A dark, crooked masterpiece worthy of much more than a mere Oscar

Rating: 10/10 (12 May 2007)

Thought I'm only 18 years old, I've watched this movie about 14 times now. And I'm proud to say that this movie has never lost its luster and excitement every time I watch it. The plot itself is a stroke of genius, well-followed by an ending that I can only describe quoting my best friend, who said it was "a kick in the balls". A crude way to describe it, but it was very apt; I can still recall how my eyes had first widened when the interrogation was coming to a close but I remember more vividly of how my jaw had hung as if someone loosened every screw in my head when I saw the ending.
"The Usual Suspects" is not only one of the best movies by far, but I think it sets a standard for any criminal-related movie that seems to be ignored a lot of the time. It's a story of power and manipulation, true guts and will and cunning and cleverness - all characteristics of what I believe to be the "perfect criminal." And five crooks, all of who have their own very, very distinct personalities, quirks, and stories that you just can't help but admire and laugh with/at simultaneously. Bryan Singer did a very good job with this movie and that includes all the hiccups from the actors that he worked with --- personally, I wouldn't have had it any other way. You get the moments of chuckles and of surprise throughout the movie and times where you can't help but express sympathy for the characters, especially for Dean Keaton (at least for me, anyway).
When you watch this movie, keep in mind it is not just for light enjoyment like you'd see from any other 2-3.5 star movie that Hollywood likes to put out these days. It is a movie that deserves and earns the audience's full attention otherwise you'll miss out on quite a lot of substance and enjoyment. So, my last question to you would be: why are you still reading this? Go watch it!