The Usual Suspects (1995)

Looking For Something Different? Check This Film Out!

Before I offer any analysis of "The Usual Suspects", I would first like to say that (as is well know by now) the film has perhaps the most mind-blowing ending in the history of American Cinema. I have long been a fan of movies with endings that are shockers (The Sixth Sense and The Others stand out as favorites), but this movie took it to an entirely new level.

I won't give away the ending here, but I will say that this film follows a narrative pattern such that guessing the "big reveal" is difficult, as information is revealed in flashbacks, thus getting more complex as the story continues. However, many other Amazon reviewers have said that, after repeated viewings (I have only seen the film once), it IS possible to somewhat predict what is going to happen.

I didn't know what to expect when I sat down to watch this movie, but I knew I was not a fan of gangster/crime films, so I was a bit leery. However, the story is so expertly crafted that one (myself included!) completely forgets that the main characters are criminals and instead focuses on the plot twists and turns.

So, I would highly recommend this film to two categories of viewers: First, those of you like me who have never seen this classic film until "now" and are wondering what all the buzz is about, you won't be disappointed. Second, those of you who love surprise endings (even if you aren't too keep on cop/police dramas) will obsess over this film for weeks or months after viewing! November 12, 2008

Appreciate honesty and good business!

My money was refunded, the seller sent me an email telling me that he felt that the movie was not of good quality and did not feel comfortable sending it. November 11, 2008

Half clever & rather ridiculous.

Look, Mr. Super Criminal ("Soze") walks free smoking a cig at the end and we're supposed to think oh what a scary winner he is ...and he gets even with everybody..what a man.--However, aside from the fact that Soze has no friends and never will, some rich executives in the Carolinas have LEGALLY screwed him well and Soze is too dumb to know it.--I mean of course the cigarettes he buys from the tobacco companies and the heart disease/cancer he probably has.--The shareholders of Philip Morris Corp. must have laughed their butts off if they watched this. In addition, as many have already said, Soze blew his identity at the end, which cancels what he had supposedly been trying to do. October 10, 2008

One surprise after another. I could never guess what's happening next, especially the ending. No wonder it got 2 Ocars in 1996

It contains one surprise after another. I could never guess what's happening next, especially the ending.

If you like a different story with unexpected turns. This is a MUST-SEE.

The ony trouble is after you watch it once, the second time is not as suspenseful any more because you already know what's happening.

No wonder it got 2 Ocars in 1996. One was given to Christopher McQuarrie for best screenplay. The other was given to Kevin Spacey for best supporing actor. September 15, 2008

The American thriller of the nineties

Such films like this should be enshrined in museums, simply due to the fact it destroyed the entire genre of mystery films. While this film was unique and captivating, no other mystery will ever accomplish this sort of cult status, single handedly shaping a genre. While most mysteries try to shock you too often with twists and even more twists, it turns out to be overkill. This film encompassed such ideas with flair and originality, which is probably the reason Brian Singer is sticking to sci-fi action films. Only Memento and The Game are the only recent mystery movies worthy enough to stand beside this film. Sadly, Singer has somewhat sold out by doing the X-Men movies, but I guess trying to make films like this would be too taxing. This film will always bring a smile to my face when I watch it with someone who hasn't seen this movie. A good viewing every time I watch it, the new special edition DVD is awesome. August 20, 2008

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