What is it that creates such a big divide over this film? I have my suspicions that a lot of the opinion comes from some people could read the twist at the end coming from a mile away, other people (like me) had no idea. I think those that found the twist to be a complete surprise loved it and the other group was quite "me"
I have been very careful to avoid spoilers in this write-up. If you have already seen this movie I would appreciate if you do the same seeing as how the twist is major part of the story and it would be a tragic spoiler to reveal.
The movie is told from the perspective of someone who has already seen everything that happened. It is narrated for the most part by Roger "Verbal" Kint (played by the now disgraced Kevin Spacey.) He and one other person are the survivors of a massacre that happened on a boat in the San Pedro Bay. A NYC detective is flown in to interrogate "Verbal" about what happened on the boat and this is how the story is told - with various flashbacks to events that already occurred.
I feel as though the film was directed quite well by Bryan Singer and it is easy to forget that this is actually a narrated story as they seemlessly trail of Spacey's voice and allow the action to take over - if that makes any sense.
The characters are incredible and the story focuses mainly on the crew of 5 criminals with varying skills to contribute to their effectiveness as a heist team. These are the people in the main movie poster and unless I am mistaken they actually aren't ever referred to as "The Usual Suspects" in the film (prove me wrong.)
I think one of my favorite things about this film is Michael McManus who is played by Stephen Baldwin in one of the only good roles he has ever had the chance to play.
Stephen handles the role of a weapons expert and stealthy assassin as well as being just a cocky guy in general to a "T." Prior to this film he did independent films almost exclusively and not long after he returned to doing that again. I have no idea why but i have heard rumors that he is difficult to work with and is a bit of a religious nutjob.
I have a difficult time relating to why it is that someone wouldn't like this movie but I have spoken to several individuals who can't understand why anyone WOULD like it. I guess it is just a matter of opinion. I am on the former team and highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoys crime thrillers that at least in my opinion, is directed really well and has an ending you don't expect.