War Inc (2008)

Tagline: When it comes to war...America means business
Cusack Plays: Brand Hauser

There are some links to Grosse Point Blank in War Inc - Joan Cusack and Dan Aykroyd appearing alonside Cusack's suited killer for hire. Thats really where the similarities end, and the former, fabulous film shouldn't really be mentioned in the same breath as this.

A political satire which sees a Middle Eastern country run by private American corporations, with Cusack brought in to kill a big wig in the oil industry. His cover is as a producer of a trade show featuring the wedding of pop star Hilary Duff. Brand Hauser also has a penchant for drinking hot sauce, and a troubled past, including a dead wife. At this rate I should create a tag for that...


Now I find the privatisation of war an interesting topic, but sadly it did not make for an entertaining and engaging film. Disappointing.

Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)

Tagline: Even A Hit Man Deserves A Second Shot!
Cusack plays: Hitman Martin Q Blank

Family Connections: Sister Joan being awesome as Martin's assistant Marcella, brother Bill as 'waiter' (clocked him puring drinks at the reunion) and bit part for sister Ann.

For one of the key films in the Cusack catalogue you think they would have gone for a different picture for the poster - looks a bit unlike him right?

Things which are great about this film: every single Dan Aykroyd scene, the 80s soundtrack, Cusack looking ace in a suit, sharp script, the performances (wasn't a massive fan of Minnie Driver before but I guess she's ok in this), and THAT scene where he holds the baby as Under Pressure plays in the background. Swoon. This is probably the film which made me fall for Cusack, and it was great to watch it again with friends, cakes and Rum. One of the best.