The Long Kiss Goodnight

Shane Black is a legend in the action genre with numerous hits under his belt like The Last Boy Scout and the Lethal Weapon movies. One of his most popular and underrated movies is The Long Kiss Goodnight as it is not only extremely entertaining, but it does the impossible and makes Geena Davis a badass assassin as well as inserting some interesting elements as well.

The thing that makes this movie so damn memorable is the casting and pairing of Geena Davis and Samuel Jackson. Two actors you would never have pictured to be together in a movie (much less an action movie) are here shooting and blowing up bad guys. Samuel Jackson is as cool and slick as always and has the best lines in the movie. Geena Davis is actually a badass in this movie. Her facial expressions, the way she carries herself when she goes all super spy on people is nothing short of astonishing knowing her career beforehand. Brian Cox also has an amusing small role as well.

Renny Harlin's direction is also very well done here. The action sequences are fast pace and entertaining. Very violent and the practical effects are top-notch. The amnesia storyline is very strong and it provides a sense of mystery while allowing for some creative almost horror movie moments between Geena Davis's two alter egos. The villain here, while no Castor Troy, is suitably insane and evil that his comeuppance is well worth the wait.

Plot (9/10): The amnesia-assassin isn't new, but with the elements of Davis, the progressive morphing of housewife to cold blooded killer, and the woman being the toughest and ballsiest along with some revenge, it is a lot of fun to watch it unfold.

Acting (9/10): Davis actually pulls off the assassin role convincingly while still holding on to the good housewife role. Samuel Jackson is just fun from beginning to end. Every line he says is gold.

Action (10/10): Love the practical effects used in the movie. Never see these kind of shootouts and explosions anymore.

Direction (9/10): The horror moments between Samantha and Charly were creative and not often seen in a shoot em'up kind of movie.

Eye Candy (8/10): I think this is one of Davis' sexier roles.

Overall, it is a super entertaining action movie with a strong story, hilarious dialogue, an actual great heroine role from Davis, and some cool setpieces.