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The Usual Suspects (1995)


Laura’s Rating: 3.5/5 Stars


The Usual Suspects has been on my list to watch for a while and thanks to being stuck at home due to coronavirus, I finally had the time (and also the HBO subscription). 


The Analysis:


This movie was very dialogue focused and there was not as much action as I was expecting, especially towards the beginning of the film. I can appreciate a conversation heavy movie, but some people may not enjoy the slow pace. Each of the characters is unique and although I couldn’t tell you what most of their names were, the actors still stood out enough onscreen so as to not confuse the plot. I personally would have enjoyed a bit more background on each of these notorious criminals, although I admit it’s not necessary for the plot to function properly. The title itself (which I love) implies that you don’t need specific details of their past to understand that the crimes and heists being discussed are par for the course for each of these repeat offenders. Additionally, Keyser Soze is a great and unusual catalyst introduced to the gang of thieves. Keyser Soze’s almost mythical existence creates an interesting villain that even seasoned criminals are wary of, making him seem more oppressive and intimidating than if he was there. 


I’m not the biggest fan of the timeline where an event happens in the first scene and then the whole movie is flashbacks to catch up to present day. However, this technique definitely worked for The Usual Suspects and works well as a way to build some suspense about what happened at the docks. The movie was released in 1995 and while it certainly has a mid 90s feel, it never comes across as too dated in visual or storytelling quality. Some people may not believe it, but I did guess the twist about halfway through the movie. Despite guessing correctly, I was definitely not certain that this would really be the outcome and was left waiting until the reveal to confirm my suspicions. The reveal was done very well and literally made me grin as it all came together. Overall, I’d say the movie was above average and enjoyable to watch, but not earth shattering in any way. Definitely good for a movie night if you’re looking for something more serious than a comedy but more lighthearted than horror. 

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