Starring John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Alan Arkin, Dan Aykroyd and Joan Cusack Directed by George Armitage Rated R, with profanity and violence Running time 106 minutes Jack gives this film a rating of 9 out of 10

(April 11, 1997) -- Martin Blank is an assassin-for-hire in a mid-life crisis. He's not sure his work as a hit man is necessarily the best path for a guy in search of "fulfillment and truth."

That might explain why he is in therapy, even though he makes his therapist VERY nervous.

But when Martin gets an invitation to return to Grosse Pointe, Michigan, for his 10-year high school reunion, his therapist thinks the excursion might be a good idea. "Just try not to kill anybody while you're there."

Martin's inclined to skip it; then he gets commissioned to assassinate somebody who lives, coincidentally, within a few miles of the high school. So what the heck, since he's in town anyway ...

That delightfully demented setup makes Grosse Pointe Blank a highly original, hip-with-an-edge comedy about warped values in modern society. It has the potential to be the next big thing for audiences schooled on Pulp Fiction, Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead and Two Days in the Valley, though it offers a lighter tone than any of those.

Grosse Pointe Blank was developed by its star, John Cusack, who also carries co-writing and producing credits. And it's probably no accident that this underrated actor is personally responsible for generating the best role of his career to date.

Cusack and his fellow producers also made a smart choice for director: George Armitage, who previously helmed the quirky, under-appreciated Miami Blues, as well as cable television's award-winning The Late Shift.

As the conflicted and complex Martin Blank, Cusack paints a very funny portrait of skewered values and rationalized morality. In constructing the role, Cusack has cleverly expanded upon the themes he first explored less humorously as the con artist in The Grifters.

And in Grosse Pointe Blank, he has surrounded himself with real pros. Minnie Driver is Martin's former girlfriend, Debi, whom he hasn't seen since he stood her up on prom night a decade ago. Much slimmed down from her Circle of Friends debut, the English actress assumes a perfect Midwest accent, as well as an appropriately sassy attitude.

And by making Debi a radio talk-show hostess, the writers have created a marvelous narrative device. Debi keeps all of Grosse Pointe -- and us -- up-to-date on reunion activities, as well as her rekindled love life.

Alan Arkin is Dr. Oatman, Martin's therapist, who clearly has no clue how to guide a professional assassin to emotional health.

Dan Aykroyd is The Grocer, a competing assassin who keeps Martin looking over his shoulder.

And Joan Cusack, John's always-inventive sister, plays Martin's efficient, perceptive office manager, passing on assignments and advice with equal aplomb. (Two other lesser-known Cusack siblings appear in smaller roles.)

Armitage directs the witty ensemble with verve and style, and ex-Clash leader Joe Strummer contributes an appropriate score to accompany characters who are 10 years out of high school.

All told, Grosse Pointe Blank is the most amusing fresh-faced in-your-face comedy of the spring season.