Gripping, nearly perfect, crime saga

Rating: 9/10 (25 January 2001)

Much to the surprise of my fellow co-workers, I had not yet seen The Usual Suspects nearly six years after its theatrical release. The animated discussion of the movie around the water cooler was instantly suspended so as not to give away any crucial plot elements. Intrigued, I ran across the street to the video store and rented the film immediately.

Well worth the price of admission. A nearly perfect film. Kevin Spacey gives the performance of a lifetime, completely deserving of the Academy Award he earned. The All Star cast is to be commended for a job well done.

The plot of the movie unfolded so intriguingly, and the Tarantino-esque style in which it is presented provides for an entertaining movie-watching experience.
It is unfortunate that, in spite of all my efforts to the contrary, I guessed the ending of the film, long before it unfolded on screen. This perhaps detracted from the overall viewing pleasure, but did not diminish the superior quality of the film itself.
The less you know about this movie, the better. Run, quickly, to a video store near you and rent this movie before you learn too much.

You'll thank me later.