Starring Gabriel Byrne, Kevin Spacey, Stephen Baldwin, Benicio Del Toro, Pete Postlethwaite
Directed by Bryan Singer

Winner of two 1995 Academy Awards including Best Original Screenplay, The Usual Suspects is a gripping and violent thriller full of fascinating tricks and plot twists in the search for who is "Kaiser Soze", the almost legenary leader of the criminal underworld but as yet not identified or caught by the police. When released this movie enraptured audiences with its complex and riveting storyline, gritty, tour-de-force performances and a climax that is truly deserving of the word stunning. Now released on DVD this Special Edition original is packed with bonus features.

The original plot begins in an L.A. interrogation room, as Verbal Kint (Spacey) attempts to convince the feds that a mythic crime lord not only exists, but was also responsible for drawing him and his four thieving partners into a multi-million dollar heist that ended with an explosion in San Pedro harbor - leaving few survivors. But as Kint lures his interrogators into the incredible story of this crime lord's almost supernatural prowess, so too will you be mesmerized by a lore that is completely captivating from beginning to end!

As the police grill each of the suspects, the desperate cops play a mental game right into their hands. Each criminal, including performances from Kevin Spacey as the crippled and quite camp Kint and the mumbling Benicio Del Toro is left with the police in attempting to distract the blame from them, summed up by Spacey's claim that 'I ain't a rat'. Indeed the acting by these performers are superb, with a real feel for their criminal backgrounds and with portrayals as calm, innocent witnesses. The Directing of these individuals is also superb, and their lines are closely linked to the weaving plot. He also introduces some of the darkest humour you are likely to see, and has even been likened to a black comedy for its efforts - however it is definitely a suspense-filled thriller, and the whole film is geared up for the final conclusion and to reveal what really happened.

The movie is very dark, and the story is told by a narrator who attempts to group together the clues provided by the police and the five supposed witnesses to the crime, although the writers and director are at pains not to reveal what really happened, therefore keeping you in suspense for the whole movie. The Directing is very Tarantino-esque, in its use of short cut scenes and flashes to the past and to the future while maintaining the film's central dialogue. The acting too is first-rate, with Spacey winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and solid performances from Baldwin and Gabriel Byrne.

I would recommend this film for any movie enthusiasts. There are many twists and turns and it pays to take everything in closely, building up a good idea in your head as you go along. This is a film where if you blink you might miss the key clue to the whole scene, but pay close attention and you'll be treated to a highly worthwhile and rewarding experience, as the film nears its tumultuous and amazing crescendo.