Round up the usual suspects

Rating: 9/10 (15 August 2011)

IMDb Top 250: 25 The Usual Suspects is a great film with a great script, excellent direction, a cool plot and interesting characters. Arguably a neo-noir film (L.A., twisting and convoluted plot that is difficult to follow, crime), 'Suspects' demands your full attention. It's an excellent film.
The story is about 5 criminals who are brought together without reason, and try to get back at the police. They are then approached to attack a boat because of debts they didn't know they had. Told through flashbacks, it can be confusing- but intentionally so. The plot is big and interweaving, and unless you're a detective, will demand a second viewing to figure everything out.
The 5 characters are mostly awesome. Byrne is great as the conflicted ex-officer, dragged back into crime. Baldwin is charming as the crazy, outgoing MacManus. Del Toro is nuts as the incomprehensible Fenster, The fourth guy is just an extra, I can't even remember his name. But this is clearly Kevin Spacey's movie. He's a magnificent actor. He's definitely the main character though, so his 'Supporting Actor' Oscar is questionable. Maybe he was put in that category to guarantee it.
And that's all that's needed to make this film great. Witty dialogue, interesting scenarios and great performances. Suspects is better than the sum of its parts. Some things are under-developed, like the apparent irrelevance of Keaton's 'love(?)' interest. But an exceptional plot, with one of the greatest twists ever that I can't talk about, makes this film a modern classic. 8.9/10