman, a soundtrack to get high for and, of course, the standout fight scene of the decade. This is the one he will be remembered for.