Superior neo-noir with a crackling script & excellent cast; genuine plot twisting marvel

Rating: Null/10 (23 April 2003)

THE USUAL SUSPECTS (1995) **** Gabriel Byrne, Kevin Spacey, Stephen Baldwin, Chazz Palminteri, Benicio Del Toro, Kevin Pollak, Pete Postlethwaite, Suzy Amis, Giancarlo Esposito, Dan Hedaya. Above average neo-noir crime story about a ragtag collection of felons coerced together in a scheme gone awry told in flashback by Spacey (smartly underplayed in his Oscar-winning Best Supporting Actor role), a cripple named Verbal. Wickedly directed by Bryan Singer and absorbing with one neat little anti-climax and nifty ending thanks to Christopher McQuarrie's cracklingly original screenplay (and Academy Award recipient as well).