Will have you thinking, and talking, for some time

Rating: 8/10 (7 March 2008)

If you're after a movie that makes you think, then "The Usual Suspects" is for you. The clever, slick plot from Christopher McQuarrie is full of double-cross and twists, but is occasionally difficult to keep up with and perhaps the film could have been a little longer.
Director Brian Singer has opted for a fast paced narrative rather than drawing out the conclusion. "Pulp Fiction" was criticised for being over long, as are many gangster-thrillers, so Singer and his editor are determined not to let "The Usual Suspects" get away from them. I for one though feel that sometimes more is more, and that maybe another half an hour could have added some clarity, depth and extra intrigue. Sometimes one gets the feeling that a few pieces of the puzzle are missing, perhaps due to over editing. Not that any of this takes away from the entertainment value of this pic, but wouldn't this have made a great series in the "Twin Peaks" vain (not "Who killed Laura Palmer?" but "Who is Kaiser Soze?").
The cast is headed up by Chazz Palminteri who is good as the inspector questioning the timid but sly "Verbal", a strong showing by Kevin Spacey. Commendable support comes from Kevin Pollak, Stephen Baldwin, Benicio Del Toro, Suzanne Amis, Giancarlo Esposito, Dan Hedaya and Pete Postlethwaite. Gabriel Byrne makes a marked impression as Keaton, an ex-cop turned corrupt.
McQuarrie's story, which is really too clever to be told in under two hours, contains plenty of intrigue as it tells of five criminals who are mysteriously brought together by an unseen crime boss who forces the motley crew to participate in a suicidal raid because they owe him. All the characters are fantastic, but we really don't get time to absorb them fully. Comedy is prevalent early on, but is found wanting as the film heads towards its conclusion. The finale itself is a complete surprise, with almost what one could classify as two endings. It's possible Singer and McQuarrie couldn't decide which was the better resolution, so they offered us both. This, I might add, is too the audience's benefit. Over all a thoroughly enjoyable piece of entertainment that will have you thinking, and keep you talking, long after you leave the cinema.
Saturday, January 13, 1996 - Astor Theatre
The title of this film hardly prepares you for what you're about to experience. There is nothing usual about "The Usual Suspects".
Bryan Singer's film of Christopher McQuarrie's story is intricately interwoven and ingeniously, teasingly presented. Even seeing this flick a second time is most rewarding. We may know the answer to the mystery, but we are able to put it all together from the beginning and perhaps appreciate much more the subtleties of the plot.
The whole attraction of the film is the tale itself, as it is told from the eyes of "Verbal", the crippled, petty thief who is caught up in a criminal subterfuge that seems beyond fathoming. Performances from the whole cast are assured, with Kevin Spacey most impressive as the nervous "Verbal", and others such as Gabriel Byrne, Kevin Pollack and Stephen Baldwin giving impressive turns. Music from John Ottman is right on the money, being compelling and mysterious.
I still say this pic would have made a great t.v. series : "Who is Kaiser Soze?".
Sunday, April 20, 1997 - Video