Re-watched The Usual Suspects, the initial setup with five criminals getting connected during a police crackdown is compelling (it turns out the movie was developed based on the initial scene in the poster with the line up). The acting is also strong with Gabriel Byrne, Benicio Del Toro and even Stephen Baldwin doing a great job. Chazz Palminteri plays to his typecast, but it works well.
I also personally appreciate the 90s cinematography, scene design and the score.
I have to say the main hook and ending seem very contrived (much more so when I first watched the movie in the early 2000s). It does not seem convincing, well connected criminals usually have state backing rather than being a “ghost”. And a senior criminal would not directly involve themselves in an assassination attempt or risk third parties acting in an independent manner. The behaviour of the police was also unconvincing.
Spacey’s presence also taints the movie in a way that it did not on the initial viewing.
That being said, it’s a solid 6/10 action packed, crime thriller. You could do a lot worse.
I am surprised I’ve never heard of this movie, sounds pretty cool! Cheers!