Shocking and surprising - if you're an idiot

Rating: 1/10 (23 April 2001)

Wow ... I heard so many extraordinary things about The Usual Suspects, that, like so many others, I was lured to the theater by very enthusiastic word-of-mouth. The catch (plot twist, surprise ending) is so painfully obvious through the movie that you simply have endure ridiculous dialogue, mediocre cinematography and drillingly painful stereotypes to find out what you already knew. The only saving grace of this incredibly overrated film is the fine cast of actors, specifically Stephen Baldwin, Byrne and Del Toro. Spacey is so-so and Kevin Pollack is himself, but they are still far more enjoyable than anything else the film offers.
Overrated and excessive. Certain to insult your intelligence. Grade: 65%